There is a lot to worry about in this 1/1 Yoshinobu Yamamoto Superfractor auto post on eBay. The lack of punctuation in the title. The seller’s feedback at a mere 2. The fact that their only other eBay listing is a Superfractor lot of both Luka Doncic AND Kevin Durant, which inexplicably omits both player’s names in the title of the listing. None of which is illegal or against TOS. But the most grievous, and most serious faux-pas, is the absence of a penny sleeve.

A penny sleeve serves as the hobby’s fundamental protective measure, safeguarding cards against scratches, fingerprints, and smudges. In this case, it would have also prevented the auto from becoming tragically smudged as the card was carelessly pushed into the top loader. The penny sleeve might cost just a cent, but neglecting it can cost thousands.

Seeing a card of such stature without proper protection raises significant red flags and a slew of urgent questions: Where did this card originate? Who handled it so carelessly? Is the card even authentic? And crucially, is its surface compromised? The absence of something as basic as a penny sleeve isn’t just negligence, it actively diminishes a card’s value and shakes buyer confidence.

Penny sleeves have become an essential staple within the hobby precisely because they’re inexpensive yet vital. Ask any seasoned collector, and they’ll emphasize how crucial these thin plastic protectors are to maintaining the integrity and value of prized cards. For beginners, penny sleeves are among the first investments recommended because even the slightest scratch can drastically impact a card’s value.

The hobby's reaction to this listing has been swift and vocal. MegaCardInvestor, the recent owner of the Yamamoto Kanji Superfractor 1/1 auto couldn't believe what he was looking at, "This is just a travesty.  Would like to know what happened to that auto and if it was pulled like that.  I can’t imagine the card being put into the pack like that. Hoping to get answers from seller.” Megacardinvestor claims he has gotten almost 6 figure offers for his Bowman 1/1 Yoshi Superfractor auto card, so 8k for some, is a steal.

Photo courtesy of MegaCardInvestor on X

A steal on a card like this is great, but what then? Wiping the auto and attempting to have Yamamoto re-sign it raises immediate red flags; PSA would likely label the card as altered, a designation that almost always tanks its value. As the card’s surface is most likely scratched on the surface, maybe the play is getting it re-signed and submitting only the autograph for grading? Or, maybe you submit as is and opt for just the “authentic” designation? Whatever is decided, the buyer of this card has a lot to think about.

With Yamamoto boasting a sub-2.00 ERA through four games in the 2025 season, any Yamamoto Superfractor remains a massive chase for collectors, making this particular listing a stark reminder of why penny sleeves are indispensable. It’s also worth remembering that most people are doing the best they can, and we assume all good intentions here as respect to the seller, but penny sleeves are not merely optional; they're a requirement, especially when dealing with high-value collectibles. As the saying goes, “penny wise, pound foolish”—never risk thousands to save just one cent.