Education
Card condition guide + grading reference
Use this page to estimate realistic grades before you submit, compare graders, and avoid overpaying for weak raw copies.
PSA grading scale
PSA 10
Gem Mint
Near-perfect centering, sharp corners, clean surface, almost no visible flaws.
PSA 9
Mint
Tiny print or edge issue possible, but still premium eye appeal and strong centering.
PSA 8
Near Mint-Mint
Minor edge whitening or one visible issue under direct light.
PSA 7
Near Mint
Small surface wear, slight corner touch, still a strong copy in hand.
PSA 6
Excellent-Mint
Noticeable wear begins to show, but card still presents cleanly in binder or slab.
PSA 5
Excellent
Moderate wear, multiple small flaws, soft cornering or light scratches.
PSA 4
Very Good-Excellent
Heavy edge wear, centering issues, and visible surface damage.
PSA 3
Very Good
Creases, whitening, or grime visible without magnification.
PSA 2
Good
Major wear, larger crease, poor corners, obvious handling damage.
PSA 1
Poor
Severe damage, major bends/creases, ink loss, water damage, or heavy grime.
PSA 7 vs PSA 9 vs PSA 10
Visible edge wear, slight softness, and one or two moderate flaws.
Excellent eye appeal, tiny flaw allowed, still very premium raw-to-slab result.
Elite centering, sharp corners, clean foil and surface, almost no visible defect.
Grading companies
| Company | Pros | Cons | Turnaround | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | Best liquidity and strongest resale premiums. | Can be strict on centering, slower economy tiers. | 25–65 business days | $25–$150+ |
| BGS | Subgrades and strong premium for pristine copies. | Less liquid than PSA for average slabs. | 20–60 business days | $22–$140+ |
| CGC | Competitive pricing and solid consistency. | Usually lower resale than PSA for flagship cards. | 15–45 business days | $15–$85+ |
| TAG | Modern slabs, clean reports, transparent grading data. | Smaller buyer base and fewer historical comps. | 10–30 business days | $14–$60+ |
Submission tips
- Use bright angled light before submitting to catch surface scratches and print lines.
- Wipe slabs and sleeves, but never scrub raw holo surfaces directly.
- Penny sleeve + semi-rigid card saver is the safest default for most graders.
- Ship with cardboard support, painter’s tape tabs, and moisture protection.
- Photograph the card front/back before sending so you can compare after grading.
FAQ
Is raw better than graded?
Raw is better when the spread after fees is weak or when the card likely won’t reach a premium grade. Graded is better when authenticity, trust, and resale multiple matter.
What grade should I expect?
Assume one grade lower than your optimistic estimate until you inspect corners, centering, and surface under bright light.
How long does grading take?
Turnaround depends on service tier and demand. Premium tiers can be fast; economy can take several weeks or longer.
Ready to check the math?
Run the submission numbers before you crack, clean, and ship.
Calculate your grading ROI →