The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is considered the premier third-party grading service for collectibles such as trading cards, autographs, and memorabilia. When it comes to grading the condition and authenticity of baseball cards, PSA uses a strict 10-point numerical scale. This scale provides collectors a standardized system for assessing the grade or quality of a card.
The PSA grading scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible grade of Gem Mint condition. On one end of the scale, a grade of 1 would denote a badly worn or damaged card in Poor condition. On the other high end of the scale, a PSA 10 grade means the card has earned a qualitative assessment of pristine Near Mint to Mint status.
Let’s take a closer look at what each number on the PSA grading scale represents in terms of a baseball card’s condition:
1 – Poor: A grade of 1 signifies a card that is badly worn and shows extensive damage or flaws. Edges may be worn through, surfaces could be completely worn, creases/blemishes abound. Cards graded a 1 have lost much of their original aesthetic appeal.
2 – Poor: Cards graded a 2 have significant wear but may not be completely destroyed like a true “1” grade. Heavy amounts of edge/corner wear with dulling and rounding are present. Colors/images may be worn. Considered poorly preserved.
3 – Poor: Damage is still prominent on a “3” grade card but less extensive than a “1” or “2.” Edges will be well-rounded, surfaces dull and slick. Creasing possible. Not in a preserved state.
4 – Poor: Starts to transition toward being minimally presentable. Edge/corner wear still rounding surfaces. Creasing possible. Dull, non-shine surfaces. Not completely worn through but showing use.
5 – Fair: Considered the lowest grade still collectible. Edges slightly rounded, may start to see slick surfaces with minor wear/flaws appearing. Could have small creases. Still exhibits some aging effects from use over time.
6 – Good: Damage is minimally noticeable on a “6” grade card. Edges may be slightly rounded still with small surface wear signs appearing. No major creases/flaws detected. Exhibiting only light wear/age effects.
7 – Very Good: Edge/corners exceptionally well preserved with minimal to no rounding. Surfaces sharp with original luster and appearance intact. Only very minute signs of wear detectable upon intense examination.
8 – Near Mint: All attributes of a “7” but even better preserved. Razor sharp edges/corners, bold colors and images. May have a single small flaw or imperfection noticeable on close inspection. Otherwise a very nicely preserved card.
9 – Mint: Regarded as exceptional preservation level. All surfaces, edges and corners are in pristine condition reminiscent of the card when first produced/pulled from a pack. A true “9” will not have any flaws upon close scrutiny.
10 – Gem Mint: Represents absolute perfection. No flaws, blemishes or sign of wear present on the entire card. Edges are uncirculated, surfaces have shimmering original luster and colors are dazzling bright. A true “10” gem is considered the pinnacle of collectible condition.
Hopefully this in-depth breakdown helps explain what each letter/number grade from PSA signifies in terms of condition assessment for a baseball card. PSA set the gold standard for third party grading decades ago and their rigorous scale remains the most recognized system worldwide among collectors. Whether buying raw or already-slabbed cards, understanding the PSA grades is essential for properly evaluating investment potential and relative rarity of any given vintage baseball card.
