Pre-war cards: SGC 10 vs SGC Authentic or PSA 1 vs. PSA Authentic

[square5000]

I understand the issues with some Authentic cards, that some were trimmed to deceive, but, for some collectors, including myself, the Authentic label means I have a shot at owning a card that would be out of my reach in even Fair condition.

I would not have been able to afford these cards if they were not in Authentic slabs (or formerly in Authentic slabs):




Peter Baldes

[Matthew H]

Originally Posted by square5000

I understand the issues with some Authentic cards, that some were trimmed to deceive, but, for some collectors, including myself, the Authentic label means I have a shot at owning a card that would be out of my reach in even Fair condition.

I would not have been able to afford these cards if they were not in Authentic slabs (or formerly in Authentic slabs):




Peter Baldes

Beautiful cards Peter, I'd take those over a beater any day.

[tbob]

There are some authentic cards in my collection, primarily those which are almost unobtainable in any condition because of their scarcity. I also, though, have a few caramel cards which are authentic but gorgeous and it is really tough to detect if they have been trimmed, but are in SGC authentic holders. I prefer them over beaters any day. That said, I would take an SGC 10 or 20 with a beautiful front and small back damage over an authentic card, obviously.

[dog*dirt]

I also do not mind back damage or writing or authentic for most of my cards. The reason is that I like to display some cards in my house which a lot of friends and family have seen and because...

1. There has not been anybody who has asked me to see the back on any of my cards.

2. The question of "is that card trimmed" has never came up when visitors are here.

3. Most important is that I like the cards and can live with their condition.

The Moran has a pinhole and is a recent pick up.

[Paul S]

I couldn't find an answer in the poll that suited me.
About 1969 -- long before TPGers -- I picked up two Topps rookies: Clemente and Koufax. I got them for about a dime apiece -- yes, it's true. (I'm 59 now -- do the math). Both were trimmed, likely cut to fit somehow into someone's album, unless the factory accidentally cut them that way, and ungraded. I didn't even know or care they were/are rookie cards, few people did. And, I didn't even know or care about trimming at the time: I just wanted the cards. I love them, "..and yes, (Barry), they ARE spectacular!" Glossy as well.

Edited to add: I know my post is not within the exact point of the poll, but really, there are alternatives.

[JSteele]

I've been lurking for a while and will do a formal introduction soon. I don't intend to derail this thread, but have a novice question...

I seem to understand "trimmed" as a term used to describe a card that was deliberately altered to improve the condition, but what about cards that have been cut because a fool (no polite way to say it) cut the top (or bottom) to fit them into a plastic sleeve?

I have recently acquired several cards that appear to have been carelessly cut with scissors. These are not straight cuts and I'm certain they were not done with any regard to "improving" the card appearance, but only to fit them into a holder.

What is the term you would use to describe these cards, other than "junk"?

~Jonathan

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by JSteele

I've been lurking for a while and will do a formal introduction soon. I don't intend to derail this thread, but have a novice question...

I seem to understand "trimmed" as a term used to describe a card that was deliberately altered to improve the condition, but what about cards that have been cut because a fool (no polite way to say it) cut the top (or bottom) to fit them into a plastic sleeve?

I have recently acquired several cards that appear to have been carelessly cut with scissors. These are not straight cuts and I'm certain they were not done with any regard to "improving" the card appearance, but only to fit them into a holder.

What is the term you would use to describe these cards, other than "junk"?

~Jonathan

Welcome to the fray.....You answered your own queston. I don't think there is any special term for it

[tbob]

Jonathan, back in the day card collectors who wanted to proudly display their caramel pre-war cards sometimes trimmed them to fit in to the tobacco card holders in plastic sheets. Some caramel cards are slightly bigger than tobacco cards so you might see an E90-1 or E98 with a slight trim which was made, not to fool or deceive a prospective buyer, but rather because collectors naively didn't realize the impact of taking scissors or now, lasers, to the cards.
Of course you also have many PSA 8s and 9s which are identical to
"authentic" cards, but that's been discussed on many a thread.