Card grading guide
Use this guide to compare grading companies, understand condition terms, and decide when grading makes sense.
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Why grading matters
Authentication
Graded cards are authenticated by the grading company, which reduces counterfeit risk.
Value
Higher grades usually sell for more. In some cases, a PSA 10 can be worth much more than a PSA 8.
Protection
Graded cards are sealed in protective cases, which helps preserve condition over time.
Grading companies
PSA
Professional Sports Authenticator • Scale: 1-10
The most recognized grading company. PSA grades are the industry standard for sports cards.
PSA 10
Gem MintPerfect centering, sharp corners, no flawsPSA 9
MintVery strong condition with minor imperfectionPSA 8
NM-MTNear Mint to Mint conditionPSA 7
NMNear Mint with slight wearPSA 6
EX-MTExcellent to MintPSA 5
EXExcellent conditionBGS
Beckett Grading Services • Scale: 1-10 (with subgrades)
Known for detailed subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface). Popular for modern cards.
BGS 10
PristinePerfect in all categories (Black Label)BGS 9.5
Gem MintVery strong condition with only minor issuesBGS 9
MintExcellent conditionBGS 8.5
NM-MT+Near Mint to Mint PlusBGS 8
NM-MTNear Mint to MintCGC
Certified Guaranty Company • Scale: 1-10
Originally known for comics, now grades trading cards. Growing in popularity for TCG cards.
CGC 10
PristinePerfect conditionCGC 9.5
Gem MintVery strong condition with only minor issuesCGC 9
MintExcellent conditionCGC 8.5
NM/Mint+Near Mint to Mint PlusCGC 8
NM/MintNear Mint to MintSGC
Sportscard Guaranty Corporation • Scale: 1-10
Known for vintage card expertise and shorter turnaround times. Tuxedo-style holders.
SGC 10
PristinePerfect conditionSGC 9.5
Mint+Very strong condition with only minor issuesSGC 9
MintExcellent conditionSGC 8.5
NM-MT+Near Mint to Mint PlusSGC 8
NM-MTNear Mint to MintWhat graders look for
Centering
How well the image is centered within the borders. 50/50 is the ideal target.
Corners
Sharpness of all four corners. Any rounding or wear reduces grade.
Edges
Condition of card edges. Chipping, roughness, or wear affects grade.
Surface
Print quality, scratches, stains, or other surface imperfections.
Raw vs graded cards
Raw card conditions
Mint (M)
Very strong condition with no visible flaws.Near Mint (NM)
Minor imperfections only visible on close inspection.Excellent (EX)
Light wear on corners or edges. Minor surface issues.Very Good (VG)
Noticeable wear but still presentable. Light creases possible.Good (G)
Significant wear, creases, or damage visible.Poor (P)
Heavy damage, major creases, tears, or writing.Recommendation
When to grade: Consider grading high-value cards (rookie cards, rare inserts) in excellent condition. Grading often costs $20-50+ per card, so it usually does not make sense for common cards.