Bill, in my opinion, I think you're fine. While others will have much more experience with vintage cards themselves, in the last two plus years, I've done a
lot of reading about PSA graded cards, familiarizing myself with their slabs and flips. As somebody that is going to be doing a lot of vintage graded in my collection, I wanted to "arm" myself with all the knowledge I could find to protect myself against those that would try to steal from me. I've read about this very thing on the Collectors Universe forum, here, and on Sportscardforum. I've probably gone from one end of the internet to the other looking for education on this.
Here is an article I authored on SCF, and the discussion is germane to your concerns right now:
The PSA "Flip", a discussion deconstructing faked graded cards.
Keep in mind, that was written two years ago, and I've learned a lot since then. But the basics are sound.
Let me share the process I go through when considering the authenticity of a graded card. If others have suggestions on something I should be doing differently, or have missed, please speak up. But this is how I do it.
Remember, when you have concerns about a slab that you think might have been tampered with, look at
all the elements closely: the card itself (does it pass the smell test? In other words, if the card is graded a six, does the card that's encapsulated meet the standards for that grade?). If you have another card from that same set (1961 Topps), get it, and compare it to the one in question. Pull out your magnifying glass, and compare the stock the cards have been printed on. Make sure, too, that the printing is uniform. In other words, keep in mind the technology used to print cards back then, and today. If somebody printed this card at home, it won't look the same. Consider everything-what the edges would look like. Obviously cards are cut differently today, and have mush smoother edges. Some cards you can actually shine a flashlight behind them, and determine if the paper stock is correct.
Next, I look at the slab. This is a PSA slab (the emblem is in the lower right corner), so it's correct, unless somebody has learned how to create exact replicas of their plastic case (which I have been told is possible, but cannot verify). Outside of the one area that has you concerned, the welding of the card appears intact. There is no popping at the posts. So, if the seller of your card were up to something unscrupulous, they'd likely be reusing a PSA slab with a new flip (card), or switching out the card itself.
From the scan, what I am seeing is consistent with an excellent to mint grade on a 1961 Topps. I will of course defer to the expertise of our more experienced vintage collectors who have a more developed eye than I do, but the card itself, at least in my opinion, is of the quality I would expect to see at this grade.
Here's PSA's description of an EX-Mt card:
EX-MT 6: Excellent-Mint
A PSA EX-MT 6 card may have visible surface wear or a printing defect which does not detract from its overall appeal. A very light scratch may be detected only upon close inspection. Corners may have slightly graduated fraying. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. Card may show some loss of original gloss, may have minor wax stain on reverse, may exhibit very slight notching on edges and may also show some off-whiteness on borders. Centering must be 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
http://www.psacard.com/Services/PSAGradingStandards/
I've compared your card to my 1961 Topps Eddie Mathews in Photoshop.
Obviously, seeing each next to each other in person is preferable, but the coloring and borders appear consistent.
The flip is also consistent. The article I wrote shows that PSA has employed several different looks to their flip, but the typography has remained unchanged. I compared your flip to one of my own, for a 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffery Jr.
In short, at least as viewed from a scan, I don't see anything that would lead me to believe you've been sold anything other than a very nice mid + grade 1961 Yaz.
