Hi Nick & Brian,
I really appreciate the feedback.
I have been collecting cards for some time and have also sold plenty, I wouldn't call myself a beginner but would also admit I am no expert either after all i'm just a private collector.
I have plenty of other patch cards and are all nicely intact so it was a huge surprise to me when I received this card. I had never encountered a patch this poorly applied...it looks terrible!! I think I would rather see a plain patch than one with breaks and colours but poorly cut and with a gap... lol. especially with the card being from THE EXQUISITE COLLECTION, you would think a $1000 card would be manufactured with better care. You guys should see the patch in person...
I did do some research before the Paypal claim and found numerous clips on Youtube and card forums with people warning "fake patches" on cards are on the rise and is becoming a real problem. There is a page on ebay which warns buyers about buying patches, 2 of the points mentioned are be ware of spaces in the patch window of the card and hanging threads from the patch used. So, i'm sure you all can understand my scepticism.
The fact this is a 2006/07 card and it was sold in 2007 could mean someone got the card straight from the pack, applied the fake patch and put it on the aftermarket immediately.. The current seller of the card may have purchased the card without realising the patch had been altered.
Don't get me wrong guys I am a very honest person and i've never cheated on anyone, just a regular guy here. This exercise has caused me a lot of hassle so im not doing this for fun, I just want to make sure the card is 100% authentic!! I may have to send this to BGS to grade authenticity... It will cost me money but if it means peace of mind i'm happy to pay for it, nothing worse than to pay top dollar for a fraudulent card.
I will be making up my mind shortly, in the meantime I do feel terrible for the current seller but what else can I do?!?
Thanks again for the input and happy to listen to anyone else's opinion.