regumming-detection

name	regumming-detection
description	Use when inspecting a card suspected of regumming (re-applied gum on back of vintage card to fake 'pack-fresh' condition).

Regumming Detection

Regumming was used to fake mint condition on vintage cards. Detection: gum pattern, edge spread, UV response, and grader authentication.

Regumming signals

1. Gum residue pattern doesn't match era-typical placement
2. Gum spread to edges (factory gum sits in middle)
3. UV fluorescence on gum area different from factory wax/gum
4. Visible color shift between gum and surrounding card
5. Slight 'puckering' of paper from glue application

Why this matters

Pre-1990 cards came pack-fresh with gum on the back. Regumming was a 1990s technique to fake the pack-fresh look. Detected regumming flags the card as restored — auction houses reject.

Authentication

All major graders detect regumming via UV + microscope + era-specific gum pattern reference. Restored cards labeled 'Authenticated, Restored' — sell at 30-50% discount.

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Used in vintage Concierge as a red-flag check.