WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

To fully inspect a card you will need some basic equipment, which are relatively inexpensive but definitely important for identifying any alterations or looking at the overall condition of the card. At a minimum you will need a halogen light, a ruler and some type of magnifying device.

For the halogen light, you will need to have at least 50 watts in power, with enough room to inspect the card at about 10 inches, if need be. Halogen lights give off the best lighting needed to identify most alterations. There are several types to choose from, although a simple desktop lamp will suffice.  Halogen lights can be purchased at almost any office supply store, hardware store or department store.

The ruler is needed to simply measure the card. You will need to know the "textbook" measurement of the card you are inspecting in order to know if it is the correct size.  Most cards dating from 1960 to Present measure roughly 2 ½” wide by 3 ½” high.

The magnification device can be anything from a jeweler’s loupe to a simple magnifying glass.  The idea is to be able to analyze the details of the card – corners, edges, surface.

An additional and recommended option would be to use a black light, which can also be purchased at almost all hardware stores.  These are great for revealing any part of a card that may have been re-colored with paint, markers, pens, etc. or has rebuilt corners and added cardstock. In some rare instances it can also be used to tell if a card has been altered with the use of chemicals. These can be purchased at almost all hardware stores. A completely dark environment using a 25+ watt black light usually works the best.

THE INSPECTION:

There are no specific steps for inspecting a card, but it would certainly include looking at the entire card front and back, each edge, corners all at various angles, repeatedly if necessary. To assist in a card inspection the following steps can be used as a simple guideline:

Measure the card with a ruler both from left to right and top to bottom noting the exact measurements. With the halogen light on, hold the card about six to eight inches from the light. Try different distances during the inspection as well. Initially the card should be positioned in such a way that an edge of the card is facing the light. Carefully tip the card slightly back and forth so that all angles of the edge can be inspected. Do this for all four edges of the card, noting any abnormalities or color variances. A light edge(s) compared to tone colored edge could mean the card has been trimmed.

Turn the card face up and give a quick look the symmetry of the cut along the edges, the corners and picture centering and overall surface. The entire card should be directly under the light, again about six to eight inches to start, then move it closer. Tilt the card in all directions, while moving it clockwise or counter clockwise if you prefer. Remember that the idea is to analyze the general condition of the card, looking at the gloss, potential re-colored spots, possible stains, dents, dings, residue, surface wrinkles, scuffs, scratches or anything else that doesn't look normal. One thing that a lot of collectors overlook is that the back of the card is just as important. So, do the same with the back of the card as you did to inspect the front of the card.

Under the light, carefully inspect with your magnification device the corners looking at the overall condition and for any abnormalities. Look closely at any potential problems you may have noticed during the surface and edge inspections. Also look at the card at varying angles.

This should be all that is needed to examine a card for "basic" potential alterations and/or condition. As mentioned above, you may want to repeat any or all of the steps outlined until you feel comfortable every part of the card at every conceivable angle has been scrutinized to the best of your ability. In time, this process will become faster and easier as you gain more experience and develop your own routine and detection methods.

Thanks for taking the time to read my guide and I hope this has helped.  If it has, please hit the "Yes" button to let everyone else know and feel free to contact me with any questions and most importantly...HAVE FUN COLLECTING!!!

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My name is Jack from CJACKC COLLECTIBLES (eBay userid:  cjackc).  I have been buying and selling sportscards on eBay for over 5 years now and I hope that you have found this helpful.

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