How can you tell if a 1971 Topps card is recolored?

BaltimoreYankee

I've been buying some 1971 Topps Greatest Moments cards through eBay. Nothing too expensive - generally PSA 6 or the equivalent condition in raw cards.

I just bought a Tim McCarver which looked really nice and had a BIN price of $10 with free shipping. The card looked great and when I checked to see if the seller has more, he has a Clyde Wright listed but as recolored. That made me check the McCarver and it looks to me that there is some black along an edge or two of the card. The card looks better than a PSA 6.

Is there any way I can tell for sure if it is recolored? I'd hate to have to return (to Canada) for a card that was $10 all in but I wouldn't want to keep it knowing it was tampered with.

digicat

Ink-bleed along the edges is an easy way to spot bad jobs. I've often heard that a black-light helps ID the better ones.

otwcards

The easiest way is to look at the edges from the side. Typically, black marker is used and will bleed through to the card stock...

Bosox1976

Black light - get a cheap one on ebay. Battery-op is fine.

Stone193

<< <i>The easiest way is to look at the edges from the side. Typically, black marker is used and will bleed through to the card stock... >>

+1

Also - if ya hold the card under the light - on an angle - one should be able to see the difference in gloss between the real card and the magic marker.

BaltimoreYankee

Definitely some coloring noticeable on the corners when you look at the edge. Good ending to the story though, I contacted the seller and he refunded the purchase without me having to pack the card and schlep it to the post office.

Stone193

<< <i>Definitely some coloring noticeable on the corners when you look at the edge. Good ending to the story though, I contacted the seller and he refunded the purchase without me having to pack the card and schlep it to the post office. >>

Glad to hear that Dan.