PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) was founded in 2000 and quickly became the gold standard for third-party grading of sports cards and memorabilia. Submitting cards to PSA involves sending the cards to their headquarters where they will be analyzed and assigned a grade based on their condition and state of preservation.
Grades range from 1 to 10, with 1 being poor condition and 10 being gem mint. PSA pioneered the use of standardized numerical grades which allows collectors to easily understand and compare the condition of their cards. Before PSA, condition was more subjective and qualitatively described. The numerical system brings consistency and transparency to the hobby.
When submitting cards to PSA, the grading process usually takes 45-60 days though there are different service levels available depending on the turnaround time needed. Submitters are instructed to package their cards carefully in rigid holders to prevent damage or further wear during shipping and handling. PSA then verifies authenticity and assesses the card using their established standard of features that impact grades such as centering, corners, edges and surface quality.
Centering refers to how perfectly centered the front image is within the card dimensions and boundaries. Poorly centered images can lower a grade. Corners are examined for damage like chips, rounded edges or creases. Sharp, undamaged corners receive higher grades. Edges are assessed for damage, worn areas or flaws. The surface is checked under strong lighting for flaws, scratches, marks or imperfections on the printed front of the card that could impact the aesthetic appeal and preserveability.
holistically considering all these attributes, a PSA grader will determine the appropriate numerical condition grade. PSA also encases the now certified card in a tamper-evident plastic holder that protects the card and allows it to be easily viewed from all angles. The grade, card details and authenticity guarantee are printed directly on the holder. This encapsulation is an important part of the PSA grading process, preserving the card long-term and allowing its declared condition to be verified.
PSA certification has become the norm for valuing cards and proving chain of ownership and authenticity should any questions ever arise. Getting cards professionally graded by PSA increases their value by giving buyers confidence in exactly what they are purchasing through the assigned grade. Commons that grade gem mint can exponentially increase in value versus raw, ungraded cards. Even the slightest damage or wear can significantly impact a card’s price.
By setting the industry standard for consistent grading, creating durable holders, verifying authenticity through their established authentication process, and facilitating an efficient submission service, PSA has empowered collectors and the entire trading card industry. Their impact can’t be overstated, handling millions of cards for collectors across many sports and helping provide liquidity, clarity and investment potential for this growing area of collecting. In the over 20 years since PSA was launched, it remains the foremost authority when it comes to objectively assessing and certifying the condition and authenticity of sports cards.
In summary, PSA grading is the leading third party service that analyzes baseball cards and assigns them a standard objective grade based on established criteria like centering, corners, edges and surface quality. By slabbing cards in tamper resistant holders that clearly communicate the grade and details, PSA certification increases value, allows condition verification over time, and instills confidence in the marketplace through their acclaimed authentication process. The numerical grade system PSA established is invaluable for collectors, and their significant impact on collectibles authentication and standards remains undeniable.
