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DrJI was wondering if anyone could help me out a bit. I used to collect tobacco cards about 14-16 years ago, but went into a long hibernation during many years of college/grad school/post grad school and their attendant poverty. Lately, I've rekindled my interest in collecting, and have looked through some websites and ebay. I was a bit alarmed (and I suppose naive as well) to find that there are reprints of even common tobacco cards floating around, with enough wear on them to make them look "authentic". Is this a widespread problem? How worried do you have to be if you buy something that is not listed as being graded by, say, PSA? If a dealer says that their cards are not reprints, how far can you take them on their word? I have not bought anything yet, and am waiting to get some sense of this issue. Unlike many, I am happy to buy a relatively beat up card, since I like them for their artwork and overall gestaldt. But I guess you have to be on guard even with the roughed-up ones as well.
This issue has probably been so played out on this message board that everyone's sick of dealing with it. But, if you could give me some advice, it will be very much appreciated.
Thanks!