Question about the MK qualifier

billwaltonsbeard

Are there varying degrees of MK? In other words would one small pencil mark be any different than a very large black ink mark?

I read the description on the site and understand that the card is assessed a grade based on all other criteria, and then given the qualifier; whether MK, OC, ST etc. But I guess my question is could a severe mark on the back contribute to that grade being lower?

Twinsthreepeat

Id say yes. Example would be if somebody took a pencil and traced the same line over and over again until it actually tore the card, then yes I think the card would grade lower because of the physical damage done.

WinPitcher

I'd say no, The qualifier speaks for itself, the value then is determined by the severity of the mark.


Of course, like mentioned above if the mark caused physical damage (tore the paper), (indented the stock) then
the grader could/would likely also lower the grade. Also, it has been my experience that only the OC qualifier can be
not issued resulting in a lower 'net' grade.

miwlvrn

Sometimes I wish they'd change where they "draw the line" on MK vs. no grade / altered. I have some cards with some lighter pencil marks on the back, that even in that condition are still worth keeping due to scarcity. I tried erasing one very lightly because I hoped that the card would still get an MK qualifier but that the overall visual appeal to me would be higher without as dark a mark on it. No dice, they come back as altered and PSA wouldn't label it even as 'Authentic' once it fell into that subcategory of Altered (unlike what I have with Authentic-Trimmed on some). To me it isn't quite the same thing as a stealthily hidden black coloring to hide border chipping on something like a 1971 Topps. Erasing a stray pencil mark doesn't quite have the same intent of deceit in my mind as does border recoloring. Wasn't that I was trying to alter the card, as I would have been content to still have the qualifier. Oh well, now I just live with marks on the back as is.

VitoCo1972

Eh, I have a Bob Cousy rookie with a 7MK grade. The "mark" is on the back and could very easily have come from the factory. I thought MK was a pretty harsh grade.