Topps Finest/Grading

[jimmer77]

Was the original intention of these cards to peel the coating?
I feel like they would look better without the coating however if it's best to keep in tact then that's what I may do.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by jimmer77

Was the original intention of these cards to peel the coating?
I feel like they would look better without the coating however if it's best to keep in tact then that's what I may do.

1. "Peel and remove coating" is printed directly on the coating, so I've always believed they were intended to be removed.
2. I think the cards look much better without the coating. I believe Topps put the wording on the coating so it would look odd if left on the card.
3. "To peel or not to peel" has been a debate for nearly a quarter century. It's your card...it's your choice.

[jimmer77]

I don't trust myself to peel the coating, so I just leave it. I don't have any commons to test with as I only have a select few of the star players that I collect.

[saucywombat]

Have personally submitted hundreds of refractors to PSA.

Definitely want to peel. Odds are much better you will get a better grade.

I only grade peeled b/c I like the way they display better

Despite the "wisdom of the crowd" there is no premium whatsoever associated with cards that have the peel vs. those that do not. So a PSA 9 w/peel will sell for the same amount as one without.

In my experience - opinions may vary - somewhat counterintuitively - using a blunt sewing needle to get a corner started under magnification is the best way to peel these things without any damage.

As far as the passage of time and removing the peels, with the peels that have "peel and remove" printed, if someone left the card in the light to display the card, a permanent shadow may now exist on the card that says peel and remove where the light was obstructed and the rest of the card faded.

With the 95's occasionally what looks like a refractor line is just a line on the protective coating sheet and will come off when peeled.