Is the average collector aware of card trimming?

doog71

Lots of savvy collectors here know it happens often, but judging from how many bids cards get that are obviously trimmed, I assume most either don't know or don't care...

Ilovecards

most collectors are older and are not involved in the industry the way people here are . I don't think they are even aware that it exists.

fiveniner

<< <i>most collectors are older and are not involved in the industry the way people here are . I don't think they are even aware that it exists. >>







NOT TRUE!!!!!!But you right on one thing this is an industry not a hobby any longer except for us old timers.

bishop

I am real old. I started collecting in 1957 and it is still a hobby for me. But the young folks here are pretty sophisticated alright

Ilovecards

<< <i>

<< <i>most collectors are older and are not involved in the industry the way people here are . I don't think they are even aware that it exists. >>







NOT TRUE!!!!!!But you right on one thing this is an industry not a hobby any longer except for us old timers. >>



I think its true the average collector we are talking about

MrNearMint

I'm a younger collector (28) and am definitely aware of things like trimming, but I wouldn't be able to pick a trimmed card out with my naked eye. Need a little more experience to be able to do that.

This is one reason why I stick to graded cards!

itzagoner

maybe the better question to ask would be: Is the average card collector aware that Topps, as well as their manufacturing competitors, was not always so adept at quality control?

then, let the fireworks began while the debate rages over why PSA rejects your funny looking cards.

bishop

I guess you have to first identify the average collector

LarkinCollector

I'm trying to train my EOT eye and saw one that looks a bit fishy in the BST. I don't want to notify the seller if others here say it's fine, but want to make sure he's aware if I'm correct. Check the KSA (red flag) 73 OPC Bench in this thread: Link

Something seems off on the upper right edge/corner and card looks a little narrow R/L

PaulMaul

The Bench is massively diamond cut. I don't see how one can distinguish between trimming and factory miscuts from a scan.

magikbilly

I am in constant awe at what some seasoned collectors do not know.

Eric

PSARich

I think many collectors base trimming on the size of the card. They line it up to a "normal" card from that year and make a decision based on whether it is smaller or not. This is not always a true indicator of trimming as older cards, especially up through the 1970s, often varied in size based on how they were cut at the factory. I have received cards back from PSA as "minimum size requirement" that were not only smaller than the traditional card size but bigger also. MSR does indicate that PSA believes it is not of an acceptible size but not trimmed.

Older cards were made from a different type and quality of cardboard/paper stock than is used now. Quality wasn't always the best but it does make it somewhat easy to detect "trimming". Cards up to the 1970s often had edges that were not smoothly cut and you can see the roughness and ridges on the edge using a magnifying glass. This is especially true with 1950s Topps cards. The edges also "tone" in shading as the card ages, turning from a lighter color to an aged gray. When trimmed, these rougher edges disappear and show the nice smooth, clean look of a new cut. In addition the edge color once again has a lighter, bright new look. The problem is that the modern card doctor works to rough out a trimmed edge and age the color of the cardboard on the cards edges. I once had a discussion with Joe Orlando on this and he said that they have found that some unscruplous card "enhancers" are very skilled at trimming and them roughing up the edge to make it look original. Card graders use halogen lights and black lights to help identify trimmed cards or cardboard build-up on corners. They are obviously better at it than most of us.

There was a time when I thought I was pretty good at identifying a trimmed card but the fact that I still get cards back from PSA identified as "evidence of trimming" tells me I am not so good. The "bad guys" get better and better at what they do and third party graders must work to keep up with their techniques.

As for modern cards, I believe they are more difficult to identify as trimmed or not without technology equipment, knowledge, and skill that I assume PSA, SGC, or Beckett graders have.

stormtrooper80

<< <i>This is one reason why I stick to graded cards! >>




HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Ok, Ok, sorry. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

bishop