Restoration and Tampering Detection Flashcards

Why does PSA compare a submitted card's measurements to known specifications for that exact card issue?

Answer: Different card sets have documented specific dimensions, so deviations indicate potential trimming

Each card set and era has documented dimensions; comparing a card's actual measurements to these standards allows PSA to identify size reductions caused by trimming.

What is 'delamination' in the context of card restoration?

Answer: Separation of card layers that has been reglued by an alterer to conceal damage

Delamination refers to the splitting of a card's paper layers; when an alterer reglues these layers to hide the separation, it constitutes restoration that affects grading.

How does receiving a PSA Authentic (Altered) designation typically affect a card's market value?

Answer: It significantly decreases value compared to an unaltered copy with a numeric grade

An Authentic (Altered) designation signals to collectors that the card has been tampered with, dramatically reducing desirability and market value compared to an unaltered graded copy.

Which type of restoration is considered most difficult to detect and requires the most specialized equipment to identify?

Answer: Subtle chemical cleaning that removes light stains without leaving visible residue

Skilled chemical cleaning can remove stains without leaving obvious traces, requiring UV light and expert examination to detect, unlike more visually apparent alterations.

What does PSA do when a card is submitted that shows clear evidence of corner reconstruction?

Answer: Labels it PSA Authentic (Altered) and returns it in a special holder

Corner reconstruction is a restoration alteration that results in an Authentic (Altered) label, encapsulated in a PSA holder but without a numeric grade.

Which characteristic of card edges helps PSA distinguish a trimmed card from one with naturally uneven factory cuts?

Answer: Factory edges show consistent paper fiber patterns while trimmed edges show sharp clean cuts or irregular compressed fibers

Original factory-cut edges have characteristic fiber patterns from the cutting method used during production, while trimming creates different edge textures and fiber patterns that trained examiners can distinguish.

What combination of tools does PSA typically use during a full tampering examination of a suspect card?

Answer: Calipers for measurement, UV light for surface treatments, and magnification for edge examination

A thorough PSA tampering examination uses calipers to catch size discrepancies from trimming, UV light to reveal surface treatments, and magnification to inspect edges and surfaces for physical alteration evidence.