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Card Surface Defect Identification Flashcards

6 cards from real PSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Card Surface Defect Identification flashcards as text

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.