How it all began
General Information
Card grading is the process where a professional, third-party service assesses the condition and authenticity of a trading card and assigns it a numerical grade, typically on a scale of 1 to 10. The card is then encapsulated in a secure, tamper-evident slab.
The Grading Process
Graders evaluate the card based on four main criteria:
- Centering: How well the image is centered within the card’s borders (e.g., a perfect 50/50 ratio on the front).
- Corners: The condition of the corners (e.g., sharp, crisp, or showing signs of wear/fraying).
- Edges: The condition of the card’s edges, including any whitening or damage.
- Surface: The quality of the surface, checking for scratches, scuffs, stains, print defects, or creases.
A Gem Mint 10 is the highest possible grade, signifying that the card is in essentially perfect condition with no visible flaws, not even the slightest imperfection.
Generally, grading companies do not offer pre-grading as it would only be an opinion and not a guarantee of the final professional grade. Collectors are advised to inspect their cards carefully themselves, using a black surface to check for minor flaws, before submission.
A qualifier is an abbreviation added to a grade (e.g., PSA 8 OC for Off Center, or PSA 7 MK for Marks) when a card meets the numerical grade criteria but has one significant flaw.
Submission & Logistics
- Handle cards with clean hands or gloves.
- Place each card in a clean, soft penny sleeve.
- Insert the sleeved card into a rigid top loader or card saver for protection.
- Package your cards securely in a box with padding to prevent movement during transit.