PSA Card Surface Defect Identification 2

Question 1

How does PSA differentiate between a scuff and a scratch on a card's surface?

Accepted Answer

A scuff is surface abrasion that dulls the finish without breaking through; a scratch penetrates the surface coating

Answer

Scuffs are on the back; scratches are on the front only

Answer

Scuffs are caused by manufacturing; scratches are always collector-caused

Answer

There is no distinction, PSA treats them identically

Question 2

Which type of surface defect is described as a loss of surface material revealing the card stock beneath?

Accepted Answer

Chip

Answer

Crease

Answer

Scratch

Answer

Print line

Question 3

What is a print line on a card's surface and where does it originate?

Accepted Answer

A manufacturing artifact appearing as a thin line or streak in the card's image caused during printing

Answer

A line created by a pen or marker across the card

Answer

A fold line from improper storage

Answer

A line from the card being trimmed

Question 4

What does silvering refer to in the context of card surface defects?

Accepted Answer

A surface phenomenon where light reflects off fine scratches creating a silvery sheen visible at certain angles

Answer

Foil cards that have lost their metallic finish

Answer

Cards printed with silver ink

Answer

Cards stored near metal objects

Question 5

A card with heavy surface staining from rubber band storage would most likely be graded at which PSA level?

Accepted Answer

PSA 3-4

Answer

PSA 9-10

Answer

PSA 6-7

Answer

PSA 1-2

Question 6

What surface examination technique does PSA use to identify wax stains on vintage cards?

Accepted Answer

Examination under UV light, which causes wax residue to fluoresce

Answer

Chemical testing of the card surface

Answer

Carbon dating of the wax composition

Answer

Infrared scanning only