PSA "Authentic"...What does this mean?

PSARich

Just curious as to what "Authentic" means as far as PSA grading, if this does exist. I ask because I submitted a 1952 Topps Willie Mays that is really creased alot and I was expecting a "1". It wasn't graded because of "re-coloring". When I looked it over upon its return, it does have what looks like a marker or crayon used to fill in one of the creased areas. Is this card a candidate for being graded as authentic, or is it just ungradeable?

AlanAllen

Authentic means it's an original card but has been altered. OR, the card is damaged to such an extent that they are not even willing to call it a 1 (this is gray and inconsistantly applied from what I've seen). They will only bestow an A grade on extraordinary cards (again, gray). I'm sure they'd be willing to grade your card an A if it was Mantle, and they might be willing to slab your Mays as such if you ask.

Joe

Griffins

I"ve also gotten "authentic" grades on cards that aren't part of a regular set- in my case a '67 Maris proof, showing him with the Yankees, and blank backed.

If you had a card that was rejected for recoloring, and you removed the color, wouldn't it grade as a 1, at least in Rich's case? I know removal of restoration is common in other fields, I guess the question is whether you'd be better off with a authentic grade with eye appeal than a PSA 1 that looked a bit rough.

goose3

I sent a 19?? American Caramel Babe Ruth in that they weren't going to holder (MC)......I paid 50.00 I think for grading.

I called and asked them to at least holder the thing as Authentic and they did.