On the original question, I think some altered cards will do better long term than some unaltered cards.
I think some trimmed cards will appreciate more than cards that are in really bad condition. To me the card and price have to be taken together. If the price is reasonable for the card any condition is ok. For the same price, I might take a great looking "A" over an awful "1" .
The worst thing about trimming when it's done to deceive is that the card usually begins as a fairly nice card, and the trimming essentially ruins it.
Some people place more value on originality. ( And I agree. )
But there are some people who would value aesthetic appeal more.
One of the things I find puzzling in most hobbies, but especially in cards is that most people want originality and condition. But then also place a large value on small matters of the aesthetics. Take a few cards.
Trimmed, but centered and uncreased - Very nice looking but altered
Original but worn, creases, writing, -Original but maybe a bit ugly
Original , centered, nice corners, no issues at all.
Original, but off center by a lot, Almost perfect corners.
The first is properly reduced in price usually by a lot
The second is also not worth as much as a nicer card.
The third will get a good grade, and even ungraded will be easy to sell for a very good price.
The fourth? Despite being in a better state of preservation than the third will sell for much less and technically grade lower.
Sort of an odd dual valuation, where originality beats aesthetics up to a point then aesthetics takes over.
Nothing wrong with it at all, just something I find a bit odd.
I should have studied more psychology, that sort of thing fascinates me, especially since I don't typically think like that.
Steve B
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