Posted By:
Dan MathewsonHere's my take on it...
It looks as if that card may have been cut across that corner, or it could have been dog-earred so badly, that over time it finally came off in a relatively stright line (looking at it, it looks jsut a bit rough to be a perfect cut, tho). In any event, it is obvious damage to the card. Can't hide it, the cut (or tear) goes right into the actual photo of the card and affects its appeal.
Trimming is done specifically to make sharp edges, to make sharp corners, to make centering appear more balanced. It is done to decpeively increase the card's appeal and done in a manner which makes it difficult (sometimes) for the less experienced collector to notice. It is not in original, factory condition with just time-worn appearance. I have some pretty damaged cards, too, that grade a 1, and I virtually begged the graders to slab it and give it whatever grade they could just to protect it keep it from suffering any more damage, plus I love the way that slabs present a card, regardless of the grade. But, the damage is clearly wear and tear over time. It is not something that is intentional, deceptive and meant to give counterfeit value to the card, though. To me, there is a huge difference.
At least this card is in a reputable grader's slab, not some P.O.S. like AAA or PRO. I could send PRO one trimmed square of generic Costco Toilet Paper: those guys would grade and slab it, and call it Charmin.
Speaking of AAA garbage, once again, check this out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1849625740
What a joke...
dan-o