PSA Restoration and Tampering Detection

Question 1

What PSA designation is assigned to a card confirmed to have been trimmed?

Accepted Answer

PSA Authentic (Altered)

Answer

A trimmed card cannot receive a numeric grade and is labeled PSA Authentic (Altered) to indicate it is a genuine card that has been intentionally modified.

Question 2

What standard dimensions does PSA reference when checking for trimmed modern baseball trading cards?

Accepted Answer

2.5" x 3.5"

Answer

The standard modern trading card measures 2.5" x 3.5", and PSA compares submitted cards against known dimensions for that specific issue to detect trimming.

Question 3

What is 'pressing' as a form of card restoration?

Accepted Answer

Flattening a card to reduce or remove creases and wrinkles

Answer

Pressing involves applying heat or pressure to a card to reduce or eliminate creases, constituting restoration that disqualifies the card from a numeric grade.

Question 4

Which alteration involves applying artificial coloring to restore faded borders or edges on a card?

Accepted Answer

Recoloring

Answer

Recoloring (also called retouching) involves applying ink or paint to restore faded or worn areas, which is considered a form of alteration by PSA.

Question 5

Which of the following would prevent a card from receiving a numeric PSA grade?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of trimming

Answer

Trimming is an intentional alteration that permanently disqualifies a card from a numeric grade, resulting in a PSA Authentic (Altered) designation instead.

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA Restoration and Tampering Detection