Where is the line between a "1" and "Authentic"?

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Posted By: Paul

http://cgi.ebay.com/1910-E98-Honus-Hans-Wagner-PSA-1-Orange-Background_W0QQitemZ180033847373QQihZ008QQcategory Z31718QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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Posted By: Bobby

I am under the impression that a card that get the "Authentic" or "A" grade means that it is real but altered. Trimmed, re-colered, etc...Some times the holder says what the problem with the card is and when we post those to the site we note it in the extra field for the members.

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Posted By: Judge Dred (Fred)

I haven't seen a flip that indicated the reason for the AUTHENTIC assignment. It would be nice if the grading services provided that indication. I'm not sure what the actual criteria for the AUTHENTIC assignment is for cards. I think that SGC will not even give an AUTH label to a card that has been rebacked (an OJ for example).

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Posted By: Cobby33

I don't think there's any rhyme or reason. I bought a T206 graded AUT by GAI. It was obviously torn out of an album, as it is missing the four corners. I submitted it to SGC, which also graded it AUT. The card had never been "altered," per se (i.e. trimmed), just lost some things along the way...
Given that there does not appear to be any protocol, it kind of sucks tbat unaltered cards get the same designations as altered cards. Oh well, at least they're not fakes...

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Posted By: leon

There is really no rhyme nor reason between 1's and A's sometimes. Generally I think if a card has more than 1 issue it won't get a 1...and sometimes it won't get an A. I only have experience with SGC on these matters. Also, if it's normal wear and all of the card is there it should get a 1....but again, not always. I do think it's a little too much of a judgement call..even more so than grading numerically. As for the subject card of Wagner I think a 1 is the correct grade...though I would rather have a nice "A" than it. That's an ugly card....I am not sure even Jay B or Zach R. would like it

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Posted By: Jerry Hrechka

Authentic = Dog ate card, it when through dog's digestive system and came out dog's rear end.
PSA1 - Dog sniffed at card, took it into mouth ,chewed it, swallowed, then regurgitated it
PSA2 - Dog chewed on card, then spit it out.
PSA3 - Dog sniffed at card, pawed it then moved on.
For all grades PSA4 or higher the dog never came near the card.
Hope this helps.
Picture of self satisfied Chief PSA Dog Grader shown above.