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

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Chip

Answer

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA Card Surface Defect Identification 2