When it comes to evaluating the quality and authenticity of sports cards, PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) sets the industry benchmark.
Their rigorous grading scale ranges from PSA 1 (Poor) to PSA 10 (Gem Mint), with each grade defined by specific criteria including centering, corners, edges, and surface condition.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, understanding these standards is essential for assessing the value and desirability of your cards.
Here’s a detailed look at the grading criteria used by PSA.
Gem Mint 10
A PSA Gem Mint 10 card is a virtually perfect card. Attributes include four perfectly sharp corners, sharp focus, and full original gloss. A very slight printing imperfection is allowed if it doesn’t impair the overall appeal of the card. The image must be centered on the card within a tolerance of 55/45 to 60/40 percent on the front, and 75/25 percent on the back.
Mint 9
A PSA Mint 9 is a superb condition card that exhibits only one of the following minor flaws: a very slight wax stain on the reverse, a minor printing imperfection, or slightly off-white borders. Centering must be approximately 60/40 to 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
Near Mint-Mint 8
A PSA NM-MT 8 is a super high-end card that appears Mint 9 but may be slightly off-center. Attributes include a very minor flaw, such as a slight wax stain, minor printing imperfection, or slightly off-white borders. Centering must be approximately 65/35 to 70/30 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
Near Mint 7
A PSA NM 7 is a well-centered card with minor wear visible upon close inspection. The card may have slight fraying on some corners and edges, a minor print defect, or a very small stain on the reverse. Centering must be approximately 70/30 to 75/25 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.
Excellent-Mint 6
A PSA EX-MT 6 card may have visible surface wear or a printing defect which does not detract from its overall appeal. Corners may have slight fraying. Centering must be 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Excellent 5
A PSA EX 5 card shows light wear on the corners and edges, may have minor surface wear, and may be slightly off-center. Centering must be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Very Good-Excellent 4
A PSA VG-EX 4 card may have four fuzzy corners, noticeable surface wear, and may show light scuffing or scratches. Centering must be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Very Good 3
A PSA VG 3 card has rounded corners, moderate surface wear, and may exhibit loss of original gloss. Creasing may be visible. Centering must be 90/10 or better on the front and back.
Good 2
A PSA Good 2 card shows considerable wear, may have serious creasing, and staining. The card may exhibit small tears. Centering must be 90/10 or better on the front and back.
Poor 1
A PSA Poor 1 card has severe damage such as a missing piece, extreme creasing, staining, and major discoloration. Centering is not a factor in this grade.
Understanding PSA’s grading standards is essential for anyone involved in sports card collecting, whether you’re an avid collector or an investor looking to preserve and enhance the value of your cards.
PSA’s meticulous grading process ensures the authenticity and quality of each card, providing a reliable benchmark for the market.
By familiarizing yourself with these standards, you can better appreciate the nuances of card evaluation and make informed decisions about your collection.
For complete details, always refer to the official PSA Grading Standards.