PSA Grade Authentic vs Authentic Altered

dtmodel

Hoping for some help and a bit of clarification on title above.

I always thought a grade of Authentic meant card had no numeric grade but was genuine, and with no alterations. And if one wanted to, card could be submitted for review and a grade -whatever that might be.

And authentic altered meant card was genuine but had been altered in some manner. After reading PSA definition on website, Im no longer 100% certain.

Any help/clarification greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave

NGS428

What did you read on the website that made you rethink this?

CardGeek

I thought a card could also get an Authentic if it were so damaged that it could not be given a 1.

dtmodel

When one reviews the grading scale descriptions on PSA website it states "The Authentic label means that the item, in our opinion, is real but nothing more. The Authentic only designation is to be considered interchangeable with Authentic Altered and of equal value for purposes of PSA Financial Grade Guarantee".

dtmodel

Anybody have an opinion on the quote I took from the PSA website? Thanks in advance

brad31

Don’t buy authentic because I just equate it with altered. To me it is a distinction without a difference. Only reason to get something graded authentic is that it is altered. Otherwise get a number grade.

DBesse27

@brad31 said:
Don’t buy authentic because I just equate it with altered. To me it is a distinction without a difference. Only reason to get something graded authentic is that it is altered. Otherwise get a number grade.

Unless it’s in such bad condition that they deemed it less than a 1. I have a handful of Venezuelans that got labeled Authentic and aren’t altered, just beat to hell.

JoeBanzai

@DBesse27 said:

@brad31 said:
Don’t buy authentic because I just equate it with altered. To me it is a distinction without a difference. Only reason to get something graded authentic is that it is altered. Otherwise get a number grade.

Unless it’s in such bad condition that they deemed it less than a 1. I have a handful of Venezuelans that got labeled Authentic and aren’t altered, just beat to hell.

Post, Jello and other hand cut cards that are cut inside the borders are often graded authentic. To equate that with altered would be incorrect.

dtmodel

Thanks guys. I will stay away from the card.