What's your opinion on owning altered cards?

[tschock]

Originally Posted by 36GoudeyMan

FWIW, I look at it this way: I own a few restored comics, but they are identified as such, with the nature of the restoration disclosed. I can get a slightly restored, barely touched Golden Age comic for a fraction (a medium fraction, not a tiny fraction) if I am willing to accept a comic with restoration like "staples cleaned" or "slight color touch on spine." I used to care what other collectors thought of "polluting" a pristine collection with some altered copies, but I frankly enjoy what I have and could care less what others think. If I ever sell, I would absolutely call attention to the documented alteration and let the buyer make a choice. I'm not in it to profit, so if the market for restored comics slips, I'm still OK having had them in my collection. I think altered cards may be heading that way, although slowly, and as long as there is disclosure. Good luck!!!

Jeff,

I think for the most part 'restored' is a subset of 'altered', but I think the key is to defining the terms. I personally don't think that "staples cleaned" is 'altered', BUT it is 'restored'. Rebuilding pages is both 'altered' and 'restored', again IMO. But the key point is to define what is restored and what is altered (even if I didn't agree with the definitions).

For cards, we are currently and more closely equating the two terms. Removing pencil marks is an alteration, not restoration which would be more technically accurate. Once we better define the distinction within the hobby as a whole, 'restoration' might be more accepted. Assuming disclosure, of course. And another money making scheme for TPGs.

[drcy]

I've never liked deceptively trimmed cards. Wouldn't do that.

However, I've owned altered cards on the order of low-grade cards with pen and pencil marks, not deceptively trimmed, etc.

I've never had an interest in deceptively altered cards (ala PWCC), but I'd imagine there might be cases where I'd buy one, if the card is particularly special or rare and the price was right.

[almostdone]

I don’t seek them out but if the seller knew and disclosed as well as reflected in the price it honestly wouldn’t bother me. I do understand why it would bother some though especially if the only purchase slabbed cards. Since I collect lower grade raw with nice eye appeal for the sake of collecting and not investment it doesn’t bother me.

Here is an example I actually bought from another member here years ago. I was looking to make this display. The magazine was a gift to me and I already owned the Musial but was looking for a nice Williams that wasn’t expensive. A fellow member sold me this Williams which had come back from PSA as trimmed. He said he had purchased it in a large lot with the intention of grading and flipping. Instead of passing the card on without disclosing he took the financial hit and sold it to me for a song.

Display came out great in my opinion and it still on display in my card room.
Drew