PSA Card Surface Defect Identification 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: How does PSA differentiate between a scuff and a scratch on a card's surface?

Scuffs are on the back; scratches are on the front only
A scuff is surface abrasion that dulls the finish without breaking through; a scratch penetrates the surface coating (Correct answer)
Scuffs are caused by manufacturing; scratches are always collector-caused
There is no distinction, PSA treats them identically

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

A scuff is light abrasion that dulls the card's finish without breaking through the coating, while a scratch penetrates the coating and represents more significant physical damage.

PSA's surface evaluation distinguishes between scuffs (shallow abrasion that affects the card's gloss and sheen without breaking through) and scratches (physical damage that penetrates the surface layer). Scuffs are less penalized because they represent minor surface wear, while scratches indicate structural damage. Under magnification, scratches show distinct channels cut through the coating, while scuffs appear as areas of reduced reflectivity.

Question 2: Which type of surface defect is described as a loss of surface material revealing the card stock beneath?

Crease
Scratch
Chip (Correct answer)
Print line

Correct answer: Chip

A chip refers to a loss of surface material including the card's coating and sometimes the top paper layer, that exposes the underlying card stock.

Chipping occurs when a piece of the card's surface coating or paper layer physically breaks away, revealing the grey or white card stock underneath. This type of damage is particularly visible along edges and corners of older cards, where the surface is most vulnerable. PSA treats chips seriously because they represent irreversible material loss and are clearly visible.

Question 3: What is a print line on a card's surface and where does it originate?

A line created by a pen or marker across the card
A manufacturing artifact appearing as a thin line or streak in the card's image caused during printing (Correct answer)
A fold line from improper storage
A line from the card being trimmed

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

A print line is a manufacturing defect, a thin streak or line visible in the card's image caused by a flaw in the printing press such as a scratch on the printing plate or a debris particle.

Print lines are factory-origin defects that occur during the card's production. They typically appear as thin streaks or lines running through the image, caused by scratches on the printing plate, debris caught in the press, or ink delivery irregularities. Because they are manufacturing artifacts, PSA may note them with a PD (Print Defect) qualifier while still assigning a numeric grade.

Question 4: What does silvering refer to in the context of card surface defects?

Foil cards that have lost their metallic finish
A surface phenomenon where light reflects off fine scratches creating a silvery sheen visible at certain angles (Correct answer)
Cards printed with silver ink
Cards stored near metal objects

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

Silvering refers to a surface condition where numerous fine scratches create a characteristic silvery sheen visible when the card is tilted at certain angles to light.

Silvering describes the appearance of fine parallel scratch marks or roller marks on a card's surface that create a reflective silvery effect when viewed at an angle under direct light. This condition often affects cards stored in stacks or albums where repeated contact created microscopic surface abrasion. PSA graders examine cards under angled light specifically to detect silvering, which can significantly affect grades even when the card appears clean under normal lighting.

Question 5: A card with heavy surface staining from rubber band storage would most likely be graded at which PSA level?

PSA 9-10
PSA 6-7
PSA 3-4 (Correct answer)
PSA 1-2

Correct answer: PSA 3-4

Heavy rubber band staining would typically place a card in the PSA 3-4 range, as the surface damage is significant though the card may remain structurally intact.

Rubber band damage is a common issue with vintage cards stored in bundles during the pre-card-protection era. Rubber bands leave distinctive indented lines and sometimes brown staining from contact with the rubber material. Depending on severity, this can place cards in the PSA 3-4 (Very Good to Very Good-Excellent) range. Heavy staining that is clearly visible at arm's length may push cards below PSA 3.

Question 6: What surface examination technique does PSA use to identify wax stains on vintage cards?

Chemical testing of the card surface
Examination under UV light, which causes wax residue to fluoresce (Correct answer)
Carbon dating of the wax composition
Infrared scanning only

Correct answer: Examination under UV light, which causes wax residue to fluoresce

PSA uses UV (ultraviolet) light examination, under which wax residue from wax pack storage can fluoresce or show distinctive patterns that are not visible under standard lighting conditions.

Vintage cards stored in or near wax packs can absorb wax residue that becomes invisible under normal lighting but fluoresces under UV light. PSA's examination includes UV light inspection specifically to detect such contamination. Wax stains, while a period-typical storage issue, can affect grades if they are significant or visible under standard conditions.

PSA Card Surface Defect Identification 2

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