Two Categories of Error Cards
We get several calls a week from card owners wanting to know if errors on cards will make it more valuable. Before I answer this question, let me first explain that “error” cards fall into two general categories:
- Uncorrected errors
- Corrected errors
An uncorrected error is an error card that has never been corrected. In other words, every one of these cards was printed with the error and was either discovered later or was never bothered to be corrected. The majority of error cards fall in this category and by and large will have no impact on the card’s value.
A corrected error is an error card that was discovered during the printing process and was subsequently corrected. Depending on how soon the error was corrected and how significant the error was, these category of error cards commonly carry a value premium.
It all boils down to scarcity. If an error card exists in very limited demand, it may be highly sought after by collectors. Some of the popular error cards that carry significant premiums or popular amongst collectors are:
- T206 Sherry Magee (spelled Magie)
- T205 R. Hoblitzell (no stats on back)
- 1952 Joe Page and Johnny Sain (wrong bios)
- 1989 Fleer Billy Ripken (FF)