PSA Card Surface Defect Identification 3

Question 1

What is foxing in the context of vintage sports card surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Brown or reddish spots caused by oxidation and mold growth on paper fibers over time

Answer

Foxing refers to brownish or reddish-brown spots that appear on paper-based collectibles over time due to oxidation of iron compounds in the paper and mold/fungal growth in humid conditions.

Question 2

How does PSA differentiate between natural aging toning and collector-caused discoloration on vintage cards?

Accepted Answer

Natural aging toning shows uniform gradual transition across the card; collector-caused discoloration often shows irregular patterns or demarcation lines

Answer

Natural aging toning appears as gradual uniform yellowing or browning consistent with the paper's age, while collector-caused discoloration typically shows irregular boundaries or unnatural patterns.

Question 3

What is the significance of a print dot defect on a card's surface in PSA grading?

Accepted Answer

A print dot is a small factory-origin ink dot that may qualify for a PD notation but does not indicate forgery

Answer

A print dot is a factory-origin ink deposit caused by a press imperfection. PSA may note it with a PD (Print Defect) qualifier and factor its size and location into the grade, but it is a manufacturing issue rather than an authenticity concern.

Question 4

What specific lighting technique does PSA use to maximize surface defect visibility?

Accepted Answer

Angled (raking) light that creates shadows from surface irregularities, revealing defects invisible under direct overhead lighting

Answer

PSA graders use angled (raking) light which creates shadows that reveal surface irregularities like scratches, scuffs, and indentations that are invisible under direct overhead lighting.

Question 5

A card has a tiny piece of paper from another card adhered to its surface. How would PSA treat this?

Accepted Answer

PSA would grade the card with the fragment present and note it as a surface defect

Answer

PSA grades cards in the condition they are received. A paper fragment adhered to the surface would be noted as a surface defect impacting the grade, without PSA removing it, as any removal could cause additional damage.

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA Card Surface Defect Identification 3