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PSA

Professional Sports Authenticator

The world's largest and most trusted trading card grading service

Trading Cards Founded 1991 Santa Ana, California

About PSA

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the world's largest third-party trading card authentication and grading service. Founded in 1991 as a division of Collectors Universe, PSA has graded over 50 million cards and collectibles, establishing itself as the industry standard for sports cards, Pokemon, and other trading card categories.

PSA uses a 1-10 numeric grading scale where 10 represents a "Gem Mint" card in virtually perfect condition. Cards are evaluated on centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. A PSA 10 commands the highest premiums in the secondary market and is the benchmark most collectors and investors seek.

PSA's population reports track every card they've graded, providing transparency into rarity. Their certification number lookup allows instant verification of any graded card, making PSA slabs among the most liquid and trusted in the hobby.

PSA Grading Scale

PSA uses a numeric grading scale to evaluate card condition.

Grade Label Description
10 Gem Mint Virtually perfect card with four sharp corners, sharp focus, and full original gloss. A centered 50/50 to 55/45 front and back.
9 Mint Superb condition with only one minor flaw. Any of the following — a slight wax stain on reverse, a minor printing imperfection, or slightly off-white borders.
8 Near Mint-Mint A super high-end card that appears Mint at first glance but upon closer inspection may reveal a very slight wax stain, slight fraying at corners, or minor printing imperfection.
7 Near Mint A card with just a slight surface wear visible upon close inspection. May have a slight wax stain on reverse, a minor chip on one corner, or minor wear on edges.
6 Excellent-Mint A card with minor wear on two or three corners. May have light surface wear or a minor printing defect.
5 Excellent A card with moderate wear but still a desirable collectible. Light rounding of corners, light scratching, and some original gloss remaining.
4 Very Good-Excellent A card with moderate corner and surface wear. May have light scuffing, some gloss loss, and moderate edge wear.
3 Very Good A card that shows obvious handling. Corners show moderate to heavy wear, surface may have light creasing, and edges show moderate wear.
2 Good A card with major handling wear. Creasing, staining, and heavy edge and corner wear may be present.
1 Poor A card that shows extreme wear and damage. Heavy creases, heavy staining, and tears may be evident. The card is still intact and identifiable.

What Makes PSA Unique

  • Largest population database with over 50 million certified items
  • Industry-standard 1-10 grading scale recognized worldwide
  • Free online cert verification and population reports
  • Tamper-evident ultrasonic-sealed holders
  • Crossover and reholder services from other grading companies

Frequently Asked Questions

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