PSA Restoration and Tampering Detection 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Subtle chemical cleaning that removes light stains without leaving visible residue

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA Restoration and Tampering Detection 3