Grade Qualifiers (OC, ST) Flashcards

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?

Answer: PSA 9 (OC)

A card that otherwise meets the standards for a high grade but has centering that falls below the minimum for that grade will receive an Off-Center (OC) qualifier. A GEM-MT 10 requires front centering of approximately 55/45 to 60/40. Since 80/20 is significantly outside this range, but the card's other characteristics are perfect, it would be graded down but also receive the OC qualifier. A PSA 9 (OC) indicates the card is Mint in all aspects except for the centering.

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

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

A 'qualified' card is one that meets all the criteria for a specific grade, except for one particular flaw. Therefore, a card with a grade like 'PSA 8 (ST)' means that in terms of corners, edges, and centering, it meets the standards for a PSA 8, but it also has a notable stain. PSA standards explicitly state a GEM-MT 10 card must be free of staining. Stains can come from various sources, not just wax or gum.

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?

Answer: PSA 8 (ST)

The card's primary attributes (corners, edges, centering) align with a NM-MT 8 grade. However, the prominent gum stain is a specific flaw that calls for a qualifier. The Stain (ST) qualifier is used to denote that the card meets the numerical grade's standards in other areas but possesses a significant stain. Therefore, PSA 8 (ST) is the most accurate grade.

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?

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

As the numerical grade of a card decreases, the centering standards become progressively more forgiving. A PSA VG 3 card already allows for 90/10 centering on the front and back. For a card to be so off-center that it falls *below* this already lenient standard, it would likely be considered Miscut (MC). Therefore, an OC qualifier is much more common on high-grade cards where the centering is an outlier compared to its otherwise excellent condition.

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?

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

The ST (Stain) qualifier is used when a card meets the criteria for a high grade in areas like corners, edges, and centering, but has a notable stain. While a PSA 9 allows for a *very slight wax stain* on the reverse, a distinct water stain is a more significant flaw that would warrant the ST qualifier. The card would be graded as MINT 9 (ST) to reflect that it is a Mint card apart from the stain.

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

Answer: For cards that grade NM 7 or better.

According to PSA's official grading standards, a 5% leeway is given to the front centering minimum standards for cards which grade NM 7 or better. This means a card with exceptional eye appeal in other areas might still achieve a high numerical grade without the OC qualifier, even if its centering is slightly outside the standard published guidelines.