Card Grading Guide
Understanding card grades helps you make informed buying decisions and price your cards accurately.
Why Grading Matters
Authentication
Graded cards are verified authentic by experts, protecting against counterfeits.
Value
Higher grades command premium prices. A PSA 10 can be worth 10x+ a PSA 8.
Protection
Graded cards are sealed in protective cases, preserving condition long-term.
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
MintNearly perfect 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 MintNear perfect, highly desirableBGS 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 MintNear perfectCGC 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 faster turnaround times. Tuxedo-style holders.
SGC 10
PristinePerfect conditionSGC 9.5
Mint+Near perfectSGC 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 perfect.
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)
Perfect or near-perfect condition. 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 costs $20-50+ per card, so it's not cost-effective for common cards.