Trimmed Card Crossover

[vintagecpa]

I had a question for some more experienced collectors. Awhile back, I bought a 19th Century HOF in a GAI holder. When I received the card, it measured 1/8" short and the bottom of the card looked trimmed to me upon close inspection. I based this on the bottom edge of card having a different age look than the other three sides. I returned the card figuring it would just be a waste of time and money to attempt a crossover.

I now see the same card is in a numerical slab from SGC (lower grade). I'm not losing any sleep over returning the card. However, my question is how rare is it for SGC or PSA to slab a trimmed card? It is very likely the card wasn't trimmed as I'm certainly not an expert. However, it got me thinking. Thanks.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by vintagecpa

However, my question is how rare is it for SGC or PSA to slab a trimmed card?

To answer your question, it happens with both companies. If the card was that short, I am guessing they examined it pretty carefully to determine if it was cut short or had been trimmed.

I am working on a 53 Bowman color set and the cards are all over the place. There is probably a 5/16" to 3/8" difference in the shortest card to the tallest card. I've just learned to look at the cut under a lighted loop and I can usually tell if it was just cut short or was trimmed.

[Matt]

I've seen many egregious PSA errors where they have slabbed a badly trimmed card with a numerical grade; per my observation, definitely more then SGC.

[bobbyw8469]

BOTH companies have made their share of mistakes. If PSA has made more mistakes than SGC, it is mainly because they grade more cards than SGC. One company is not more apt to grade trimmed cards than the other (sorry SGC lovers!)......

[Matt]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

BOTH companies have made their share of mistakes. If PSA has made more mistakes than SGC, it is mainly because they grade more cards than SGC. One company is not more apt to grade trimmed cards than the other (sorry SGC lovers!)......

I disagree; PSA has made embarrasing mistakes with trimmed cards - an OJ comes to mind where the whole ad bottom was trimmed and they gave it a 5. And, on topic, just browsing newly listed on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1921-E220-PS...item336c023d58

[bobbyw8469]

I can post several pics of SGC mistakes that THEY have made. And I can promise that they grade less cards. It wouldn't surprised me that the percentage of goofs to cards graded is actually HIGHER with SGC!