Our authentication process
Every PSA-graded card we list goes through a four-step authentication check before publishing:
- Cert number verification. We pull every cert number on psacard.com/cert to confirm the card description, grade, and population data match the slab in hand.
- Photo match. PSA stores a photo of every graded card since 2021. We compare the slab's actual card to PSA's photo on file — same centering pattern, same print marks, same unique features. About 1 in 5 fakes we've handled fail at this step.
- Physical case examination. We check seam integrity, label color, font kerning, holographic security strip, and case wear consistent with the slab's vintage. Re-sealed cases show stress whitening — we look for it.
- Card examination. Even when the slab is real, the card inside might be trimmed, recolored, or swapped. We examine within the case for trimming evidence and color consistency.
Read our full guide on spotting fake PSA slabs for the eight things we check on every graded card.
What we sell — by grade tier
Our PSA inventory spans every meaningful grade tier:
- PSA 10 (Gem Mint): Highest tier. Modern rookies and high-end vintage in flawless presentation.
- PSA 9 (Mint): The practical buy-and-hold tier for vintage. Often 1/5 to 1/15 the price of PSA 10 of the same card.
- PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): Strong value across most vintage categories. Visible at arm's length identical to PSA 9.
- PSA 5-7: Where most reasonable vintage money goes. Card presents well, structural integrity intact, price 50-90% lower than premium grades.
- PSA 1-4: Collector grades. Lower prices, often the only way to own iconic cards (1952 Topps Mantle, 1986 Fleer Jordan) for under five figures.
PSA vs BGS vs SGC — what we stock
We primarily stock PSA, with secondary inventory in BGS (Beckett Grading Services) and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation):
PSA is the largest grading company by volume and has the deepest secondary-market liquidity. PSA 10 of most modern cards commands the highest market premium.
BGS uses a 10-point scale with sub-grades (centering, corners, edges, surface) and is historically strongest for modern cards. BGS 9.5 is generally considered equivalent to PSA 10 for most modern cards. BGS Black Label (10/10/10/10) is the absolute peak of the grading hierarchy.
SGC is the third-place grading company by volume but has built a reputation for vintage. SGC slabs are often the cleanest case design for displaying vintage cards.
Buyer preference matters: a PSA 9 will typically sell for more than a BGS 9 of the same card on the open market, even though they're technically equivalent grades. Stick to PSA unless you have a specific reason to prefer BGS or SGC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a PSA slab is real?
Go to psacard.com/cert and type in the cert number printed on the slab label. Confirm the card description, grade, and stored photo match what you see. We cross-verify every PSA slab against this database before listing.
Are PSA and BGS grades equivalent?
Roughly. PSA 10 and BGS 9.5 are generally considered equivalent grades. PSA 9 and BGS 9 are usually considered equivalent. However, market prices differ — PSA tends to command higher premiums in the US market.
What's the difference between PSA 9 and PSA 10?
PSA 10 (Gem Mint) means the card is essentially flawless under inspection — perfect centering, sharp corners, clean edges, no surface defects. PSA 9 (Mint) allows for very minor imperfections that are visible only under close inspection. Visually they're hard to tell apart at arm's length.
How does PSA grade a card?
PSA evaluates four factors: centering (border alignment), corners (sharpness), edges (cleanness), and surface (no print defects, scratches, or marks). Each factor is scored, and the overall grade is determined by a weighted formula plus subjective review by senior graders.
Can I crack a slab and re-grade it?
Yes. Resubmitting is common when a collector believes a card was under-graded. The cost is the standard grading fee plus shipping. Risk: re-grading can result in a lower grade if the card is examined more strictly the second time.
