Ask Your TPG Questions Here, A Repository...

[JollyElm]

How do you go about prepping an oversized card to send off to a TPG?

For a regular sized card, you slip it into a standard Card Saver I, and you're done with that aspect. But what if I want to send a single 1964 Topps Giant or 1967 Topps Pin-Ups card? Is there a DIY way to get this going, as buying whatever semi-rigid holders are made for cards of that size isn't an option?

I assume that securing the bare card (not housed in plastic) between two pieces of cardboard probably wouldn't fly. Anyone with experience in this area have any insights to offer?


Edited to add: SGC responded to my question thusly:
"In lieu of a top loader that will fit the cards, you can use cardboard and sandwich the cards between them. Rubber band them together and send it in."

Further clarification:
"You may individually sandwich each oversized card in with their own cardboard piece. I wouldn't suggest putting the cards together."

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

How do you go about prepping an oversized card to send off to a TPG?

If the card fits in an oversized CSIV, use that. If not, a toploader is perfectly fine to submit to PSA in. Same thing for cards too wide to put in CS's properly. When I used to submit these types of cards to PSA, I would try to use the appropriate sized penny sleeve (or comic bag) and then fold over the flap and tuck it inside the toploader. That way the card was secured in the toploader, but was not taped down. PSA hates tape. Another option is to put the toploader into a resealable team bag or comic bag that fits it.

[JollyElm]

I believe I need to clarify:

I don't have a single card saver or toploader or anything that holds oversized cards, and have no desire to purchase them, because this is most likely a one time thing. So, I guess the question is, to properly submit this type of card, is there a home remedy? Are two sheets of cardboard NOT an acceptable way to submit it? Should I find flat, plastic packaging and forge a homemade toploader? That's really what I am asking. With the lack of a proper toploader, how do I send a large Pin-Up or Giant card in to a TPG?

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

With the lack of a proper toploader, how do I send a large Pin-Up or Giant card in to a TPG?

I am not aware of a do-it-yourself solution. I would go to the local card shop and purchase one. The local card shop in my area also sells paper currency holders and ones intended to fit oversized cards or vintage stock shares.

Otherwise, maybe one of those three-ring binder 8.5x11 sheet holders you can get at an office supply store. I think the issue is that if it's not rigid/semi-rigid, it's likely to get damaged during shipment.

If you want a specific answer to this question, I think you're going to have to ask it to their customer support module.

[JollyElm]

For posterity, I added SGC's answer to the original post asking the question.

"In lieu of a top loader that will fit the cards, you can use cardboard and sandwich the cards between them. Rubber band them together and send it in."

Also, for clarification:
"You may individually sandwich each oversized card in with their own cardboard piece. I wouldn't suggest putting the cards together."

[JollyElm]

This is from SGC regarding requesting that a card only be graded as 'authentic,' when there is nothing wrong with it (and would normally get a number grade):

In general, cards can receive the authentic ("A") designation for a variety of reasons such as a failure to meet our minimum sizing requirement, the cards may have come miscut from the manufacturer, or the cards may show one or more signs of being altered and therefore, are no longer in their original state. There are also instances in which customers request their cards to be encapsulated as “authentic” even if they qualify for a numeric grade.
You can request for a card to be authenticated only. Just click on the A only option when you enter the card in your GoSGC order portal.

[JollyElm]

This is from PSA regarding requesting that a card only be graded as 'authentic':

To have your cards slabbed as 'Authentic' you would write in the notes/comments section of your submission form 'Authentic Only'.
Once this is done, our team will see and fulfill your request if it meets their standards.