PSA guide

What does PSA 10 mean? Every PSA grade explained

Short answer

PSA 10 (Gem Mint) is the highest grade PSA gives. It means the card is virtually perfect: sharp corners, clean edges, full gloss, no staining and centering of approximately 55/45 to 60/40 or better on the front. PSA uses a scale from 1 to 10, where each step describes the card's physical condition.

The PSA grading scale

PSA 10 Nidoking (Base Set, 1999) — Nidoking (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 10 Gem Mint

A virtually perfect card. Four sharp corners, full gloss, no staining or wear. Centering approximately 55/45 to 60/40 or better on the front and 75/25 or better on the back. A slight printing imperfection is allowed if it does not impair the overall appeal.

PSA 9 Charizard (Base Set, 1999) — Charizard (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 9 Mint

A superb card with only one minor flaw, such as a very slight wax stain, a minor printing imperfection or slightly off-center print. Centering approximately 60/40 to 65/35 on the front and 90/10 on the back.

PSA 8 Charizard (Base Set, 1999) — Charizard (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 8 NM-MT (Near Mint-Mint)

Looks mint at first glance, but shows very slight fraying at one or two corners, a minor loss of gloss or small printing flaws. Centering approximately 65/35 to 70/30 on the front and 90/10 on the back.

PSA 7 Charizard (Base Set, 1999) — Charizard (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 7 NM (Near Mint)

Slight surface wear visible on close inspection, such as light fraying on corners and edges. Minor scratches may be present and some gloss may be lost. Centering approximately 70/30 to 75/25 on the front.

PSA 6 Charizard (Base Set 2, 2000) — Charizard (Base Set 2, 2000)

PSA 6 EX-MT (Excellent-Mint)

Visible surface wear, such as slightly graded corners, minor scratches and reduced gloss. A very light crease that does not break the surface may be present.

PSA 5 Charizard (Base Set, 1999) — Charizard (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 5 EX (Excellent)

More noticeable rounding of corners, edge wear, scratches and noticeable loss of gloss. Minor creasing may be visible.

PSA 4 Charizard (Base Set, 1999) — Charizard (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 4 VG-EX (Very Good-Excellent)

Rounded corners, obvious wear, scratches and one or more light creases. Much of the original gloss is gone.

PSA 3 Charizard (Base Set, 1999) — Charizard (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 3 VG (Very Good)

Heavy wear with rounded corners, noticeable creases and discoloration. The card is still intact.

PSA 2 Charizard (Base Set, 1999) — Charizard (Base Set, 1999)

PSA 2 Good

Heavy wear, major creases and scratches, discoloration or staining. Still whole but clearly well used.

PSA 1.5 Fair

Extreme wear, major creasing and scratching, possibly small tears or pinholes. The whole card must be present.

PSA 1 Gengar EX (Phantom Forces, 2014) — Gengar EX (Phantom Forces, 2014)

PSA 1 Poor

The card is in very poor condition and may be missing small pieces or show heavy damage, but can still be identified.

Authentic

The card is genuine but has not received a numeric grade, for example because it is altered, trimmed or damaged in a way that rules out a grade.

Half grades

PSA also gives half grades from 1.5 to 8.5, for example PSA 8.5. A half grade means the card is clearly above the whole grade, usually because centering or other attributes exceed the minimum. There is no PSA 9.5.

Qualifiers on the label

A card may get a qualifier when it otherwise merits a higher grade but has one specific flaw. The qualifier is shown next to the grade, for example PSA 8 OC.

OCOff-center, centering below the standard for the grade
STStaining or discoloration
PDPrint defect
OFOut of focus print
MKMarks, writing or ink on the card
MCMiscut card

Descriptions are based on PSA's published grading standards. The final grade is always decided by PSA.

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