PSA stands for Professional Sports Authenticator. It is headquartered in Laguna Niguel, California.

PSA pioneered the use of uniform grading standards to assign cards a grade on a numerical scale based on their condition and quality. The main reasons for having cards professionally graded and authenticated by a company like PSA is to clearly communicate their condition and ensure authenticity. This adds certainty and value for potential buyers.

PSA uses a 1-10 grading scale for most collectibles, with 10 being flawless “gem mint” condition and 1 being “poor” condition. Half-grade increments like 5.5 are also used. Other designations include qualities above mint like “mint+,” authentication labels, and special “pop report” population data.

To submit an item to PSA, the owner packs it securely and includes a submission form with details. PSA experts then carefully examine the item under high-intensity lighting and powerful magnifiers. They check for flaws, centering, edges and surface qualities before assigning a grade.

Authenticated sports cards verified as authentic and their condition certified have increased enormously in value over the years, and PSA has graded millions of collectibles worth billions of dollars. They are considered the most respected third-party authenticator and grader in the industry.

PSA certification adds collector and investment value because it removes uncertainties about condition or authenticity that could deter potential buyers. Certified cards and memorabilia are more liquid and easily sold or traded because their value is unambiguous.

PSA has extremely strict grading standards to maintain credibility. Any signs of doctoring, discoloration, print defects or flaws will negatively impact the assigned grade. Only the best specimens achieve the most coveted and valuable designations of “gem mint” or higher.

In addition to sports cards, PSA also authenticates and grades other collectibles like comic books, autographs, coins, stamps, trading cards and memorabilia. They have certified some of the most famous and valuable collectible items in the world that have sold at auction for record prices.

Some criticisms of PSA are that their grading can be subjective and inconsistent at times between different graders. Also, the sheer volume of submissions in recent years from the booming collectibles market has sometimes led to longer turnaround times. Regrading submissions is also costly.

Nonetheless, PSA remains the “Gold Standard” and is still by far the most trusted third party involved in sports and collectible authentication, population reporting, and condition-based grading services. Their certification significantly boosts credibility and has helped shape best practices across the industry.

As the pioneering leader in their field, PSA has played a crucial role in professionalizing and adding structure to the world of collectibles grading and authentication. By establishing uniform standards and providing impartial assessment of condition and quality, PSA certification brings transparency and confidence to the marketplace. This protects both collectors and investors, and has supported enormous financial growth across the entire industry. PSA’s trusted brand, population reporting, and grading standards remain the backbone of high-end collectibles to this day.