PSA Card Grading 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which PSA grade is assigned to a card described as Near Mint-Mint?
- PSA 6
- PSA 7
- PSA 8
- PSA 9 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: PSA 9
PSA 9 represents Near Mint-Mint condition, indicating a card with only minor printing imperfections and very well-centered borders.
PSA 9 (Near Mint-Mint) is awarded to cards with only minor printing imperfections. The card must be well-centered with 60/40 or better centering, showing no creases, stains, or significant wear. It is one step below the coveted PSA 10 Gem Mint grade.
Question 2: What PSA grade is considered Good condition?
- PSA 1
- PSA 2 (Correct answer)
- PSA 3
- PSA 4
Correct answer: PSA 2
PSA 2 is classified as Good on the grading scale, indicating heavy wear but all four corners of the card are still intact.
PSA 2 (Good) describes a card showing heavy wear on both the front and back. Corners may be rounded and surface creases are often present. Despite its wear, the card remains intact with no missing pieces, distinguishing it from a PSA 1 (Poor) specimen.
Question 3: A PSA grade of 1.5 indicates which condition?
- Fair (Correct answer)
- Poor
- About Good
- Good/Very Good
Correct answer: Fair
PSA 1.5 represents Fair condition, assigned to cards with heavy wear, severe creasing, or significant staining.
PSA 1.5 (Fair) is used for cards exhibiting heavy wear across the entire surface. These cards may have severe creasing, rounded corners, and staining. While still collectible for extremely rare issues, they rank near the bottom of the grading scale, above only PSA 1 (Poor).
Question 4: On the PSA scale, which numeric grade corresponds to Excellent-Mint?
- PSA 5
- PSA 6
- PSA 7 (Correct answer)
- PSA 8
Correct answer: PSA 7
PSA 7 is designated Excellent-Mint, representing a card with very light wear and outstanding eye appeal.
PSA 7 (Excellent-Mint) describes a card with slight surface wear visible only under close inspection. Corners must show minimal wear, and the card should have strong gloss and bright colors. It sits between PSA 6 (Excellent) and PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint+), making it a popular middle tier for vintage collectors.
Question 5: What centering does PSA 10 specifically require?
- 50/50 on all sides
- 60/40 or better on front, 75/25 or better on back (Correct answer)
- 55/45 or better on all sides
- 65/35 or better on front only
Correct answer: 60/40 or better on front, 75/25 or better on back
PSA 10 (Gem Mint) requires 60/40 or better centering on the front and 75/25 or better on the back, along with four perfectly sharp corners and flawless surfaces.
For a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, centering must be 60/40 or better on the front and 75/25 or better on the back. Corners must be perfectly sharp, edges smooth, and the surface free of print defects, scratches, or stains. Meeting all these criteria simultaneously is extremely rare.
Question 6: Which PSA grade is labeled Very Good-Excellent?
- PSA 3
- PSA 4 (Correct answer)
- PSA 5
- PSA 6
Correct answer: PSA 4
PSA 4 is Very Good-Excellent, describing a card with slight surface wear and slightly fuzzy corners but generally clean surfaces.
PSA 4 (Very Good-Excellent) cards display slight surface wear and may have slightly rounded corners but maintain generally clean surfaces and bold colors. This grade is common for well-handled vintage cards that were enjoyed rather than stored carefully.
Which PSA grade is assigned to a card described as Near Mint-Mint?