PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Card Surface Defect Identification Questions and Answers

Question 1

A grader is evaluating a modern card that is perfect except for a single, small, circular print defect on the player's jersey, often referred to as a 'fish eye.' How does this specific type of surface defect typically impact the card's final grade?

Accepted Answer

It will likely prevent the card from achieving a GEM-MT 10 grade, but a MINT 9 is still possible depending on the defect's severity and location.

Answer

It is considered a major flaw and will automatically lower the grade to EX-MT 6 or below.

Answer

This defect is ignored if it is a known, common issue for that specific card, allowing a GEM-MT 10 grade.

Answer

It results in an 'Authentic Altered' designation because it is a modification from the printing process.

Question 2

Which of the following surface flaws is a result of the manufacturing and cutting process, characterized by the card's corners not forming true 90-degree angles, giving it a slightly skewed appearance?

Accepted Answer

Diamond Cut

Answer

Chipping

Answer

Scuffing

Answer

Crease

Question 3

A submitter sends in a vintage card that appears NM-MT 8, but upon close inspection under angled light, a very slight 'surface wrinkle' is visible on the back. A surface wrinkle is distinct from a crease because it typically:

Accepted Answer

Is only visible on one side of the card and does not fully break the paper stock.

Answer

Always breaks the color and is visible on both sides of the card.

Answer

Can be completely removed with professional cleaning techniques.

Answer

Results in an automatic grade of Poor 1, regardless of other factors.

Question 4

A 1970s card is being evaluated. The front of the card shows a loss of its original gloss and several light scratches are visible upon close inspection. The back has a noticeable wax stain from the original packaging. Which PSA grade is most consistent with these surface defects?

Accepted Answer

EX 5

Answer

NM-MT 8

Answer

MINT 9

Answer

GEM-MT 10

Question 5

What is the primary difference in how PSA treats a common, known print defect (e.g., a specific print dot that appears on every copy of a 1984 Topps Don Mattingly) versus a random, isolated print defect?

Accepted Answer

A common, known defect is often accepted as part of the card and may not prevent it from receiving a high grade, including GEM-MT 10.

Answer

Both are treated equally and will always lower the card's grade.

Answer

A random print defect receives the 'PD' qualifier, while a known defect receives the 'OF' qualifier.

Answer

Known defects are only excused on vintage cards (pre-1980), while they will lower the grade on all modern cards.

Question 6

A grader identifies what appears to be a wax stain on the reverse of a card. However, further inspection reveals that a foreign substance, such as a cleaning solution, was likely used in an attempt to remove the stain, altering the surface texture. How would PSA classify this card?

Accepted Answer

It would be returned ungraded with the designation 'Evidence of Cleaning' or potentially encapsulated as 'Authentic Altered'.

Answer

It would receive a numerical grade with a Stain (ST) qualifier.

Answer

It would be graded numerically based on its final condition, ignoring the alteration.

Answer

It would receive a MINT 9, as successful cleaning is rewarded.