Why is this considered altered?

[Hordfest]

Well my first R303-A came back through the portal and it was given an altered grade. The only thing I could possibly think of is the two tape residue marks on the top. Just seems ridiculous though to punish my grandpa for altering his cards for hanging them up 80 years ago and taking them down.

Would it be worth submitting to SGC instead? I wasn't expecting a high grade. Maybe a 1 or 1.5, or even Authentic. But definitely didn't see this coming.

(Note that the blotchy look on front and back is due to protective covering, it is not damage)

Edit: I have taken a few deep breaths now... I'm very thankful that it is an authentic card at least and am just happy to have it preserved. I'm not really mad or upset at this point, more just confused

Edit: SGC has been grading my 1939s 1.5 to 2.0 range. Probably going to move Ted to SGC

Final Edit: SGC graded it a 1.5.

[NiceDocter]

According to their website, Altered “may” include evidence of trimming recoloring restoration or trimming. Looks more like your basic damage rather than any of these to me…. All that said , collectors for the most part are getting to where they are smart enough to “buy the card not the holder” on ones like these so I’m not sure you’d be any better off with a straight 1 or 1.5 value wise. Great card by the way…. Grandpa did good!!!

[perezfan]

I'm usually not a proponent of this...

But with that one, I would crack out and re-submit to SGC. And not just because of the questionable grade.

I don't like the blotchy filmy look that these PSA slabs create, either. I would honestly rather display this gorgeous card in a large sized beveled edge screw-down holder or a rigid toploader.

[Hordfest]

Here's a scan of the card I did on my flatbed copier before I submitted it, for a better view of the top corner damage and what it looks like without the film

It's just confusing. Hard to make sense of the decision. Thanks for the help so far though. I appreciate it

[HercDriver]

You got robbed...I would definitely send to SGC, if you want a slabbed grade. It can't get any worse, and their slabs look nicer. That's an awesome card that deserves way better than that.

Cheers,
Geno

[JeremyW]

Welcome to the wild world of grading. If you're looking to sell, I would post that scan in the Net54 BST & request offers.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by NiceDocter

According to their website, Altered “may” include evidence of trimming recoloring restoration or trimming. Looks more like your basic damage rather than any of these to me…. All that said , collectors for the most part are getting to where they are smart enough to “buy the card not the holder” on ones like these so I’m not sure you’d be any better off with a straight 1 or 1.5 value wise. Great card by the way…. Grandpa did good!!!

Plus 1 agree.

Great Card

[bass37]

Yes, this is an altered card. You can tell just by looking closely. It's worth 10 bucks.

[Vintagedeputy]

Seeing those cards in SGC slabs, I just cannot understand why anyone would send anything to PSA.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Vintagedeputy

Seeing those cards in SGC slabs, I just cannot understand why anyone would send anything to PSA.

They send for one reason and one reason only, Money. Many collectors love SGC until they sell. Then they start attempting crossing and or cracking.

[babraham]

Originally Posted by bass37

Yes, this is an altered card. You can tell just by looking closely. It's worth 10 bucks.