Posted By:
Mark"A card that has been altered (trimmed, color added or some other type of restoration) and then encapsulated by a reputable grading service."
Who's definition is that? I recently received two cards from GAI: one was labeled "color added" and not slabbed; the other was an old judge with back damage encapsulated as "authentic," but it had not been trimmed or had color added - it was merely below poor due to the severage scrapbook residue (much like those in the $150,000 Mastro lot).
I personally like the authentic grade at least when it comes to high dollar cards. I'm quite happy with my "PSA Authentic-Trimmed" Wilson Franks Ted Williams - I know it's real, even if .05 inches short and it didn't cost me $2k.