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PSA 1 is the lowest numerical grade, indicating a card in poor condition with heavy damage. Severe creasing, major staining, missing pieces (small portions), and extreme corner and edge wear may all be present. This grade is reserved for the rarest cards where authentication matters more than condition.
What PSA looks for when assigning a grade of 1 (Poor).
Any centering accepted, including extreme miscuts
Extreme rounding, possible paper loss or damage
Severe damage including tears, heavy paper loss, or tape residue
Severe creasing, heavy staining, writing, or significant damage allowed
PSA 1 exists almost purely for authentication of the rarest cards in the hobby. The condition adds no premium on its own. Cards graded PSA 1 derive their value from extreme rarity, historical significance, or iconic status. Only cards worth $500+ raw should be considered for grading at this level.
PSA 1 does not mean the card is "worthless." For ultra-rare vintage cards, even a PSA 1 can be worth thousands because it confirms authenticity of an otherwise difficult-to-verify card.
A PSA 1 card must still be mostly complete. Cards missing large portions are typically given an Authentic designation instead of a numerical grade.
PSA 1 is not commonly submitted. The vast majority of PSA submissions are for cards expected to grade 7 or higher. PSA 1 submissions are reserved for genuinely rare and valuable cards.
PSA 1 Poor is the lowest numerical grade from PSA. It indicates a card with heavy damage including severe creasing, major staining, possible small missing pieces, and extreme wear throughout. The card is heavily deteriorated but still mostly intact.
For extremely rare cards, any authenticated example has value. A PSA 1 of a T206 Honus Wagner, 1952 Topps Mantle, or other ultra-rare vintage card provides confirmed authenticity. The PSA slab proves the card is genuine, which is the primary value at this grade.
Only for rare and historically significant cards where authentication alone adds value. If the raw card is already worth hundreds of dollars or more, grading provides authentication and a condition baseline that collectors trust, even at the lowest grade.
Below PSA 1, cards receive an "Authentic" designation with no numerical grade. This applies to cards that are too damaged for a 1 but are still genuine. Cards that are trimmed, recolored, or otherwise altered may also receive qualifier designations or no grade at all.