Inspecting a card - the basics

 Alteration Overview

 Card Soaking

 Detecting bleached cards

 Detecting trimmed cards

 Card sanding

 Detecting a rebacked card

 Aging and toning

 Detecting recolored cards

Detecting rebuilt corners

 Reglossed cards

 Errors and oddities

 Other alterations

Kevin Saucier has been collecting sports cards since childhood. To understand "card doctoring" he needed to become one...an honest one. Once proficient, he started submitting his altered cards to various grading companies in an effort to test the limits, while not letting them into the hobby. The results are astounding.

He continues to alter cards in every conceivable way to discover new methods and results. This research is used in an effort to educate collectors at all levels about the variety of techniques that can sometimes fool even the most experienced collectors and professionals. Many of the world's top collectors and renowned graders consider Kevin to be one the top experts in altering and identifying altered cards. His knowledge and opinion is frequently used by collectors across the nation to validate cards suspected of being doctored or of questionable authenticity.

He has several published articles, printed press releases and online written material with companies such as Global Authentication, PSA and Beckett. Some of these same companies have also asked Kevin for assistance in developing and testing security measures for graded card flips and slabs which are currently in use today.

Here are a few endorsements and testimonials:

Rob Lifson - President & Founder robertedwardauctions.com One of the most respected names in the hobby. Renowned for his ethics, integrity, experience and knowledge:

"I admire what Kevin Saucier is trying to do. He puts himself on the firing line even attempting to provide information to the public about card alterations. Some people don't like his work. It's not a very popular topic. The fact is card alteration is epidemic. Not everyone has to agree with Kevin about everything, and Kevin would be the first to agree with this. At the very least his work raises awareness among collectors; at the most his work has the potential to help save collectors real money. To those that suggest that Kevin is the problem, for even talking about card alterations and restoration and trying to educate the public about this serious issue - I say to them: the problem is that there are not ten Kevin Saucier's out there - learning, debating, comparing knowledge - and trying to help collectors avoid mistakes. I’m hoping he will continue in his efforts."

Mike Baker - Global Authority Inc. (GAI), considered by many to be one of the world's best graders, having authenticated 48 of the top 50 most valuable cards in the hobby:

"Kevin is a true expert in card alerting and identifying doctored cards. His alterations are some the best I have ever seen and amaze me each time. He is always developing new skills and techniques that were previously unheard of. His willingness to share this type of information is rare and a benefit to the hobby. One can never know enough and what I have learned and continue to learn from Kevin has sharpened my skills as an authenticator which is then passed on to my clients."

Jim Crandell - PSA Hall of Fame Collector with over 25,000 graded cards, most in PSA 8 or better.

"In my opinion, Kevin is one of the top three card experts in the world. I will not buy a high-valued card without him personally inspecting it and rendering an opinion. If he has the slightest doubt it has been altered, I will not buy it!"

Rich Mueller - editor of SportsCollectorDaily.com

"Kevin Saucier's research into sports card alterations is eye-popping; He shows how the card doctors operate and lets the rest of us know what to look for. With disclosure so rare in the hobby, his services should carveout an interesting niche.