I recently bought a higher-value PSA-graded Pokémon card and noticed something unusual on the bottom-left corner of the slab.
At first glance, it almost looks like there may have been some impact on that side, causing a slight ding on the surface. What concerns me is that there also seems to be some kind of frosting/line in the area where the sonic seal is supposed to be.
Does this look like a normal manufacturing artifact, or could it be damage that means the seal is no longer fully intact? I’m also wondering whether this could be a possible sign of tampering.
I’d really appreciate any input whether it is any reason to worry.
I’m mainly worried because there is a small ding/indentation on the surface of the slab in that corner, and it can be felt when running a finger over it. So it seems like something may have impacted the slab there.
My concern is whether that impact could have affected the sonic seal underneath. Around that same corner, there appears to be some frosting/cloudiness along the seal area. However, this is mostly visible from the top view. From the bottom, it looks normal, and from the side, I can only see a small line that is not visible at other parts of the slab.
Could this be a sign that the seal has been compromised?
Nope ur fine! Only times a case is compromised is if there is a crack on the case that runs across the surface of the card or if there is a tampering on entire edges of the slab.
Like Anthony said, it is not compromised. There’s enough of the sonic weld all around the slab to maintain the integrity of the front and back pieces together.
This is purely aesthetic, which may be enough to deter someone from keeping it perhaps.
Thank you for your input! That gives me a bit of peace of mind.
I just wanted to make sure, since this is the most expensive card I own. I was mainly worried that if the seal were broken, it could reduce the value or potentially allow moisture to get inside the slab.
I think yours is even less pronounced than my PSA slab. I trust @rtas and @anthony_CCG that these imperfections and small frosting is normal and wouldnt worry. Rest of the case is normal I guess, like in my case?
