Why Are Cards Deemed Trimmed??

[mdschulze]

I'm new to collecting 206's so this may be a stupid question... but it appears that a lot of cards I see on Ebay and other sites are deemed "trimmed". Was this due to printing errors at the factory or was this a common practice amongst card holders? I don't know why anyone would deliberately trim a card unless there is a good reason that I'm just too stupid to pick up on! I can see someone trying to "center" a card by trimming an edge or two, but the cards that I see trimmed are typically way off center. Please explain so that I can quit pulling my hair out!! Thanks guys, -Mike

[Matt]

Originally Posted by mdschulze

I don't know why anyone would deliberately trim a card unless there is a good reason that I'm just too stupid to pick up on!

Cards that are in NM condition sell for more then cards in VG-EX.

[mdschulze]

In other words, people are trying to straighten out rounded corners. Makes sense, but I didn't think the reputable graders would grade trimmed cards. Personally, I would rather have a graded VG card than an "appears to be" EX card... just my opinion. Thanks for the post Matt!

[Matt]

Originally Posted by mdschulze

I didn't think the reputable graders would grade trimmed cards.

1) Not all cards are sold graded.
2) Not all TPGs catch every trimmed card.

Welcome to the forum!

[mdschulze]

Gotcha! Thanks for the insight... I can retire tonight with a head full of hair.

[ethicsprof]

welcome aboard!!!
always glad to have a cautious and inquisitive collector on board.

best,
barry

[FrankWakefield]

Welcome, Mike.

A good way to learn is to ask. And obviously, you have it now, some rascals trim on the edges of cards so that the card will look to be in better condition to an unknowing buyer.

Better to learn that here asking than the hard way.

FW

[tbob]

I noticed some T206s on ebay today which are graded PSA 5 which all appear very short to the naked eye. Same seller. Grading services are helpful but nothing beats experience, research and ye old eye test when it comes to our hobby.

[egbeachley]

and don't forget that not all trimming was done with nefarious intentions. In the old days you would just shave a little off to fit in a frame or holder.

[mdschulze]

All very good points! Now I have to ask... what affects a card's grading score more: rounded corners or one that's off center? In other words, from a collector's stance, would you prefer a card that is centered decently with rounded corners and hasn't been trimmed; or one that has sharp corners, trimmed slightly, but now the centering is a little off?

I have purchased several 206s from Ebay, both graded and not graded, and I surely want my cards to retain their value; however, the way you guys answer this question may effect the what I look at auction items in the future, especially on the non graded cards. Thanks for the insight guys!

[Peter_Spaeth]

Not all short cards are trimmed, but in most cases if one is patient one can find a full size one so if in doubt, why not wait?

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by mdschulze

All very good points! Now I have to ask... what affects a card's grading score more: rounded corners or one that's off center? In other words, from a collector's stance, would you prefer a card that is centered decently with rounded corners and hasn't been trimmed; or one that has sharp corners, trimmed slightly, but now the centering is a little off?

I have purchased several 206s from Ebay, both graded and not graded, and I surely want my cards to retain their value; however, the way you guys answer this question may effect the what I look at auction items in the future, especially on the non graded cards. Thanks for the insight guys!

For most collectors, with most sets, trimmed cards have greatly reduced value.