How your cards are evaluated at PSA!

On this page you will find a detailed review of all the PSA grading scale from 1-10 and all of PSA's "error" codes that they give in cases where they (PSA) choose not to encapsulate your card. 

First, however, we would like to explain the importance of the X-Facfor that is used for grading, which is what in grading is called "eye-appeal" - In other words, it is important for your grade if you can see errors and deficiencies on your map with the naked eye. Here's why!

Eye-Appeal - PSA's X-factor:

Over the years, more and more collectors have begun to understand the basic guidelines behind PSA grading (Grading). After grading for well over a decade, PSA grading standards have truly become the official standard for the most valuable cards in the hobby. That said, there are a number of questions about grading that arise, and the one basic question that comes up most often has to do with eye-appeal and centering.

While it is true that a large part of grading is objective (locating print defects, blemishes, surface wrinkles, measuring centering, etc.), the other component of grading is somewhat more subjective. The best way to define the subjective element is to do so by asking a question: What will the market accept for this specific issue?

Again, the vast majority of grading at PSA is done with a basic, objective standard, but no one can ignore the small (but sometimes significant) subjective element. This problem will usually occur when centering and/or eye appeal is at stake. For example, while most cards fall clearly within the centering guidelines for a particular class, some cards fall either just inside or just outside the printed centering standards. The most important thing to remember is that the individual grader at PSA reserves the right, based on the strength or weakness of the eye appeal, to make an assessment of one's grade for a particular card.

What exactly does that mean?

Take this example. Let's say you have an Sv107 Shining Fates Charizard card that is right on the edge of the acceptable guidelines for centering in a certain grade. This Vmax card (and many other Vmax cards for that matter) has a background that tends to blend in with the edge of the card. In other words, the contrast isn't great, so poor centering might not be a big eyesore - the edges aren't clearly defined. In this case, if the card exhibits extremely strong characteristics in other areas (color, corners, etc.), an exception can be made to allow an otherwise slightly skewed card to fall within the confines of a PSA 10.

In contrast to the VMAX card, we have from the set, Hidden Fates, a series of GX cards, where eye-appeal and centering are somewhat easier to understand. Let's take a look at the SV59 Mewtwo card. 

On this card, the centering is extremely easy to see as there is an extra black border all the way around this card. Take a good look at this example! - Can you see that the black border at the top and bottom is not centered correctly? - Because you can see this with the naked eye (eye-appeal), this map is not assessed as visually perfect and, according to PSA's guidelines, should therefore not be able to get a 10 even if the map is otherwise "perfect".

Now that the basic knowledge about grading is in place, it is time to delve into the individual grades at PSA.

PSA 10

A PSA Gem Mint 10 card is a pretty much perfect card.

Attributes include four perfectly sharp corners, sharp focus and full original gloss. A PSA Gem Mint 10 card must be free of blemishes of any kind, but minor misprints can be accommodated if they do not detract from the overall appearance of the card. The image must be centered on the card within a tolerance not to exceed approximately 55/45 percent on the front and 75/25 percent on the back.

MINT
PSA 9

A PSA Mint 9 card is in perfect condition, showing only one of the following minor flaws: a very small wax stain on the reverse, a minor misprint, or slightly white edges. Centering should be approximately 60/40 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back. A PSA 9 card is therefore incredibly undervalued in our eyes when it comes to value as it is extremely close to 10. 

NM-MT

PSA 8


A PSA NM-MT 8 is a super high-end card that at first glance appears to be Mint 9, but upon closer inspection the card may exhibit the following: a very light wax spot on the reverse, the slightest fraying in one or two corners, a minor misprint and/or slightly off-white edges. Centering should be approximately 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.

NM

PSA 7

A PSA NM 7 is a card with only a little surface wear that is visible on closer inspection. There may be light fraying in some corners. Image focus may be slightly out of focus. A minor pressure spot is acceptable. Light wax staining is only acceptable on the back of the card. Most of the original shine is retained. Centering should be approximately 70/30 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.

EX-MT

PSA 6



A PSA 6 card may have visible surface wear or a printing flaw that does not detract from its overall appearance. A very light scratch may only be visible on closer inspection. The corners may have a slightly graduated fraying. Image focus may be slightly out of focus. The card may show some loss of original luster, may have minor wax marks on the back, may have very small nicks on the edges and may also show some off-white on the edges. Centering should be 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.

EX

PSA 5

On PSA 5 cards there is a very slight rounding of the corners that becomes apparent. Surface wear or printing defects are more visible. There may be minor peeling on the edges. Loss of original luster will be more apparent. The focus of the image may be slightly out of focus. Several light scratches may be visible on closer inspection, but do not detract from the card's appeal. The card may have a certain off-white edge. Centering should be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.

VG-EX

PSA 4



A PSA 4 card's corners may be slightly rounded. Surface wear is noticeable but modest. The card may have light scuffs or light scratches. Some of the original shine will be preserved. The edges may be slightly off-white. A slight fold may be visible. Centering should be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.

VG

PSA 3



A PSA 3 card shows some rounding of the corners, though not extreme. There will be some obvious surface wear, along with possible light scuffs or scratches. Focus may be slightly out of register and edges may show noticeable wear. Much, but not all, of the card's original luster will be lost. The edges may be somewhat yellowed and/or discolored. A fold may be visible. Printing errors are possible. Light stains may be seen on the front and wax stains on the back may be more prominent. Centering should be 90/10 or better on the front and back.

