Grading Scales
While most authenticators use a 1 to 10 scale, the exact definitions and tolerances for a 'Gem Mint' card differ slightly between companies — PSA, BGS (with subgrades), CGC and ACE.
The universal 1–10 scale
- 10 — Gem Mint / Pristine: virtually flawless, with perfect or near-perfect centering, sharp focus, clean edges and intact corners under magnification.
- 9 — Mint: superb condition with only one very minor flaw, such as a slight printing imperfection or slightly off-white borders.
- 8 — Near Mint–Mint: appears Mint at a glance but reveals minor flaws on close inspection, like slight corner wear or centering issues.
- 7 — Near Mint: slight surface wear or a minor printing defect; corners may show slight fraying but focus remains sharp.
- 5–6 — Excellent to EX-MT: visible surface wear, minor scratching or loss of gloss, with clear but moderate edge and corner wear.
- 1–4 — Poor to Very Good: heavily handled, with creasing, severe corner wear, scuffing or staining, though the core image remains visible.
Tips for maximising your grade
- Handle cards by the edges only — fingerprints and skin oils cause visible surface damage.
- Use penny sleeves immediately after pulling — even pack-fresh cards pick up micro-scratches.
- Store vertically in a hard case — avoid pressure or bending that causes edge and corner wear.
- Check centering before submitting — it is the most common reason PSA 10s become PSA 9s.
- Clean only with a soft microfibre cloth — never paper towels or tissues.