[cammb]

Originally Posted by OldOriole

Speck of dirt? Piece of wrapper? Hair?

I already said where my line is - if it wasn't there originally and you get it off without leaving anything behind (so solvents, bleach, etc. are out) it's fine. I don't know how you remove pen ink or paint without leaving something behind.

Bubble gum, pencil marks, certainly can be removed. We just have a difference of opinion. With your strict interpretation, no card could be removed from a scrapbook without being considered 'altered'. I'd say at least half of the Old Judges have been saved by scrapbook removal (thankfully). They're graded (rightfully) with numerical grades even with evidence of previous adhesion to a scrapbook.

Most card backs have some kind of advertising...they were meant to be seen and read. So I think it's OK to remove a chunk of paper or bubble gum to be able to see the card the way it was intended when it was produced. Just my $0.02

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