What Are PSA Graded Cards?

PSA-graded cards are collectible sports cards analyzed by the Professional Sports Authority. The PSA acts as a third-party agent to grade cards to prevent conflicts of interest between the seller promoting the card's worth and the potential buyer. This grading system allows buyers and sellers to utilize standardized independent ratings to establish the worth of a collectible card.

  1. Purpose

    • The purpose of PSA grading is to offer an independent, third-party estimate of a sports card's condition and value. According to the PSA, card graders are completely objective and maintain no personal interest in sports memorabilia grades. This system allows collectible card buyers to determine an item's worth based on its objective PSA rating. The grading scale also benefits sellers by providing guidelines for insuring and estimating the value of a collectible item.

    Grading Scale

    • The PSA utilizes a 10-point grading scale, with a 10 being a "gem mint" condition card that contains no flaws or defects. A card graded as a one is considered "poor to fair," with major wear or defects. Cards with only slight wear on the edges or minor printing flaws are usually graded in the six to seven range.

    Criteria

    • PSA graders evaluate cards on several criteria. High-quality cards should be free from stains and wear on the edges. The pictures and information should be centered on the card and in clear focus. The PSA also grades the quality of autographs on memorabilia. Retraced autographs are not eligible for grading, as graders cannot determine whether the athlete or a second party retraced the signature. In general, alterations to the cards cause them to be ungradable or given a lower rating.