Does reduced trimming trump centering?

[steve B]

I've seen a display of altered stamps that were good enough I couldn't spot the alterations. Those were miles ahead of any trimming I've seen.

I would be open to being tested. if someone sent a common or two, with or without known trimming to keep it from being just a hunt for what I would know is there, I believe I could find a trim nearly every time.

Could I do it in 30 seconds like the grading companies take? I'm not sure.

I would be open to similar tests for any alterations. Some of the borderline ones where some think it's altering some don't may in fact be undetectable some of the time. Like wiping off a wax stain.

[Leon]

For the same reason I don't cut strips of cards, or already damaged cards, I wouldn't want to test your abilities. I am sure you would do very well. That said, I just reaffirmed with a grader whom I happen to know, he doesn't think trimming is an exact science either. I am quite sure any good grader will say the same thing. That doesn't mean they don't catch a lot, or most, of the alterations. I think they do. But there are some things I just don't think they can detect. And I am not talking about higher grade cards. I am talking the 2s-5s ranges....which will have normal, handled, wear.

To Al above, if they got 20 of 20 right, I would have to re-eavaluate my position

Originally Posted by steve B

I've seen a display of altered stamps that were good enough I couldn't spot the alterations. Those were miles ahead of any trimming I've seen.

I would be open to being tested. if someone sent a common or two, with or without known trimming to keep it from being just a hunt for what I would know is there, I believe I could find a trim nearly every time.

Could I do it in 30 seconds like the grading companies take? I'm not sure.

I would be open to similar tests for any alterations. Some of the borderline ones where some think it's altering some don't may in fact be undetectable some of the time. Like wiping off a wax stain.