Posted By:
Gilbert MainesOnly a collector might prefer an authentic card which is beat up over an alternate authentic card which looks real nice, but has been modified.
Who can understand this preference? Perhaps a purist who values originality above appearance. To me, it is a question of how much comprimize is acceptable. In many cases, reproductions look best. But they are not period. For many that is important.
Then there are cards which have been restored by adding something. They often look second best. They are genuine period collectibles, but they are not totally original. To many these are acceptable, to others, less so.
Then there are cards which have been restored by removing something: writing, poor edges, corners, stains, residue, etc. These appear third best, and contain no artificial materials.
But even that modification is not acceptable to some. But not me. I accept restoration by removal. I prefer not to include these, but cost and the relative importance of each card, to the overall collection is a factor.
Actually, upon thinking about it some more. I also accept restoration by addition; particularly the rebacking of skinned cards.