PSA PSA Grade Qualifiers (OC, ST) 2

Question 1

Which PSA qualifier indicates that a card has been trimmed from its original dimensions?

Accepted Answer

AL

Answer

AL stands for Altered, and trimming is the most common form of alteration that PSA detects. A trimmed card receives the designation Authentic, Altered rather than a numeric grade.

Question 2

What does the PSA qualifier MK indicate on a graded card?

Accepted Answer

Marked Card

Answer

MK stands for Marked Card, indicating that PSA found writing, pen marks, or other deliberate markings on the card that are not part of the original printing.

Question 3

When PSA adds an OC qualifier to a PSA 7 grade, what does this tell a potential buyer?

Accepted Answer

The centering was the determining factor that prevented a higher grade, and the centering is notably off for the PSA 7 standard

Answer

PSA 7 OC tells buyers that centering is the card's primary weakness. It prevented a higher grade and is notably poor for the PSA 7 standard, though other aspects such as corners and surface may be in better shape.

Question 4

Can a PSA 10 card ever receive an OC (Off-Center) qualifier?

Accepted Answer

No, a PSA 10 requires 60/40 or better centering, so any off-centering significant enough for an OC qualifier would prevent the PSA 10 grade entirely

Answer

No PSA 10 can carry an OC qualifier because achieving PSA 10 requires centering of 60/40 or better on the front and 75/25 or better on the back. Meeting this standard means centering does not warrant the OC qualifier.

Question 5

What primary market function does PSA's qualifier system serve?

Accepted Answer

It provides buyers with specific disclosure of a graded card's weakness, enabling more informed purchasing decisions

Answer

PSA qualifiers exist to give buyers transparent, specific information about a card's particular weakness, whether centering, staining, or print defects, enabling informed decisions about whether the specific flaw matters for their collecting goals.

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA - Professional Sports Authenticator Practice Test

PSA PSA Grade Qualifiers (OC, ST) 2