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Understanding the 1-10 scale with 19 grades including half-points, and the four condition pillars that determine every grade.
Every grading company evaluates cards across these four categories. Each pillar contributes equally to the final grade.
Border alignment on front and back. Measured as left/right and top/bottom ratios.
Sharpness and integrity of all four corners. Wear, fraying, and rounding are evaluated.
Condition along all four edges. Chipping, whitening, dents, and wear patterns.
Overall surface condition including scratches, print defects, stains, and holo integrity.
The full grading scale includes half-point increments for precise condition assessment.
Perfect condition in every aspect. Sharp corners, perfect centering, flawless surface, pristine edges.
Near-perfect with only the slightest imperfection visible under magnification.
Superb condition. May have one minor flaw such as slight off-centering.
Above Near Mint-Mint. Minor imperfections barely visible.
Near Mint-Mint. Very minor surface wear or slight corner touching.
Above Near Mint. Light wear on one corner or edge.
Near Mint. Minor wear on corners, slight surface wear.
Above Excellent-Mint. Visible wear on corners and edges.
Excellent-Mint. Rounding on corners, minor edge wear.
Above Excellent. Noticeable wear but still presentable.
Excellent. Moderate wear on corners, edges, and surface.
Above Very Good-Excellent. Significant corner rounding.
Very Good-Excellent. Heavy corner wear, edge notching.
Above Very Good. Considerable wear throughout.
Very Good. Heavy wear, creases may be present.
Above Good. Major wear and creasing.
Good. Significant damage visible.
Fair. Heavy damage, may be incomplete.
Poor. Severe damage, tears, missing pieces.
| Aspect | PSA | BGS | CGC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1-10 (whole) | 1-10 (half) | 1-10 (half) |
| Sub-grades | No | Yes (4) | Optional |
| Top Label | PSA 10 | BGS 10 (Black) | CGC 10 (Pristine) |
| Centering (10) | 60/40 or better | 50/50 front, 55/45 back | 55/45 or better |
| Best For | Sports, vintage | Modern sports, TCG | Pokemon, TCG |
Not all cards are graded the same way. These special scenarios have modified standards.
Factory defects like print lines or holo scratches are judged differently than handling damage. May still achieve high grades if other factors are excellent.
Pre-1990 cards have different standards due to manufacturing differences. Centering tolerances are often more lenient for vintage cards.
Special finishes like refractors are more prone to surface scratches. Graders account for the material when evaluating surface condition.
Relic cards, auto cards, and thick stock cards have modified standards for edges and corners due to their construction.
CGI Vision AI analyzes your cards across all four condition pillars, using the same criteria professional graders use. Get predictions for PSA, BGS, and CGC with 92.8% accuracy.