Hand cut

[abothebear]

but if they are designed to be hand-cut then why not grade the card with the quality of the cut as a factor? As long as they mention that it is a hand-cut issue I don't see the problem.

[packs]

Well what is to keep someone from simply trimming an already cut card to make it look better?

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by packs

Well what is to keep someone from simply trimming an already cut card to make it look better?

Nothing, unless the newly trimmed borders are too narrow to receive a numerical grade.

[packs]

That's why I don't think there should be any numerical grades for cards cut by a collector. It's a slippery slope. The cards came attached. Their purpose is irrelevant. Once you cut them apart you've altered them from the factory distribution.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't TPG's only assign authentic grades to cards cut from previously uncut sheets?

[bxb]

From PSA website:

The Grading of Hand-Cut Cards

PSA will grade virtually any card that has been hand-cut off of a panel, box, etc. (Post Cereal, Hostess, Bazooka, Strip cards, etc.) keeping the following information in mind. This service does not include traditional sheet-cut cards. PSA will not grade cards cut from sheets that can be obtained in a normal fashion. For example, PSA will not grade a 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky card cut from a sheet because that card was issued in non-sheet form. On the other hand, PSA will grade a 1959 Bazooka or 1961 Post Cereal Mickey Mantle because those cards could only be obtained in one fashion - removed by hand from a box or panel.

In order for PSA to actually assign a grade to any of the cards that possess visible/defined borders on all four sides, evidence of that border must be present or the card must exhibit virtually-full borders based on the design of the specific issue. If the cut exceeds the visible border for the card in question, PSA will encapsulate the card as "Authentic" only. If the card is severely undersized and suffers in overall eye appeal, the graders may deem the card not suitable for authentication or reject the card as minimum-sized altogether.

Keep in mind that, for cards that do not possess visible/defined borders, the cards must still fall within a certain size requirement for that particular issue in order to qualify for an actual grade. In other words, the borders must be virtually full in order for a grade to be rendered. Otherwise, as stated above, a label of "Authentic" will be assigned or, in some cases, the cards may fall short of the size requirement altogether. This is not an exact science. PSA will do its best to provide consistent guidelines for these types of cards.

In addition, PSA will allow cards that have had a coupon or tab removed from the original card to be submitted under this service. For example, if a 1952 Red Man Tobacco card is cut at or outside of the established tab line, the card would be eligible to receive a numerical grade. On the other hand, if the 1952 Red Man Tobacco card is cut inside of the line (the line where the tab meets the interior of the card), then the PSA graders will be precluded from entering a numerical grade. Cards that are cut within the limits established for a particular issue will be encapsulated and designated as "authentic" by PSA. All of the cards eligible for this service will be designated as "Hand-Cut" on the PSA label to distinguish them from the intact, "with tab" or "with coupon" examples.

PSA suggests that, in order to achieve the highest grades, the cuts of the cards should be relatively close to the visible borders without exceeding the limit. Cards that exhibit a clean, accurate and properly shaped cut have the best chance at achieving the highest grades. Eye appeal is very important. When it comes to excess paper or cardboard around the edges of the visible borders, the graders will place significant importance on overall eye appeal. Keep in mind that all cards of this type will be designated as "Hand-Cut" on the PSA label for accuracy. In addition, if the customer chooses, PSA will grade and encapsulate entire panels if those panels will fit in any of our current PSA holders. With the exception of the aforementioned items, normal grading criteria will apply.

[brian1961]

...

[packs]

I understand the point of the strip cards. I'm suggesting a way to number grade them in their original state as opposed to looking at margins on hand cut examples that can be manipulated much later.

Toys were issued in packaging. They were made to be played with. Comic books made to be read. Both are worth more money when they weren't used as intended.

[ullmandds]

this has been discussed numerous times...and to me...it makes no sense for some hand cut cards to have a # grade...and some not.

The grading companies have screwed this one up!