Buying Authentic Altered Cards

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Setting aside the cards that had to be cut out from something and are mostly "A" cards and the rarities that are lucky finds in any grade, it just depends on the collector. The market is far smaller, so the prices are likely to be erratic. Sometimes the "A" is nothing more than the card being a real beater. This card got an "A" from PSA:



I'd be thrilled to own a Mantle in this sort of condition with an "A" holder. Just a matter of price. I'd rather have an "A" beater with all honest wear than an "A" recolor or trim that looks nm, but that's just my prejudice.

Excellent point, and very well said. ---Brian Powell