Comments: A 1961 Topps PSA 8 was my first Richie Ashburn but later sold in October, 1999. In September, 2000 I purchased a 1954 Topps PSA 8 and stuck with it until September, 2007. At that time, I wanted to diversify the collection a little with new type cards and already had 1954 Topps represented by an Ernie Banks rookie. So, I though the 1954 Red Hearts was a great option and purchased a PSA 7 example on eBay. In June, 2010 I upgraded the card to a SGC 88 - for a mere $75 more than I what I paid for the NM card from a friend in the hobby, Jeff Britton. The card has that "fresh from the pack" appeal with glossy surfaces, vibrant colors and razor corners. It's just a little off center left to right. Here's the card:

UPDATE: I wasn't really happy with the centering of the SGC 88 card and I normally wouldn't buy a card slabbed with a lower grade. However, a PSA 7.5 showed up on eBay in September, 2017 with perfect centering and a snow free bright backgournd. I couldn't help myself and had to buy the card as it looked like an upgrade. Upon receipt it did not disappoint - beautiful!!! If you compare the two cards above, I think you'll agree. There's a clear winner:

UPDATE: In November, 2020 an amazing PSA 8 showed up on eBay with eye-popping color, bleeding off the cardboard. The centering was also perfect. Luckily I new the seller and gave them a quick call to potentially work a deal off eBay and save both of us some money. It was an easy negotiation and I had an upgrade! Compared to the PSA 7.5, the card was just a tad nicer. You could really tell by comparing the hat and nameplate...more vibrant in both cases. Once in hand, I was ecstatic....beautiful all around.