PSA 10 vs PSA 9: The PSA Grading Scale Explained

2016 Panini Prizm UEFA #23 Kevin De Bruyne RC PSA 10

If you buy graded cards, you will see PSA 10 and PSA 9 everywhere. They are only one point apart, but the price gap between them is often huge. Here is how the PSA grading scale works, what separates a 10 from a 9, and what that means when you buy.

The PSA Grading Scale From 1 to 10

PSA grades cards on a 10-point scale. Each grade has a name that appears on the slab label:

  • PSA 10 Gem Mint: a virtually perfect card.
  • PSA 9 Mint: a superb card with one minor flaw.
  • PSA 8 NM-MT (Near Mint-Mint) and PSA 7 NM (Near Mint).
  • PSA 6 EX-MT, PSA 5 EX, PSA 4 VG-EX and PSA 3 VG.
  • PSA 2 Good and PSA 1 Poor.

PSA also gives half grades (like 8.5) between 1.5 and 8.5, and can add a qualifier such as OC (off-centre) or ST (staining) when a card has one specific problem.

What Makes a PSA 10 Different From a PSA 9?

PSA looks at four things: centering, corners, edges and surface. A PSA 10 needs sharp corners, clean edges, a clean surface and good centering, roughly 55/45 to 60/40 on the front and 75/25 on the back. A PSA 9 can have one small flaw, such as a slightly soft corner, a tiny print spot or centering that is just outside the PSA 10 range.

Why PSA 10s Cost So Much More

Most modern cards never reach a 10, so PSA 10 copies are scarcer, and many collectors only want the top grade. That is why the same card can sell for several times more in PSA 10 than in PSA 9. Check the PSA population report to see how many 10s exist: a card with few PSA 10s usually carries a bigger premium.

PSA 10 Cards in the Shop

Is a PSA 9 a Good Buy?

Often, yes. A PSA 9 is still a beautiful card, and for many players it gives you the same card in a protected slab for a fraction of the PSA 10 price. If you collect a player rather than chase grades, a 9 can be the smart choice.

How to Check a PSA Grade Before You Buy

Every PSA slab has a cert number on the label. Type it into PSA’s website to see the card, the grade and often photos of the slab. We list the cert on every PSA slab we sell, and our guide on how to check a PSA cert number shows you how.

Buy PSA 10 Graded Cards Online in Canada

Card Tings is a Canadian shop where you can buy PSA 10 cards, graded cards and PSA slabs and graded Pokémon cards. Every listing shows the exact slab you will receive, every order ships with tracking, and shipping is free in Canada on orders over $150. Want to grade your own? Read how to submit cards to PSA from Canada.

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