Altered Cards
I once purchased an ungraded T213 Cobb Red Portrait from a major auctioneer. No mention of any alterations and it was a great looking card. While I would always only purchase major cards in SGC or PSA holders, I decided to go for it. Being relatively new to the vintage hobby at the time, it was a rookie mistake. Ended up losing almost $1,000 in the end - a tough pill to swallow.
PSA claimed it was altered and sent it back. I tried SGC and they called me to tell me it was trimmed and pressed. I decided to have it placed in an "A" holder.
I contacted the auctioneer. He claimed the auction does not accept 3rd party opinions and that it was past the limit for "returns." I pointed out other lots in the auction that they claimed ungraded cards to be altered - but not the lot I purchased. The only thing they could do for me was to send it back so they could put it in next year's auction, but it would be up to me to disclose the alterations. I declined the "offer."
I ended up selling it on eBay for less than half of what I paid for it - and disclosed all info on how I purchased it, what the auctioneer claimed, and the alterations SGC claimed it to have. It was quite the long item description. Haha
I was so frustrated with the situation, I just wanted to get rid of it. I believe a board member purchased it.
I know PSA and SGC make mistakes on cards that obtain numerical grades. They're humans and we all make mistakes, but I feel more comfortable purchasing cards in their holders (with numerical grades.) The one time I buy a major card raw - and it blows up in my face. Again - rookie mistake and a lesson learned.
Todd Mancuso
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