Why do people buy altered cards???

MJ23Collector · 06-01-2022, 05:41 AM

Here is the latest craze:

https://goldin.co/item/2003-04-upper...h-78-lebrcki7j

With buyer's premium it's already above 200K

For an altered card

Why do people buy altered cards? To me, once someone uses a blade or a pen or what ever they use to remove patches or touch up an auto, that card is dead!

My guess is that these people are not collectors and are only interested in a quick buck. Way too many of that kind in what used to be called a hobby...

rustywest · 06-01-2022, 05:55 AM

As far as I'm concerned, Nat Turner set the precedent here when he paid that record sum for the altered PMG. Setting a very poor example instead of treating the card like a virus

EBCollectibles · 06-01-2022, 06:11 AM

Can't fix stupid.

Deadshot · 06-01-2022, 07:09 AM

I don't think this was done on purpose, but that bright photo does a pretty good job of masking the damage on the patch window, too.

I have no problem buying an altered card as long as it's designated as such and allows me to buy in at a considerable discount. Here's an altered card I'm happy to own.

sethc1020 · 06-01-2022, 07:12 AM

I think this case is a bit different that just any other altered card. Its a Lebron Exquisite RPA, probably the most expensive NBA RC card and one of the most desirable cards in the hobby. Only 99 exist and someone is going to get this at a fraction of the cost of an Un-altered copy. If you don't have millions that you can drop on a Lebron RPA but a couple $100ks I can understand why someone would do it.

Its really not a new idea, see Brady Contenders. Lots of altered copies slabbed but they still sell because most people don't have the money to drop on a PSA 10 so buying an altered copy gives them the opportunity to own a Brady Contenders in their price range.

Im not supporting altered cards either as I dont own any and have never thought about buying one. But if it was a Grail type card that is very rare and would other wise be out of my price range I can understand why they still sell. It would also depend on what the alteration was to a degree as well.

Inferno · 06-01-2022, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sethc1020

I think this case is a bit different that just any other altered card. Its a Lebron Exquisite RPA, probably the most expensive NBA RC card and one of the most desirable cards in the hobby. Only 99 exist and someone is going to get this at a fraction of the cost of an Un-altered copy. If you don't have millions that you can drop on a Lebron RPA but a couple $100ks I can understand why someone would do it.

Its really not a new idea, see Brady Contenders. Lots of altered copies slabbed but they still sell because most people don't have the money to drop on a PSA 10 so buying an altered copy gives them the opportunity to own a Brady Contenders in their price range.

Im not supporting altered cards either as I dont own any and have never thought about buying one. But if it was a Grail type card that is very rare and would other wise be out of my price range I can understand why they still sell. It would also depend on what the alteration was to a degree as well.

All of this. You could argue whoever buys this could be the truest of collectors, willing to overlook the alteration(s) to jump at what might be their last chance to own a real LeBron RPA at a fraction of the going rate for an unaltered one.

nbahobbyaddict · 06-01-2022, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustywest

As far as I'm concerned, Nat Turner set the precedent here when he paid that record sum for the altered PMG. Setting a very poor example instead of treating the card like a virus

I remember when he was interviewed about that card, he said he didn’t care that it was altered. Here is the link, at around 5:10:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cGk1DD4XKc

nbahobbyaddict · 06-01-2022, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadshot

I don't think this was done on purpose, but that bright photo does a pretty good job of masking the damage on the patch window, too.

Oh man that really shows it. What a shame.

Orangejello727 · 06-01-2022, 08:55 AM

The key here is that the card is still authentic. Being altered and buying it for your collection is optional for any collector. They need to personally priortize what is more important to them when it comes to rare copies that never show up for sale or opportunity to purchase.

In the case of the PMG green MJ. Yes it was altered. But its important to note that it was authentic or real. The chances of ever obtaining that card maybe in the realm of almost never. When an authentic copy shows up, a real collector will take the opportunity to at the very least obtain it to fulfill their collection.

Plus they can always upgrade down the road if a better version of the card pops up. Same goes for this card. 99 copies. Astronomical prices. Need to priortize between the chance to own one altered but authentic or wait it out.

2010GBPackers · 06-01-2022, 09:12 AM

If the card is altered and clearly communicated as such, there should be no issue. Some cards are monetarily unattainable, so buying an altered copy may be the only way to own one.

Arianny_Fan · 06-01-2022, 10:43 AM

I'd buy anything rare/authentic/altered for cheaper any day over a PSA 10 GEM MINT priced to the moon.

msink28 · 06-01-2022, 10:46 AM

Exactly, it's often that or nothing. Of course you want to swap it out later on if you can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orangejello727

The key here is that the card is still authentic. Being altered and buying it for your collection is optional for any collector. They need to personally priortize what is more important to them when it comes to rare copies that never show up for sale or opportunity to purchase.

