Where's the line drawn for AUTH and ALT?

[Seven]

At this point, with that card specifically it's like an Art Project.

There clearly needs to be a new designation. I know this happens with comicbooks all the time now, when it comes to grading. Slab it in a holder and label it restored. That clearly seems the direction we are heading in the hobby as it's becoming more and more prevalent that people are willing to doctor, alter or restore cards in any which way they deem fit.


To me, it used to be, the designation between Authentic and Altered was that the "Authentic" card was too beat up, or in poor condition to give it a number grade, but it was indeed the real deal. Altered was that the card was trimmed, or doctored in some way. I've purchased altered cards in the past, typically because of how they present, and the discount that comes with them.