PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator PSA Grading Scale: 1-10 Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the PSA Grading Scale, what is the maximum centering tolerance on the front of a card to receive a GEM-MT 10 grade?

Accepted Answer

55/45 percent

Answer

60/40 percent

Answer

70/30 percent

Answer

50/50 percent

Question 2

A collector submits a card that appears Mint at first glance. Upon closer inspection, a PSA grader notes a very slight wax stain on the reverse and front centering of 65/35. The corners are sharp and the surface is clean. Which of the following grades is this card most likely to receive?

Accepted Answer

NM-MT 8

Answer

MINT 9

Answer

NM 7

Answer

GEM-MT 10

Question 3

Which of the following defects would most likely result in a card receiving a PSA grade of 1 (Poor)?

Accepted Answer

A small missing piece and a major crease breaking the cardboard.

Answer

Slightly rounded corners and a light scratch.

Answer

A minor printing blemish and 70/30 centering.

Answer

Visible surface wear and loss of some original gloss.

Question 4

A card is graded as a PSA 5 (Excellent). What characteristic is most consistent with this grade?

Accepted Answer

Very minor rounding of the corners is becoming evident.

Answer

Four perfectly sharp corners.

Answer

Accelerated rounding of the corners.

Answer

Slightest fraying at one or two corners.

Question 5

What is the primary difference between a PSA MINT 9 and a PSA GEM-MT 10 regarding their defining flaws?

Accepted Answer

A PSA 9 can have one minor flaw like a slight wax stain, while a PSA 10 is virtually perfect.

Answer

A PSA 9 can have a light crease, whereas a PSA 10 cannot.

Answer

A PSA 9 allows for major discoloration, but a PSA 10 only allows for off-white borders.

Answer

A PSA 9 has noticeable corner rounding, while a PSA 10 has perfectly sharp corners.

Question 6

A vintage card is being evaluated. It has slight surface wear visible upon close inspection, minor fraying on a few corners, and the picture focus is slightly out-of-register. The centering is approximately 70/30 on the front. This card would most likely be graded as:

Accepted Answer

NM 7

Answer

EX-MT 6

Answer

NM-MT 8

Answer

MINT 9