How to get PSA to acknowledge a variation

[ScooterD]

I bought the card below recently, and I’d like some help on next steps with PSA.



Long story made short - the original Loretta card pictured another player. For 20 years, this was thought to be an uncorrected error, and most online checklists have it as UER; however, a small number of corrected versions, like this one, surfaced from late-issued factory sets.

I would like PSA to add a notation on the label showing that it’s the corrected version (or Loretta pictured.. whatever). But I think (correct me if I’m wrong) I need to have PSA acknowledge the variation (correction)… and maybe Topps/Fanatics would have to do so prior to PSA (?)

Any guidance or points in the right direction are appreciated. Thanks - Scott


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[EscapePlan]

Submit a support ticket on their website. If they approve it, you’ll be able to create a CRC order and they’ll send you shipping information. I did it once for a mislabeled slab and had the corrected slab back to me in under 2 weeks.

[ScooterD]

Originally Posted by EscapePlan

Submit a support ticket on their website. If they approve it, you’ll be able to create a CRC order and they’ll send you shipping information. I did it once for a mislabeled slab and had the corrected slab back to me in under 2 weeks.

Thank you - I’ll try this.

Not playing devil’s advocate, but I worry that my situation a little different. You knew (and they knew) that the initial label was wrong - and I don’t have that confirmation yet because I don’t have an indication that PSA acknowledges a difference between the uncorrected error and the corrected version.

The pop report shows 5 graded copies of card 446 (no a or b notations or variations). I know that my 10 and one of the 9s is this version, but who is to say that the other 3 aren’t the UER version?

[newcokeandtaco]

You would submit a "Research Request" via CRC. They want multiple images and links to websites (checklists preferred) that support the request. You can also add an explanation like you did in your post. If you can provide images of the error and corrected cards in PSA slabs (or raw) that can help your efforts.

https://www.psacard.com/myaccount/customerrequestcenter

I have tried to add a couple of known Garbage Pail Kids Original Series error variations but have failed unfortunately. They have stated it is because a lack of corroborating/supporting information from checklists or trusted websites. Cool error card btw. It is neat to see the corrected version be the rare one. GL

[ScooterD]

^^^^ Great stuff - thank you!

The added wrinkle is that the card is on its way to authentication now. Being that PSA didn’t acknowledge the “variation” during grading, it will be interesting to see what the same company will do in this situation. I mean, the card is the corrected version, but that isn’t reflected on the label. Since I bought both, Will PSA call a foul on themselves (resulting in it being called non-authentic)?

It’s a weird one.

[RufussCkingston]

Originally Posted by ScooterD

^^^^ Great stuff - thank you!

The added wrinkle is that the card is on its way to authentication now. Being that PSA didn’t acknowledge the “variation” during grading, it will be interesting to see what the same company will do in this situation. I mean, the card is the corrected version, but that isn’t reflected on the label. Since I bought both, Will PSA call a foul on themselves (resulting in it being called non-authentic)?

It’s a weird one.

eBay Authentication (psa) isn't going to ponder any of that. They are just checking to see what was shipped is what was in the auction and that the case hasn't been tampered with. They won't have a clue about this situation unless the cert# was flagged by PSA.

[ScooterD]

Originally Posted by RufussCkingston

eBay Authentication (psa) isn't going to ponder any of that. They are just checking to see what was shipped is what was in the auction and that the case hasn't been tampered with. They won't have a clue about this situation unless the cert# was flagged by PSA.

Understood. Seems like an expert in the industry may note that the card and the label don’t match, but what do I know? Thank you!

EDIT: the listing says that this is the corrected version - which matches the card, but not the label (issued by the authenticator). See the circular issue?

[newcokeandtaco]

As mentioned above, there is no issue. PSA would need to recognize the variation and add it to the catalog before any issues could arise. There is no "label error" (PSA also calls these "mechanical errors") because there is only one label.

In other words, as far as PSA is concerned there is currently only one variation of the 2002 Topps Mark Loretta #446 (regardless of who is pictured).

[ScooterD]

Originally Posted by newcokeandtaco

As mentioned above, there is no issue. PSA would need to recognize the variation and add it to the catalog before any issues could arise. There is no "label error" (PSA also calls these "mechanical errors") because there is only one label.

In other words, as far as PSA is concerned there is currently only one variation of the 2002 Topps Mark Loretta #446 (regardless of who is pictured).

