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What does N4- questionable authenticity mean?.
Tiup
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It means your card is a phony!
That's NOT necessary true.
What it means is PSA wasn't able to say it's authentic, but they also aren't saying it's a fake.
Do not fret the original poster will not return, they seldom do. But at least it wasn't yet another one time poster asking "Whats this WORTH Worth worth..."
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
"Questionable Authenticity" means that while the card is considered genuine, the autograph or certain aspects of the card (like its condition) don't meet PSA's standards for authentication and grading. This term is used when there are inconsistencies or issues that prevent the card from receiving a numerical grade.
I think you're describing Authentic.
I believe an Authentic card can have writing on it. Or even be altered. Cut or torn or excessively worn.
Questionable Authenticity is something they put on labels of cards that don't get holdered. Questionable Authenticity means they're not sure if the card is real or not.
I got these signed shortly before Henderson passed away. You can see where he stumbled in the auto but they were both signed by him and PSA was not willing to authenticate the one with the blemish. It’s 100% legit and used to be in a PSA 9 slab.
No one should care too much about PSA’s opinion on cards.
I hear you, PSA N-4'd every Ken Griffey Jr. auto I got during his 1st 3 years that I got at spring trainings in Tempe 89-91.
I for some reason was only thinking about card authenticity, not auto. Figured dude sent in a Jordan rookie or something.
No Grade Definitions
If your card is returned without a numeric grade in a card saver sleeve, that determination was made based on one of the following reasons:
N1 Evidence of Trimming - When a card's edge appears to have been altered. A card doctor may use scissors, scalpel, cutter, or any other sharp instrument. A card that appears trimmed: A hooked appearance along the edge, unusually sharp or uncommon edges for the issue, an inconsistent tone to the color of the edge in question or a wavy, unnatural look to the edges. Note that this designation can qualify for encapsulation as "Authentic Altered" at the grader's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the desired minimum grade. You will be charged the applicable grading fee in either case.
N2 Evidence of Restoration - When a card's paper stock appears to have been built up - for example, when ripped corners are built up to look like new corners. Note that this designation can qualify for encapsulation as "Authentic Altered" at the grader's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the desired minimum grade. You will be charged the applicable grading fee in either case.
N3 Evidence of Recoloration - Where a card's color appears to have been artificially improved. Note that this designation can qualify for encapsulation as "Authentic Altered" at the grader's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the desired minimum grade. You will be charged the applicable grading fee in either case.
N4 Questionable Authenticity - This is the term used when a card appears to be counterfeit or when the autograph is deemed to be not genuine. This designation would never qualify for encapsulation under any circumstance and applicable grading fees would still apply.
N5 Altered Stock - This includes, but is not limited to characteristics on the card that appear to show some form of alteration such as paper restoration, crease/wrinkle pressing, scratch removal, or enhanced gloss. Additionally, when any foreign substance is applied to the surface of a card such as cleaning spray or wax. Note that this designation can qualify for encapsulation as "Authentic Altered" at the grader's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the desired minimum grade. You will be charged the applicable grading fee in either case.
N6 Minimum Size Requirement - When a card is significantly undersized according to factory specifications. You will not be charged the grading fee in this instance. Note that this designation can qualify for encapsulation as "Authentic" only at the grader's discretion and if "Auth" is listed on the submission form as the desired minimum grade. You will be charged the applicable grading fee in the latter case.
N7 Evidence of Cleaning - When a whitener is used to whiten borders or a solution is used to remove wax, candy, gum or tobacco stains. Additionally, when any foreign substance is applied to the surface of a card such as cleaning spray or wax. Note that this designation can qualify for encapsulation as "Authentic Altered" at the grader's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the desired minimum grade. You will be charged the applicable grading fee in either case.
N8 Miscut - This term is used when the factory cut is abnormal for the issue, causing the card's edges to deviate from their intended appearance. You will not be charged the grading fee in this instance. Note that this designation can qualify for encapsulation as "Authentic" at the grader's discretion and if "Auth" is listed on the submission form as the desired minimum grade. You will be charged the applicable grading fee in the latter case.
N9 Don't Grade - The term is used when we do not grade or cannot encapsulate an issue. The cards may be oversized or an obscure issue. This designation does not qualify for encapsulation, and you will not be charged the grading fee. Note: If additional information from two or more verified or hobby-approved resources are provided for the issue, the decision could be reversed upon resubmittal. Submit a "Research Request" in advance through the Customer Request Center (CRC) to inquire about a specific item.