Posted By:
MattIt would be best for the hobby if companies simply authenticated and inspected for alterations.
We all look for different things in a card - one may want a clean front and not care about back damage; another wants solid registration and doesn't mind corner wear, etc. Leaving the number off of the cards would allow each card to be evaluated with an open mind.
The only argument I see against this is that with the increase of internet sales, scanned cards do not do justice to hidden creases/nicks. If the card has such damage and the seller doesn't make it known, then seller should allow returns within a reasonable time frame. If you want to press this point further, I would suggest the companies detail the "issues" with the card (to be viewed online via the serial number) but not assign a number grade; that way I would know if the card indeed has a crease not visible by the scan, but I could come to my own conclusions about how I would weigh such a defect.