[brunswickreeves]

I view eBay Authentication as an important and first stage gate in grading, with onus initially on the seller (vs. buyer incurring cost for grading only to find out is fake). It passes, you receive the card in a tamper proof fold over plastic sleeve which is sealed with a hologram, with the card in a Card Saver enclosed within that sealed plastic sleeve. This way you can keep it raw knowing is authentic. Or, you can send for actual grading and to protect in the case. A flat edge knife, time and care enables carefully unsticking the hologram from the fold over plastic sleeve without actually breaking the Void if Damaged hologram seal. What's left behind on the plastic sleeve from where it stuck to seal the fold over is a gummy residue noting 'Void.' Before or after you receive the card back from grading and in it's new plastic graded case, the plastic sleeve with hologram can be discarded.

If purchasing an already ebay Authenticated card, ensure the sealed hologram is not easily opened nor Void is left behind on the plastic sleeve. Hypothetically, a bad actor could replace an authentic card with a fake one, and reseal the undamaged hologram. So, be vigilant and ensure you purchase with a 15-30 day return window to review the eBay Authenticated card and fold over plastic sleeve/hologram.