GOOD

PSA 2



A PSA 2 card's corners show distinct rounding and surface wear is beginning to become apparent. A PSA 2 card may have scratches, scuffs, light stains or peeling of the enamel on the front. There may be multiple folders. The original shine may be completely absent. The card may show significant discoloration. Centering should be 90/10 or better on the front and back.

FR

PSA 1.5

The corners of a PSA 1.5 card will show extreme wear, possibly affecting the framing of the image. The surface of the card will show advanced stages of wear, including scratches, scratches, pitting, peeling and staining. The image may be quite out of focus and the edges may have turned brown and dirty. The card can have one or more strong folds. To achieve a "Fair" (PSA 1.5) grade, a card must be completely intact. Although the card may be heavily worn, it cannot achieve this grade if it is missing solid parts of the card as a result of a major tear etc. This would include damage such as the removal of the back layer of the card or an entire corner. Centering should be approximately 90/10 or better on the front and back.

PR

PSA 1

A PSA 1 card will exhibit many of the same qualities as a PSA 1.5, but the defects may be so severe that the appeal of the card has almost completely disappeared. A PSA 1 card may be missing one or two small pieces, have large creases that almost break through all layers of cardboard, or have extreme discoloration or dirt everywhere that can make it difficult to identify the issue or the contents of the card on either the front or back. A card of this nature may also show noticeable warping or some other type of destructive defect.

Half Degrees
Cards that exhibit high qualities within each grade, between PSA 1.5 and PSA 8.5, can achieve an increase of half a point. While PSA graders will evaluate all the characteristics that a card possesses to determine whether the card may be eligible, there will be a clear focus on centering.

AUTHENTIC

N0


This means that the PSA only confirms that the item is genuine, without a numerical grade. This may be due to a change, either intentional or unintentional, a material defect, or the original submitter may have requested that PSA encapsulate the card without a grade. The label "AUTHENTIC" means that, in PSA's opinion, the item is genuine, but nothing more. 

ALTERED AUTHENTIC

AA

This means that even if the PSA confirms that the item is genuine, the item cannot be given a numerical grade due to alterations. The term "altered" may mean that the card shows signs of one or more of the following: cropping, recoloring, restoration and/or cleaning. Items receiving the "Authentic Altered" designation are, in our opinion, genuine with the presence of some form of alteration. This designation is used on a case-by-case basis if space permits, and "AA" should be indicated on the submission form as the minimum grade desired. 

The following section describes PSA's "No Grade Definitions" which are different error codes used for certain types of card errors.

N1 Evidence of Trimming

When a card's edge appears to have changed. A Card doctor can use scissors, scalpel, knife or other sharp objects. A map that looks cropped: An altered edge, unusually sharp or unusual edges for the issue, an inconsistent color tone on that edge, or a wavy, unnatural appearance to the edges. Note that this designation may qualify for encapsulation as "AUTHENTIC ALTERED" at the judge's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the minimum grade desired. You will be charged grading fees in both cases.

N2 Evidence of Restoration

When a card's paper material appears to be built up - for example, when torn corners are built up to look like new corners. Note that this designation may qualify for encapsulation as "AUTHENTIC ALTERED" at the judge's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the minimum grade desired. You will be charged grading fees in both cases.

N3 Evidence of Recoloration

Where a card's suit appears to be artificially enhanced. Note that this denomination may qualify for encapsulation as "AUTHENTIC ALTERED" at the discretion of the assessor and if "AA" is indicated on the submission form as the minimum grade desired. You will be charged grading fees in both cases.

N4 Questionable Authenticity

This is the term used when a card appears to be forged or when the autograph is considered to be fake. This designation will never qualify for encapsulation under any circumstances and applicable grading fees will still apply.

N5 Altered Stock

This includes, but is not limited to, characteristics on the card that appear to show some form of alteration, such as paper restoration, pressing of folds/wrinkles, removal of scratches, or improved gloss. In addition, when a foreign object is applied to the surface of a card, such as cleaning spray or wax. Note that this designation may qualify for encapsulation as "AUTHENTIC ALTERED" at the appraiser's discretion and if "AA" is listed on the submission form as the minimum grade requested. You will be charged grading fees in both cases.

N6 Minimum Size Requirement

When a card is significantly too small according to factory specifications, you will not be charged an assessment fee in this case. Note that this designation may only qualify for encapsulation as "AUTHENTIC" at the discretion of the appraiser and if "AUTHENTIC" is listed on the submission form as the minimum grade requested.  You will be charged grading fees in the latter case.

N7 Evidence of Cleaning

When a whitening agent is used to whiten edges or a solution is used to remove wax, candy, chewing gum or tobacco stains. In addition, when foreign matter is applied to the surface of a card, such as cleaning spray or wax. Note that this designation may qualify for encapsulation as "AUTHENTIC ALTERED" at the appraiser's discretion and if "AA" is indicated on the submission form as the minimum grade requested. You will be charged grading fees in both cases.

N8 Miscut

This term is used when the factory cut is abnormal for the issue, causing the edges of the card to deviate from their intended appearance. You will not be charged grading fees in this case. Note that this designation may qualify for encapsulation as "AUTHENTIC" at the discretion of the appraiser and if "AUTHENTIC" is listed on the submission form as the minimum grade requested. You will be charged the applicable grading fees in the latter case.

N9 Don't Grade

The term is used when the PSA does not rate or cannot encapsulate a topic. The cards may be too large or an obscure size. This designation does not qualify for encapsulation, and you will not be charged grading fees.