In the case of the PMG green MJ. Yes it was altered. But its important to note that it was authentic or real. The chances of ever obtaining that card maybe in the realm of almost never. When an authentic copy shows up, a real collector will take the opportunity to at the very least obtain it to fulfill their collection.

Plus they can always upgrade down the road if a better version of the card pops up. Same goes for this card. 99 copies. Astronomical prices. Need to priortize between the chance to own one altered but authentic or wait it out.

hauntedcomputer · 06-01-2022, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbahobbyaddict

Oh man that really shows it. What a shame.

Is that the alteration?

AbraCalabro · 06-01-2022, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hauntedcomputer

Is that the alteration?

I see the two creases by the patch window and I see the condition problem on the bottom lower left corner of the front, but I'm wondering what the actual alterations are. When this thing was sold raw in the past, these conditions were listed in the auction...so what changed?

Does any one know what ever happened to 25 and 74?

What is the consensus on 44?

the mesiah · 06-01-2022, 11:51 AM

It’s like first dating a super model that has big juggs and then decides she is getting a breast reduction to size mosquito bite size A’s ..and then also found out she got like 5 kids by 4 guys ..

tjforce · 06-01-2022, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the mesiah

It’s like first dating a super model that has big juggs and then decides she is getting a breast reduction to size mosquito bite size A’s ..and then also found out she got like 5 kids by 4 guys ..

IDK man...

Miranda Kerr is still pretty cute.

the mesiah · 06-01-2022, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjforce

IDK man...

Miranda Kerr is still pretty cute.

I’m all for augmentation but not reduction on the juggs ..deal breaker

RogerGodahell · 06-01-2022, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadshot

I don't think this was done on purpose, but that bright photo does a pretty good job of masking the damage on the patch window, too.

I have no problem buying an altered card as long as it's designated as such and allows me to buy in at a considerable discount. Here's an altered card I'm happy to own.

It's been a while since i've seen a Mikan card. Not that card but the bread one wasn't it the most sought after and valuable basketball card at one time, like 20 years ago? I feel like i remember reading an article about that back then.

Deadshot · 06-01-2022, 03:01 PM

I have no idea what a Bread for Health card would sell for now. I think he has a Scott's Chips one, too. My price range is more in line with the 52 Wheaties stuff.

AbraCalabro · 06-01-2022, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadshot

I have no idea what a Bread for Health card would sell for now. I think he has a Scott's Chips one, too. My price range is more in line with the 52 Wheaties stuff.

Any insight on what the alteration on this card is? 42/99 ?

I can't find any evidence of alteration.

Deadshot · 06-01-2022, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbraCalabro

Any insight on what the alteration on this card is? 42/99 ?

I can't find any evidence of alteration.

I don't unfortunately, but it looks like BGS sees something. It's had at least two different blue labels. Notice the different cert number here.

Edit: It was brought up in post #1 of THE LeBron thread

https://www.blowoutforums.com/showpo...27&postcount=1

Edit 2: This appears to be an old eBay listing for it:

http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/sto...845961409.html

AbraCalabro · 06-01-2022, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadshot

I don't unfortunately, but it looks like BGS sees something. It's had at least two different blue labels. Notice the different cert number here.

Edit: It was brought up in post #1 of THE LeBron thread

https://www.blowoutforums.com/showpo...27&postcount=1

Edit 2: This appears to be an old eBay listing for it:

http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/sto...845961409.html

hydroponicsonline lmao - what's the history of this site and why is there an eBay listing for the RPA on there?

Also, you're correct, it was cracked and reslabed with a new cert, I just don't see any evidence of alteration. I can send you the stuff I have on it as well, but in the listing copy I have, it's also mentioned clearly that the card has the two creases, described as wrinkles and also an issue with the bottom left front corner. I'm guessing BGS will not be very helpful in providing us with information on why they deemed it altered.

I just don't understand how this thing is labeled altered and until I see evidence on its alteration, I can't buy it as altered.

Meanwhile, 25 and 74 are altered, backed by evidence and BGS still graded them as unaltered and provided letters attesting to the authenticity of the grade, which is complete B.S.

At this stage I am also rethinking 44, I don't think it's altered and it seems more likely that it was replaced by Upper Deck. I recall a thread with the owner making that claim and he did post letters from...I want to say UD Chris Carlin? as well, but memory is foggy.

Hellcat · 06-01-2022, 06:54 PM

Careful men PSA Authentic can mean Altered also. Look up PSA’s definition of an Authentic slab very cloudy by their standards Buyer Beware!

Deadshot · 06-01-2022, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellcat

Careful men PSA Authentic can mean Altered also. Look up PSA’s definition of an Authentic slab very cloudy by their standards Buyer Beware!

If you're referring to the one I posted, it says ALTERED on the slab.

mc1 · 06-01-2022, 08:25 PM

That bottom edge looks crooked or warped. The top edge doesnt look like that. Someone took a blade it.

