PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator PSA Grade Qualifiers (OC, ST) Questions and Answers

Question 1

A grader is evaluating a card that is perfect in all aspects (corners, edges, surface) for a GEM-MT 10 grade.
However, the front centering measures 80/20.
According to PSA standards, which grade is this card most likely to receive?

Accepted Answer

PSA 9 (OC)

Answer

PSA 10 (OC)

Answer

PSA 8

Answer

Authentic

Question 2

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the application of the Stain (ST) qualifier by PSA?

Accepted Answer

The ST qualifier indicates that the rest of the card's attributes meet the criteria for the assigned numerical grade.

Answer

The ST qualifier is only used for stains caused by wax or gum.

Answer

A card graded GEM-MT 10 is allowed to have a very slight, unobtrusive stain.

Answer

Application of the ST qualifier is mandatory and cannot be opted out of by the submitter.

Question 3

A collector submits a vintage card with sharp corners and clean edges, consistent with a NM-MT 8 grade. However, a noticeable, concentrated area of discoloration from a gum stain is present on the reverse. The front centering is 65/35. What is the most probable grade?

Accepted Answer

PSA 8 (ST)

Answer

PSA 8

Answer

PSA 6

Answer

PSA 7 (OC)

Question 4

The Off-Center (OC) qualifier is applied when the centering of a card falls below the minimum standard for the assigned grade. Why is a grade like 'PSA 3 (OC)' considered very unlikely?

Accepted Answer

The centering standards for a PSA 3 are already extremely lenient.

Answer

Cards at the PSA 3 level are not eligible for qualifiers.

Answer

The OC qualifier is reserved for modern cards only.

Answer

PSA automatically assigns a grade of 'Authentic' if a low-grade card is also off-center.

Question 5

A card is submitted that would otherwise grade a solid MINT 9. It has 60/40 front centering, sharp corners, and a clean surface, but there is a small, distinct water stain on a back corner. How would PSA most likely handle this card?

Accepted Answer

It would receive a grade of MINT 9 (ST).

Answer

It would receive a grade of PSA 7 due to the stain.

Answer

It would be returned as 'Authentic Altered' due to water damage.

Answer

It would receive a grade of MINT 9, as minor back staining is allowed.

Question 6

Under what circumstances does PSA apply a 5% leeway to its front centering minimum standards, potentially allowing a card to avoid an OC qualifier?

Accepted Answer

For cards that grade NM 7 or better.

Answer

For any card submitted through the 'Express' service level.

Answer

For all vintage cards printed before 1980.

Answer

Only when the submitter specifically requests it on the submission form.