Free PSA Card Grading Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the highest grade a card can receive from PSA?
- 8
- 9
- 10 (Correct answer)
- 11
Correct answer: 10
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) uses a 1 to 10 grading scale for cards, with 10 being the highest possible grade. A card graded PSA 10 is considered "Gem Mint," signifying it is virtually perfect in terms of condition.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT typically assessed when grading a card?
- Corners
- Surface
- Card color (Correct answer)
- Centering
Correct answer: Card color
When grading a card, PSA primarily assesses four key areas: corners, surface, edges, and centering. While color vibrancy might contribute to the overall eye appeal, the specific "card color" itself is not a distinct grading criterion like the physical condition of the corners, surface, or centering.
Question 3: A PSA "Gem Mint 10" card must have what level of centering?
- 70/30
- 60/40
- 50/50
- 55/45 or better (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 55/45 or better
For a card to achieve the coveted PSA "Gem Mint 10" grade, it must exhibit exceptional centering. This means the image must be no more than 55% off-center on the front and 75% off-center on the back, ensuring a near-perfect visual balance.
Question 4: Which card grading label indicates a card that has significant wear but is still in collectible condition?
- PSA 1
- PSA 5 (Correct answer)
- PSA 7
- PSA 10
Correct answer: PSA 5
A PSA 5 grade, known as "Excellent," indicates a card that shows moderate wear but is still well-preserved and highly collectible. Cards graded PSA 1 ("Poor") have significant damage, while PSA 7 ("Near Mint") and PSA 10 ("Gem Mint") represent much higher conditions.
Question 5: What does a PSA "Qualifiers" label mean?
- A rare card designation
- An issue with a specific aspect of the card (Correct answer)
- An indication of authenticity
- A minor printing error
Correct answer: An issue with a specific aspect of the card
A PSA "Qualifier" indicates that a card would otherwise achieve a higher grade, but it has a specific, notable flaw that prevents it from receiving that grade without the qualifier. Examples include "OC" for off-center, "ST" for stain, or "PD" for print defect, which are noted alongside the numerical grade.
What is the highest grade a card can receive from PSA?