06-01-2022, 07:09 AM	#4
Deadshot Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 7,694	I don't think this was done on purpose, but that bright photo does a pretty good job of masking the damage on the patch window, too. I have no problem buying an altered card as long as it's designated as such and allows me to buy in at a considerable discount. Here's an altered card I'm happy to own. __________________ He said he name was “E”, so I introduced myself as “G”...The license plate said “IMNBITZ” or “IMNBISZ” or something. - G YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuD3WYJ0rkpLqDdyavC2WA

06-01-2022, 07:12 AM	#5
sethc1020 Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,543 sethc_1020	I think this case is a bit different that just any other altered card. Its a Lebron Exquisite RPA, probably the most expensive NBA RC card and one of the most desirable cards in the hobby. Only 99 exist and someone is going to get this at a fraction of the cost of an Un-altered copy. If you don't have millions that you can drop on a Lebron RPA but a couple $100ks I can understand why someone would do it. Its really not a new idea, see Brady Contenders. Lots of altered copies slabbed but they still sell because most people don't have the money to drop on a PSA 10 so buying an altered copy gives them the opportunity to own a Brady Contenders in their price range. Im not supporting altered cards either as I dont own any and have never thought about buying one. But if it was a Grail type card that is very rare and would other wise be out of my price range I can understand why they still sell. It would also depend on what the alteration was to a degree as well. __________________ https://www.flickr.com/gp/151086784@N06/28H47r

06-01-2022, 09:12 AM	#10
2010GBPackers Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 4,142	If the card is altered and clearly communicated as such, there should be no issue. Some cards are monetarily unattainable, so buying an altered copy may be the only way to own one. __________________ "And more and more and more and more And more of less than ever before It's just too much more for your mind to absorb" - Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Instagram: 2010gbpackers

06-01-2022, 10:43 AM	#11
Arianny_Fan Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: On a rock in the middle of the sea. Posts: 3,573 basketballfiend	I'd buy anything rare/authentic/altered for cheaper any day over a PSA 10 GEM MINT priced to the moon. __________________ IG: @basketballfiendcards @ariannycelestecards Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/139631202@N06/albums

06-01-2022, 11:51 AM	#15
the mesiah Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 5,545	It’s like first dating a super model that has big juggs and then decides she is getting a breast reduction to size mosquito bite size A’s ..and then also found out she got like 5 kids by 4 guys .. __________________ THE CARD/MEMORABILIA COLLECTION https://www.flickr.com/photos/149024462@N04/albums/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/196556801@N02/albums/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/196511489@N05/albums/

06-01-2022, 05:41 AM	#1
MJ23Collector Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 149	Why do people buy altered cards??? Here is the latest craze: https://goldin.co/item/2003-04-upper...h-78-lebrcki7j With buyer's premium it's already above 200K For an altered card Why do people buy altered cards? To me, once someone uses a blade or a pen or what ever they use to remove patches or touch up an auto, that card is dead! My guess is that these people are not collectors and are only interested in a quick buck. Way too many of that kind in what used to be called a hobby...

06-01-2022, 05:55 AM	#2
rustywest Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 2,688	As far as I'm concerned, Nat Turner set the precedent here when he paid that record sum for the altered PMG. Setting a very poor example instead of treating the card like a virus

06-01-2022, 06:11 AM	#3
EBCollectibles Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 4,882	Can't fix stupid.

06-01-2022, 08:55 AM	#9
Orangejello727 Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 19,083	The key here is that the card is still authentic. Being altered and buying it for your collection is optional for any collector. They need to personally priortize what is more important to them when it comes to rare copies that never show up for sale or opportunity to purchase. In the case of the PMG green MJ. Yes it was altered. But its important to note that it was authentic or real. The chances of ever obtaining that card maybe in the realm of almost never. When an authentic copy shows up, a real collector will take the opportunity to at the very least obtain it to fulfill their collection. Plus they can always upgrade down the road if a better version of the card pops up. Same goes for this card. 99 copies. Astronomical prices. Need to priortize between the chance to own one altered but authentic or wait it out.

06-01-2022, 03:01 PM	#19
Deadshot Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 7,694	I have no idea what a Bread for Health card would sell for now. I think he has a Scott's Chips one, too. My price range is more in line with the 52 Wheaties stuff. __________________ He said he name was “E”, so I introduced myself as “G”...The license plate said “IMNBITZ” or “IMNBISZ” or something. - G YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuD3WYJ0rkpLqDdyavC2WA

06-01-2022, 06:54 PM	#23
Hellcat Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 2,314	Careful men PSA Authentic can mean Altered also. Look up PSA’s definition of an Authentic slab very cloudy by their standards Buyer Beware!

06-01-2022, 08:25 PM	#25
mc1 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 11,208	That bottom edge looks crooked or warped. The top edge doesnt look like that. Someone took a blade it. __________________ B.I.D.