| name | vintage-card-trim-detection |
| description | Use when inspecting a vintage card suspected of being trimmed (cut down from a wider original). Heavily penalized by all graders.
|
Vintage Card Trim Detection
Trimming was common 1980s-90s restoration era. Detect via edge depth, fiber pattern, dimension check, and graders' UV/microscope inspection.
Trim signals
- Sharp 90° edge corner profile (un-cut cards have slight rolled edge from factory)
- Visible cardstock fiber on edge (cut exposes fibers; factory cut is sealed)
- Dimensions slightly under spec (T206 should be 1 7/16" × 2 5/8")
- Centered cropping (trimmed cards often re-centered intentionally)
- Bright white edge on otherwise toned card (cut exposes fresh paper)
Dimension check tool
Always measure vintage cards with a digital caliper:
- T206: 1 7/16" × 2 5/8" (37mm × 67mm)
- 1933 Goudey: 2 3/8" × 2 7/8" (60mm × 73mm)
- 1952 Topps: 2 5/8" × 3 3/4" (67mm × 95mm)
Under-spec by >1mm = trim risk.
Grader detection
Graders apply UV, microscope, fiber-pattern analysis, and dimension check. Detected trim results in:
- 'Authenticated, Not Graded' (no number grade)
- Often returned to submitter with restoration note
- Auction houses reject trim-graded cards from premier sales
- Owner takes 60-90% value haircut
Where this fits in the X3 empire
Used in vintage Concierge as a pre-submission red-flag check.
