PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the largest and most recognized card grading company in the world. A PSA grade verifies a card is authentic and assigns it a condition score from 1 to 10, sealed in a tamper-proof case (a "slab").
A strong PSA grade can multiply a card's value - but grading costs money and takes time, so it is not right for every card. This guide explains the scale, the process, the costs, and exactly how to decide whether to grade.
The PSA 1-10 grading scale
PSA grades range from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint). Each number corresponds to a defined condition standard. The higher the grade, the exponentially higher the value, because high grades are far harder to achieve.
| Grade | Name | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 | Gem Mint | Virtually perfect - sharp corners, clean surface, near-perfect centering |
| PSA 9 | Mint | One minor flaw allowed (slight wax stain, minor centering, tiny edge fleck) |
| PSA 8 | NM-Mint | Light wear visible on close inspection |
| PSA 7 | Near Mint | Minor surface wear, slight fraying, minor centering issues |
| PSA 5-6 | Excellent | Moderate wear, rounding on corners, visible flaws |
| PSA 3-4 | VG / VG-EX | Noticeable wear, creasing, surface scuffs |
| PSA 1-2 | Poor / Fair | Heavy wear, creases, major damage |
What PSA graders actually look at
Graders evaluate four attributes under bright light and magnification, then assign an overall grade. A single weak attribute caps the whole grade - a card with a perfect surface but poor centering will not get a 10.
- Centering - the evenness of the borders, measured as a ratio (e.g. 60/40). PSA 10 requires roughly 55/45 or better on the front.
- Corners - examined under magnification for any softness, whitening, or dings.
- Edges - checked for whitening, chipping, and nicks along all four sides.
- Surface - inspected for scratches, print lines, dents, holo scratches, and stains.
How much PSA grading costs and how long it takes
PSA offers several service tiers based on the card's declared value and how fast you want it back. Costs and turnaround change over time, so always check PSA's current pricing, but the structure looks like this.
| Tier | Typical use | Relative cost & speed |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk / Value | Low-value cards submitted in volume | Lowest cost, slowest turnaround |
| Regular | Mid-value cards | Moderate cost and speed |
| Express | Higher-value cards | Higher cost, faster |
| Super Express / Walk-Through | High-value cards needed fast | Highest cost, fastest |
When grading is worth it (and when it is not)
The math is simple: grade a card only when the expected graded price is meaningfully higher than the raw price plus grading and shipping costs. That generally means two conditions both need to be true.
- The card is in genuinely excellent condition (a realistic shot at PSA 9 or 10).
- The card has enough underlying value that a grade adds a worthwhile premium.
- Skip grading for low-value cards, played/damaged cards, or modern bulk - the fees will exceed any gain.
How to prepare cards for grading
Good prep protects your cards and avoids grade-lowering damage in transit. Never clean a card or attempt to "fix" it - PSA penalizes evidence of tampering.
- Handle cards by the edges with clean, dry hands.
- Place each card in a soft penny sleeve, then a semi-rigid holder (such as a Card Saver I).
- Do not use top-loaders for submission - PSA prefers semi-rigid holders.
- Pack submissions securely in a sturdy box with padding to prevent movement.
PSA vs. CGC vs. BGS
PSA is the most widely recognized and usually commands the strongest resale prices for Pokemon, especially vintage. CGC has grown popular and offers competitive pricing and turnaround. BGS (Beckett) is known for subgrades and its coveted "Black Label" 10. For most Pokemon sellers, PSA delivers the broadest buyer recognition.
Key Takeaways
- PSA grades run 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint); value rises exponentially toward the top of the scale.
- Graders judge centering, corners, edges, and surface - the weakest attribute caps the grade.
- Grading only pays off when a card is near-perfect AND valuable enough to justify the fees.
- Never clean or alter a card; use penny sleeves and semi-rigid holders to submit.
- PSA offers the strongest buyer recognition for Pokemon, especially vintage cards.