Doctored cards - a learning tool
 

I just received these cards back from PSA. They were submitted through me by a friend of a friend. I was able to detect the trimmed Ryan after the fact, but I must say the recolored 62s were very hard to detect to the naked eye. PSA must have used a blue light on them. In any event, here they are for your reference - if nothing else in case they start circulating through the hobby again.

<p> <img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/a5e2z4.jpg"

Thanks for sharing.

Buying raw 62 Topps or 71 Topps always scares me due to the re-coloring issues. Its nearly impossible to tell when buying online with only scans or phone pics to look at.

Where is the Ryan trimmed ? I honestly cannot tell...............If I had to guess I'd say the right side. It doesn't look quite as straight as the other sides.

Can someone explain how they recolor cards? Is it using markers? Can it be detected with a black light?

Thanks

Yes......the most common way of recoloring cards is with a marker.

You can tell with a black light or by looking at he side of the card where the marker will bleed through. When buying cards online you normally only see the front and back........not the side edges.

Its extremely common with the black bordered '71 Topps.

I believe the Ryan actually is trimmed on both the left and top edges to fix a problematic corner near "Mets." The trimming is ever so slight. Again, very tough to tell and card measures about 1/32" short on both sides. It would be almost impossible to detect by scan alone. This is probably one card people shouldn't buy unless already slabbed by a reputable grading service.

Or ... instead of trying to buy a razor sharp version ... just buy a regular card with wear.

Oh the horror!

Thanks Russ.

Looks like some odd coloration on the jerseys of McCovey and Gibson. I'm seeing weird brown patches that are likely where the color is.

trimming detection
 

run your finger along the edges. the trimmed edge will usually feel a lot smoother than the factory edge. you can usually see a slight color differentiation from the fresh cut.

as for recolored cards, especially on the 71's, you can easily see where the edges are black vs cardboard brown. it's usually around the corners, where someone has tried to hide the chipping.