Advice on Hostess PSA Grading

[Jenx34]

I have a card I plan to submit to PSA with an upcoming 70's Special. I need help on if it needs to be cut closer to the outline or possibly evened up.

Looking for advice from someone that has cut/trimmed them and submitted to PSA. And to learn how it worked out. I don't care about what SGC might do. I've looked at examples of several PSA 10's and all seem to be cut pretty tight to the lines.

Thanks!

[SyrNy1960]

I’m no expert on the subject, but I like that look, better than cutting to close to the black dotted lines. Looks awesome!

[swarmee]

Usually if they're cut like what you show, they get PSA 5s because they're not attractive. Definitely cut them straight right outside the top of the border. I actually got a 9 on a Panel a few years ago by doing that, and I just used regular craft scissors.

[Jenx34]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Usually if they're cut like what you show, they get PSA 5s because they're not attractive. Definitely cut them straight right outside the top of the border. I actually got a 9 on a Panel a few years ago by doing that, and I just used regular craft scissors.

Thanks. These are definitely outside my wheelhouse, at least as far as grading goes. As far as eating Hostess, and getting these cards, as a kid, now that's a different story!

[butchie_t]

That cut looks much nicer to me. I'd be happy with that card and that cut.

Good luck.


Butch T.

[Zach Wheat]

Agree with what John said. Nice card.

[JollyElm]

Since the top and bottom of the right side have 'bat ears,' I would definitely straight edge/X-Acto knife it and straighten that side up to make it even more gorgeouser, eye appeal wise. Very cool career capper card!!!!!!

[skil55voy]

Beautiful card. Cut OUTSIDE the borders which to me makes the card even better. Near mint. Of course I doubt the graders see it that way. Post and Jell-o cards have the same "problem".

[Bigdaddy]

To answer the title of your thread, but not necessarily your question, I'd make sure to lick all the Twinkie filling off the cards before sending in to be graded. Just a little trick I've learned over the years.

Sorry, couldn't resist. And free bump.

TJ

[jchcollins]

The only general rule seems to be that they need to see the dotted cut lines; that those aren't totally gone. I have seen cards exactly the way that one is cut get high grades, but PSA is so all over the place right now it's probably a crapshoot either way.

[Harford20]

I have cut many sheet cards, whether older Wheaties cards or later 1970’s Topps. I have had nearly 300 of these cut cards graded by PSA, although none in the past 2 years (again, maybe a crapshoot with PSA currently). From prior experience, as JollyElm noted, my recommendation would be to use a straight-edge and cutter (I certainly prefer the wheel blades over x-acto for perfect cuts) and just “barely” trim your lines to make them parallel to the dashes. You do not need to cut close to the dashes, just straighten the lines for those graders looking for “eye-appeal”.
Dave