PSA Card Case Issue? Just arrived from PSA.

[Tay1038]

I received my first ever submission of graded cards back from PSA last Thursday. Turnaround time was just over 90 days, so not terribly long considering I am not a member of PSA with no history submitting cards for grading. I noticed on my T206 Cravath the laminate looking “Frosting” or “Icing” is very bubbly and looks horrible. The other cases in my order are perfect with no issues. Is there any recourse with PSA to fix this issue? Is this common?

Thank you in advance for your responses.

[steve B]

Looks like they may have put it in a sleeve to keep the slabbing process from doing more surface damage.
Nobody like the sleeves, but it's probably not avoidable.

I've never understood the claim that vacuum might damage the cards, the slabs aren't sealed, so I'm not sure what the vacuum would be for. Maybe to briefly hold the two halves together while the laser/ultrasonic welder does its thing? If it's ultrasonic, how do they get the sound through the vacuum?

[swarmee]

I agree; it looks like they decided to use the Mylar sleeve to reduce likelihood of future damage.

[irishdenny]

Originally Posted by steve B

Looks like they may have put it in a sleeve to keep the slabbing process from doing more surface damage.
Nobody like the sleeves, but it's probably not avoidable.

I've never understood the claim that vacuum might damage the cards, the slabs aren't sealed, so I'm not sure what the vacuum would be for. Maybe to briefly hold the two halves together while the laser/ultrasonic welder does its thing? If it's ultrasonic, how do they get the sound through the vacuum?

Steve... This So True and Really FuNNy at the Same Time

if anything... the process isn't healthy for the Cards!

[t206fanatic]

I do not know why they put the sleeve around the card, but it certainly does detract from the aesthetic.

[steve B]

What doesn't the scan show that makes that AB a 3? Or is it just PSA being PSA?

[t206fanatic]

Originally Posted by steve B

What doesn't the scan show that makes that AB a 3? Or is it just PSA being PSA?

Think the light staining on the back is the reason for the grade-- just posted to show that same 'frosting' look at OP's card.

[CW]

Originally Posted by t206fanatic

I do not know why they put the sleeve around the card, but it certainly does detract from the aesthetic.

In some cases with undersized cards that don't fit into the holder's space very well, such as the AB back you posted, PSA opts for the mylar sleeve to prevent the card from moving around in the slab which could cause edge damage.

[Tay1038]

Thank you to all that chimed in. I don't much about the card grading as I do other areas in the hobby, therefore I really appreciate the photo examples and knowledge.

[jchcollins]

PSA has a long way to go in ensuring that most of the cards they slab do not move around in their holders. I too have heard the Mylar insert reasoning, but it doesn’t always solve the problem. Vintage cards, including prewar and postwar were often made from different thickness cardboard stock. When PSA fails to account for this, you occasionally see cards slipping and sliding around in their slabs as if on greased skids. No, it’s probably not the total end of the world, but as someone who collects for reasons other than to simply turn a profit - it’s annoying. I’ve seen the “slippage” with everything from T206 cards to mid-70’s Topps. I guess the point is, if you use a baggie - then like BVG - at least figure a way to use it that ensures the card does not move.


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