| 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
- Gum residue pattern doesn't match era-typical placement
- Gum spread to edges (factory gum sits in middle)
- UV fluorescence on gum area different from factory wax/gum
- Visible color shift between gum and surrounding card
- 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.
