This is an interesting conversation every time it's brought up. The opinions on what is ok and what is over the line are all over the place. There are a lot of variables even with my own preferences.
I'm ok if something is removed from the card like wax, dirt, glue, tape residue by means that don't damage the card. my big concern is usually the long term condition of the card. If the solvent won't corrode the card now or over time I'm generally ok with that.
At the same time I don't care for a card that adds something like recoloring, building back corners, trimming, filling in a pinhole, etc. I guess those are the things I'd more consider altering/restoring/being deceptive. Same thing with removing a crease.
Also if someone alters it and it's going to stay in their collection that's ok too. The tough part is we don't get to take it with us when we meet our maker so then it wouldn't likely be disclosed to the next buyer and then that would be a problem.
I guess it's a good thing for me that with what I collect I have to worry less about that. I actually like the tobacco stains on my T card backs. Adds character. 😀
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