A new concern

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Posted By: Kevin Saucier

In another thread a collector was sold a copied Cobb inserted into a cracked SGC holder. How you say, can this happen? I posted on this subject a few months ago but it faded with little or no notice.

Just when we start to get some understanding about various card alterations, we may soon be faced with a new worry...slabs and flips. Those to can be doctored as well and has been something I have been investigating for some time.

With very little work an SGC slab can be cracked, sometimes with just a two sturdy fingernails. The frosting that is created when the two halves are separated can be buffed out until very little frosting exists. When rejoined it is hardly noticeable. If you look close enough and long enough you will be able to see that it has been cracked. Unfortunately this will be a difficult to do for online auction purchases and quick glances when viewed live.

Resealing is a skill all to itself but IMO it won’t be long until we see more of this and with better results. The hold up for most seems to be a quality flip. This is a doctoring skill that requires several steps but when done correctly the results are simply mind blowing.

Not only do grading companies need to improve their skills in card alteration detection, they also need to continuously improve their product. I don’t know if this is being done.

We may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg. I’m not saying the hobby is crashing down just be prepared and know that it is very possible.


Kevin Saucier