Proof that the market value for PSA and 'conserved' cards have dropped

[drcy]

If a card is altered, any number grade, except debatably 1, is incorrect, and the card is less valuable than an unaltered card in that number grade.

Humorously, PSA's own website states "Cards that have been trimmed have very little value." (link if you want to read for yourself, or copy for posterity) However, as was suggested in other thread, that line may be quietly removed at some point in the near future.

[seanofjapan]

I would expect that the value of most high dollar slabbed cards, altered or not, would take a hit for this. Every buyer now has to factor in the risk that every card at that end they buy might turn out to be altered. I would be curious after a couple of years of auction data post scandal becomes available to see how much that “We don’t trust PSA like we used to” discount is going to be.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by drcy

If a card is altered, any number grade, except debatably 1, is incorrect, and the card is less valuable than an unaltered card in that number grade.

Humorously, PSA's own website states "Cards that have been trimmed have very little value." (link if you want to read for yourself, or copy for posterity) However, as was suggested in other thread, that line may be quietly removed at some point in the near future.

You’re eloquently stating the obvious.