Q. For Kevin Lenane (Genamint and PSA)

[55koufax]

Hi Mr. Lenane,

I have an important question for you. Does your new technology provide for detection of pressed corners? If yes, how does that work, and how will the detection be mirrored in grading? Any detraction from the grade it would get pre Genamint? If so, will this be expressed as such in any way on the label (i.e. "altered", "pressed corners", etc.?

Do you personally feel pressing a corner flat is an "alteration" and egregious?

Hoping to get a direct response and learn more about this technology, and continue with a rapport. I may have information to share that may prove to be prudent on this front.

Thank You.

[Johnny630]

New technology will hopefully be able to figure it out by being able to determine the thickness of the card throughout as consistent to said manufacture and year.. As you say a “pressed corner”usually results in thinning of the paper stock towards the corner to me that is alteration.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

New technology will hopefully be able to figure it out by being able to determine the thickness of the card throughout as consistent to said manufacture and year.. As you say a “pressed corner”usually results in thinning of the paper stock towards the corner to me that is alteration.

A lot of corners that have been pressed out, on vintage anyhow, are pretty obvious if you look at the edges, for exactly the reason you described, the thickness just disappears. I remember returning a PSA 8 US Caramel Ruth back in the day that had just this appearance. The seller (who turned out to be a major doctor) told me it was from being stored in a screwdown. It's not always easy to get a good look at edges, of course, in a holder.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I just had an estate collection consignment with a lot of "pressed corners" I freed them after 20+ years in screw downs, so it DOES happen honestly. Some real heart-breakers in the group.

[perezfan]

How are "pressed corners" different than any other corner wear, and why would they be graded more harshly?

Do the professional opinion givers really believe that rounded/worn corners happened without some form of contact during the card's lifespan? Who the hell cares how the corner wear took place? Whether it happened from years of repeated bumping against a shoebox, falling on the sidewalk or residing in a screw-down holder, the level of wear should be graded exactly the same.

Why don't the "opinion givers" focus their number-assessment on problems that people can actually see, such as poor focus or misaligned registration? Since they can't even catch blatant trimming and recoloring, perhaps they should just grade the card as authentic or not authentic (and let the owner of the card assign his/her own number).

Gee... this might actually eliminate the incentive for the Mosers, Thorns and Huigens of the world to commit fraud and keep them from getting rich by screwing and cheating the honest collector. Don't buy into the rigged system!

[swarmee]

The reason is that pressed corners *could be* indicative of creases or bends removed, so some companies only allow for AUTHENTIC grades on cards that were pressed in screwdown holders. In this case, PSA errs on the side of caution and actually does it right. BGS and SGC however usually get the cards and slab them once they get rejected by PSA.