Reholder
Reholdering is the process of having a graded item re-encapsulated in a fresh, current-generation slab without re-grading. Collectors reholder when older holders crack or to refresh cosmetic appearance for resale. See also: RawRedialRefractorRestorationReverse HoloAll Terms A–Z →
Mechanical Error
A mechanical error is a printing or production mistake — a missing color pass, a misaligned die cut, an off-register print. Mechanical errors that escaped quality control are collectible curiosities. See also: LumeMarriageMatrix RunoutMint MarkMint StateAll Terms A–Z →
Test Print
A test print is an early proof produced before mass production to check colors and alignment. Test prints typically have unique markings or are printed on different stock and are exceedingly rare on the secondary market. See also: T206TachymeterTanningTropical DialVAMAll Terms A–Z →
Provenance Letter
A provenance letter is written documentation tracing an item’s ownership history. For high-value memorabilia, a clear provenance chain back to the original recipient is often worth more than any third-party authentication. See also: Print LineProof StrikeProvenancePSA Population Pop ReportRawAll Terms A–Z →
LOA
LOA stands for Letter of Authenticity, issued by an autograph authenticator like JSA or PSA/DNA. A full LOA includes high-resolution photos and a written analysis of the signature; a shorter “quick opinion” sticker is less authoritative.
Foxing
Foxing refers to small brown spots that appear on aged paper, typically caused by humidity and fungal growth. Foxing reduces the grade of comics, books, and posters but minor foxing is sometimes accepted on pre-war material. See also: Etched HoloFirst EditionFlipback CoverFranken-watchFull Bands FBAll Terms A–Z →
Tanning
Tanning is uniform yellow-brown discoloration of paper from acid migration and light exposure. Tanning is a major factor in comic and book grading because it cannot be reversed without restoration. See also: Star NoteT206TachymeterTest PrintTropical DialAll Terms A–Z →
Marriage
A marriage is a piece assembled from parts of two or more originally unrelated examples — common in vintage watches (mismatched dial and movement), guitars (refinished body with a different-period neck), and furniture. See also: Key DateLOALumeMatrix RunoutMechanical ErrorAll Terms A–Z →
Sealed
Sealed means the item retains its original factory shrink-wrap or seal. For trading card boxes and packs, sealed condition is critical because once opened the gambling premium evaporates. See also: RestorationReverse HoloRookie CardShadowlessSlabAll Terms A–Z →
WATA Grade
WATA is a grading service for sealed video games. It assigns a box grade (out of 10) and a seal rating (A++, A+, A, B+, B, C). High WATA grades on rare titles have produced record auction results. See also: Variant CoverVGAWATAWax PackAll Terms A–Z →