Posted By:
KevinOnce detailed information of identifying various cards alterations is made known (and it may in time), there will still be problems.
Although many alterations can be categorized as clear and objective, there will be just as many that will fall into the subjective category and open to interpretation...just like grading.
A hack job is identifiable but one that has been professionally (so to say) done can be difficult to determine at times. Those may be considered highly probable or suspect at best. As an example, a card with a quality rebuilt corner is "very hard" to detect, even by the most experienced graders. Now throw that same card into a slab and it makes it even more complicated and wide open for debate. Same can be said for all questionable alterations. It wil become a "prove it" arguement.
IMHO having the knowledge will lead to making an educated decision based on clear objective findings but will not be a cure all. In fact it just may complicate matters. Nonetheless the info needs to get out there.
I think one question that needs to be asked is; how are grading companies keeping updated with the lastest doctoring techinques an new alteration discoveries?