Interesting email I have not seen

[steve B]

The problem with that is that cards don't all have unique identifying marks. As manufactured items, the whole point is for them to be as nearly identical as possible.

[GeoPoto]

Originally Posted by steve B

The problem with that is that cards don't all have unique identifying marks. As manufactured items, the whole point is for them to be as nearly identical as possible.

If the cards don't all have unique and permanent "fingerprints", which Blowout seems to think they do, then a marker of some kind would have to be introduced by the TPG during grading. Or something -- let the rocket surgeons figure it out. Saving their business model provides significant incentive to the TPGs to figure out a way to do it.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by GeoPoto

If the cards don't all have unique and permanent "fingerprints", which Blowout seems to think they do, then a marker of some kind would have to be introduced by the TPG during grading. Or something -- let the rocket surgeons figure it out. Saving their business model provides significant incentive to the TPGs to figure out a way to do it.

Some sets do have identifying marks. The most reliable are the ones that are occasional darker fibers in the paper.
Most of the print markers they use are not 100%.
Cards done on consistently white cardboard (Or really any where the fibers are fine enough) won't have easily visible fiber markers. Looked at closely enough, some may have enough of a pattern, but it takes a much closer look.
Cardstock that's very regular with fine fibers would be difficult to fond any reliable markers.
Ones done on coated stock, especially modern stuff printed on both sides, won't have those markers.