Authentic the Artist's Grade

[Throttlesteer]

Lately there's been a ton of debate about TPGs competing to assume the title of toughest grader. A lot of sharp-looking "Authentic" cards have made their way into recent auctions. It dawned on me, if a card has already been altered or trimmed, the owner has carte blanche to clean, color, etc..to hide any flaws they want. Sure, altered cards will never fetch number-graded values. But, a seemingly clean-looking Authentic card will certainly outsell a more worn one.

There really isn't any penalty or qualifier for altered cards. So, buying the card vs. the holder really comes down to presentation (if online). You don't have any guarantee to the amount someone has tampered with the card.

[luciobar1980]

That's true. Is SGC implementing more thorough Grader's Notes? Gonna call them on Monday.

Lately there's been a ton of debate about TPGs competing to assume the title of toughest grader. A lot of sharp-looking "Authentic" cards have made their way into recent auctions. It dawned on me, if a card has already been altered or trimmed, the owner has carte blanche to clean, color, etc..to hide any flaws they want. Sure, altered cards will never fetch number-graded values. But, a seemingly clean-looking Authentic card will certainly outsell a more worn one.

There really isn't any penalty or qualifier for altered cards. So, buying the card vs. the holder really comes down to presentation (if online). You don't have any guarantee to the amount someone has tampered with the card.

[drcy]

The amount and type of restoration is relevant to judgment and valuation. Not all restoration (in amount and type) is viewed the same. In fact, if a card (or anything) is too restored, it may not be considered an original, or entirely original, item.

It just says that the AUTH grade is one indicator and doesn't, and doesn't proport, to say everything. Should an AUTH grade say more-- such as the type and amount of restoration or alteration, or why it wasn't graded? That's an argument. On the other hand, the AUTH grade simply says the card is authentic-- and in fact some unaltered cards do get that grade.

[luciobar1980]

This is what I've always been confused about. When, assuming a card is NOT altered, is a card an A vs a 1?? If it's not altered why wouldn't it just be a 1?

The amount and type of restoration is relevant to judgment and valuation. Not all restoration (in amount and type) is viewed the same. In fact, if a card (or anything) is too restored, it may not be considered an original, or entirely original, item.

It just says that the AUTH grade is one indicator and doesn't, and doesn't proport, to say everything. Should an AUTH grade say more-- such as the type and amount of restoration or alteration, or why it wasn't graded? That's an argument. On the other hand, the AUTH grade simply says the card is authentic-- and in fact some unaltered cards do get that grade.

[GasHouseGang]

I always thought the grader should add “trimmed”,“color added”, etc. Then the collector would at least know what the grader saw and based his grade on.

[luciobar1980]

Definitely! I'm surprised. Card collecting is older than comic book collecting, but CGC, on their labels, always has a list of what alterations have been done to a comic. How is this not a thing with the TPGs in card collecting?


I always thought the grader should add “trimmed”,“color added”, etc. Then the collector would at least know what the grader saw and based his grade on.

[Leon]

Definitely! I'm surprised. Card collecting is older than comic book collecting, but CGC, on their labels, always has a list of what alterations have been done to a comic. How is this not a thing with the TPGs in card collecting?

Subgrades would be a great plus if TPGs would do it. I know Beckett has done it before, if not now.

[Stampsfan]

I always thought the grader should add “trimmed”,“color added”, etc. Then the collector would at least know what the grader saw and based his grade on.

+1. Many times in the item description, the Auction House is guessing as to what the alteration actually is.

[bounce]

in some instances, like with autographed cards, the grading request is for the autograph and just noting that the card is authentic.

i don't think in that instance they look to the card for alterations for any sort?

[steve B]

The amount and type of restoration is relevant to judgment and valuation. Not all restoration (in amount and type) is viewed the same. In fact, if a card (or anything) is too restored, it may not be considered an original, or entirely original, item.

It just says that the AUTH grade is one indicator and doesn't, and doesn't proport, to say everything. Should an AUTH grade say more-- such as the type and amount of restoration or alteration, or why it wasn't graded? That's an argument. On the other hand, the AUTH grade simply says the card is authentic-- and in fact some unaltered cards do get that grade.


Yes, non-altered stuff can get an "A". If I hadn't checked the "don't slab as "A" " choice this one would have. The cuts top and bottom are very rough, so many collectors who aren't up on details would assume trimming.


I think they missed the boat on this one, they printed the flip, why not slab with it as miscut enough to not get a number?


I really like how they include the note if it won't grade and they're not slabbing it as an A.

http://www.net54baseball.com/picture.php?albumid=123&pictureid=5054

[drcy]

in some instances, like with autographed cards, the grading request is for the autograph and just noting that the card is authentic.

i don't think in that instance they look to the card for alterations for any sort?

In fact, in some cases these days (blue flip versus red flip) they don't even authenticate the card, but just the autograph. The label merely says 'trading card.'