"Possibly doctored" cards at the National.....

[chalupacollects]

I can envision a scenario where bunches of people keep asking dealers to see cards. THEN everybody and their brother pulls out a black light and proceeds to go over said card they are considering purchasing.....all the while the dealer is rolling his eyes and telling himself "here we go again", as customer after customer is thoroughly examining and scrutinizing cards they are thinking about purchasing.
Also note - This doesn't have to be about a '52 Topps Mantle, it could be said about a slew of cards now.
Personally, any purchase of this nature, I would have wanted to give it at least a cursory once over. But now I'm betting this is going to be a very common scene this year.

I personally bring a black light, loupe and a ruler - both digital and regular when pursuing a large dollar card. I would think any dealer that objects may have something to hide and any dealer that is confident about the quality of his merchandise would welcome it, if they wish to sell stuff...

[calvindog]

I think you’ll all be surprised that nothing much will change at the National. Cards will be severely overpriced, the best cards will be at the auction house tables, and fat guys in baseball jerseys will be roaming the aisles. I don’t think an army of blacklights will be present.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by calvindog

I think you’ll all be surprised that nothing much will change at the National. Cards will be severely overpriced, the best cards will be at the auction house tables, and fat guys in baseball jerseys will be roaming the aisles. I don’t think an army of blacklights will be present.

This goes without saying!!! Maybe someone should have a whole booth dedicated to selling items to help detect fakes and alterations!!!

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by calvindog

I think you’ll all be surprised that nothing much will change at the National. Cards will be severely overpriced, the best cards will be at the auction house tables, and fat guys in baseball jerseys will be roaming the aisles. I don’t think an army of blacklights will be present.

Love this commentary! It’s 100% correct minus the awful bo from people flocking dollar boxes by the Ferris wheel 🎡

[packs]

I would think that if someone has a problem with you looking at a card you're going to buy from them you probably don't want to buy cards from them.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

Love this commentary! It’s 100% correct minus the awful bo from people flocking dollar boxes by the Ferris wheel 🎡

I am fat and represent that remark but the body odor thing, not for me. I take at least 1 shower while at the National.
I have been to around 17 of the last 20 Nationals. IN the first ones I always bought big stuff and had a blast. The last 5-8 yrs I haven't really bought much. A few things here and there. I always bring a loupe but never a black light (that I used).
I am way more leery after this scandal, of high grade cards, than before it. I don't see me buying any high grade cards soon at all.

This type will be my focus and actually has been anyway. It could be messed with but my experience tells me it probably isn't. There are way too many of these in 8 holders.

[bigfish]

Delete

[bbcard1]

To do well at the National, you either have to be a seller or a bottom feeder buyer. I have done very well looking in dime boxes and at lower grade cards at the nationals I have attended, less well when i went on a mission.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

To do well at the National, you either have to be a seller or a bottom feeder buyer. I have done very well looking in dime boxes and at lower grade cards at the nationals I have attended, less well when i went on a mission.

I have bought cards in the 100-5000 range at recent Nationals. I have also attended Nationals and not spent a penny at dealer tables. There are some good guys out there that set up at the National.

[GasHouseGang]

I've never used a black light before purchasing a card. Is there a good portable unit anyone could recommend that would be good to have in your arsenal?