Got it - thank you all!

[ScooterD]

Got a call from eBay AG today. The initial review of the card and listing don’t match - so they wanted me to know that. The incongruity is that the listing says that the card is the corrected version (which it is), but the label doesn’t reflect that the card is the corrected version.

I asked whether the authenticator (PSA - who also graded the card) acknowledges that there are error and corrected variations of this card. If so, then the label is wrong, and not the listing - and the grader/authenticator could resolve the discrepancy on their end.

They said that the matter has been referred to a “special agent” and supervisor to determine next steps.

[wallawalla]

Hey ScooterD, I just noticed on the PSA app, as well as the regular online submission portal, that PSA appears to already recognize both variations (if I'm reading it right).

They list one as "2002 Topps 446 Mark Loretta", and the picture indicates that this is the corrected version. The pop report shows 5 of them. Only 1 PSA 10, which I think is yours.

They also list one as "2002 Topps 446 Mark Loretta Photo Curtis Leskanic". On the app, if you click the pop report for this one, it says "No data available; it looks like this card has never been graded by PSA".

It's as if they're treating the common (error) version as the variation (requiring an explanation), and the rare (corrected) version as the "base" card.

For your card specifically, maybe they'll keep it in the same slab/label as it currently is, and just say that it's settled? Here is a screenshot of the PSA page:

[wallawalla]

By the way, I became interested in this card because of your post, so thanks for sharing.

I'm also the new proud owner of this copy of the corrected version (opened a factory set):

[Slinger23]

Originally Posted by wallawalla

By the way, I became interested in this card because of your post, so thanks for sharing.

I'm also the new proud owner of this copy of the corrected version (opened a factory set):

I am curious which factory set, box color did you open? The green or brown box?

[wallawalla]

My box was green.

[ScooterD]

Thanks for the update, and congrats on the rare pull!

I think what happened is that, in the 3 weeks between my Research request and you next message, PSA decided to acknowledge both versions. The “Leskanic” language wasn’t there before. That way, they didn’t have to change my label (or the other 4). Thanks for looking out!

[wallawalla]

Ah, nice. I'm glad they are acknowledging the variation. Although I have to say, I'd slightly prefer it if they added extra notation/language to the rare, correct version (Loretta picture), rather than (retroactively, it seems) offering to add language to the Leskanic picture.

If I send in my Loretta picture to get graded, I might send in a Leskanic version, too, just to keep them honest

[junkwaxgems]

Originally Posted by ScooterD

Thanks for the update, and congrats on the rare pull!

I think what happened is that, in the 3 weeks between my Research request and you next message, PSA decided to acknowledge both versions. The “Leskanic” language wasn’t there before. That way, they didn’t have to change my label (or the other 4). Thanks for looking out!

I stomped my feet so you could run.

PSA absolutely refused, repeatedly, to acknowledge the correction, the first times I subbed it in late 2021. I have the receipts for a solid month of back and forth on this card with a couple different reps where they would not budge.

"Our review team finds that it is a factory misprint."

Only after sending it without any notation, did I get mine slabbed (a 9). I know at this point a handful that they slabbed without noting the correction.

Originally Posted by Slinger23

I am curious which factory set, box color did you open? The green or brown box?

FYI some green sets are retail and the Loretta was only corrected in some green sets...the ones that contain the Draft Picks inserts. The green box with Future Archives will always have the error version. You won't know what version you have without opening. Also, I can confirm instances of brown/red sets containing the correction as well.

[Slinger23]

Originally Posted by junkwaxgems

I stomped my feet so you could run.

PSA absolutely refused, repeatedly, to acknowledge the correction, the first times I subbed it in late 2021. I have the receipts for a solid month of back and forth on this card with a couple different reps where they would not budge.

"Our review team finds that it is a factory misprint."

Only after sending it without any notation, did I get mine slabbed (a 9). I know at this point a handful that they slabbed without noting the correction.






FYI some green sets are retail and the Loretta was only corrected in some green sets...the ones that contain the Draft Picks inserts. The green box with Future Archives will always have the error version. You won't know what version you have without opening. Also, I can confirm instances of brown/red sets containing the correction as well.

I picked up a "green" set from eBay and was lucky enough to pull the correct Loretta card. Many thanks for your insight. Maybe PSA will be generous to me, lol!