[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

I believe there are slight considerations given to older cards by TPGs, whether they admit it or not, but no, a card graded EX from any era should not have a crease, just as most would agree that a card with paper loss should not grade higher than fair. Sure you can get into eye appeal to either bolster or tear down a particular card's grade, but from a technical grade standpoint, those two flaws should knock the card down to a max grade of 4 and 1.5, respectively.

Yes it is generally believed that the first-graded cards were given more generous numbers and yes it is surely possible a grader had a long or bad day when looking at a specific card (as well as just plain making a mistake). More nefarious explanations might be at play from time to time as well, such as graders giving favorite submitters inflated grades or certain cards having been spooned or creases pressed out, later to have these defects reappear (supposedly).

Also, bear in mind a full blown crease is much different from a spider wrinkle. A lot of collectors seem to confuse the two.