What Would You do? '55 Topps Clemente
 

I recently won a 1955 Topps Clemente PSA 2.5 on Ebay from Probstein. I thought it was a fair price and the card looks good for the grade. When I received last night, I noticed where the right side has been tampered with in 2 locations (right beside the label). In both places, the plastic is actually cracked slightly. I've included pictures below. The card appears to be totally legit in my opinion and again really nice for the grade. My questions is ... would you return it for a refund? Or accept it the way it is and get it regraded? Or leave it as is? I like the card but the tampering bothers me. I understand I take some liability for bidding on a Probstein auction in the first place! I respect this boards opinion and would truly appreciate any insight from you guys. Thanks for looking.

Card looks legit. I wouldn't get it regraded but, instead, maybe pay the $10.00 to have it reholdered? I'm pretty sure PSA would do that for you and it's probably cheaper then regrading it since the card is probably appropriately graded anyway.

Not really relevant, but I do share your frustration. I bought a really nice Stahl Meyer Mantle from a major auction and, when it had arrived, it had slipped out of the foam insert in the holder. I was able to tap it in, but it was a continual problem for about a year before one day, when tapping it in, the holder cracked in half and the card fell out. The grading company wouldn't reholder it and I couldn't justify paying what it would cost to have it regraded, so now it sits in my safe raw. One of the disadvantages of graded cards...

Why would you think you would be owed a refund when the original scan shows the cracks?

Just curious.

I agree with Chris. I would just put the card in a graded card sleeve/protector, and it will help hide the small cracks in the case.

Nice card and great color!

Sellers can be children when it comes to keeping the slabs in nice shape. I can't stand it, but your card doesn't look tampered with to me. If you're like me, your own opinion carries the most weight. I will bust a card out of a damaged slab and keep the flip. You know what condition it's in anyway. Nice Clemente, btw!


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Agree with Chris, have the card reholdered.

Z

Clemente
 

I think it looks fine the way it is, but if you don't I'd personally crack out and leave raw. If you like the slabbed cards just get it reholdered.

Since the listing shows the holder damage you don't have a reasonable complaint. Ante up the ten bucks and get a shiny new case.

Thanks everyone for their thoughts. This is one of the many reasons I love this board. I guess I just got too worked up over some minor cracks. I'll keep it as is and maybe getting it re-slabbed one day. Thanks again!

It's not actually tampering. It probably came back directly from PSA that way; I have gotten some with damage from the heat sealing process that looked exactly like that. I also recommend a reholder.

If you have any doubt about whether or not it's been tampered with send it in for a reholder right away. If PSA refuses to reholder return for a refund.

My original thoughts too, but thought I'd wait for more experienced collectors to chime in their thoughts first.

If it was for my collection I would crack it, probably put it in a toploader with the flip (not up against the card) and call it a day. If I were selling it I would get it reholdered. It's a nice card and looks completely legit to me. Good luck!!

Tamper with the rest of it so it looks evened out.

Do not crack the card out and get it regraded. I would send it off to PSA ASAP for reholder....if PSA says it was tampered with then you have a case against Probstein and can get your $ back. I've have had issues with them and will not buy from them. I don't think PSA really examines the cards in old holders before they reholder them. I had purchased a Pete rose rookie off ebay. When I received the card it had frosted corners that were not visible in the scan Cuz the seller had it inside a plastic sleev. Luckily Beckett was at a local card shop doing on sites and said the card look trimmed and the holder tampered with. I ended up getting a refund but the seller said he sent it back to PSA for reholder service for a new holder with hologram. He sent me pics for proof. How could Beckett think the card was trimmed and I thought so too, yet PSA still gave it a new holder. Fyi, your clemente looks fine. I've received a few cards back from PSA with the crack in same spot as yours. I believe it cracked during the sealing process. But still send it to PSA for peace of mind. Congrats on a good pickup either way.