CGC Pristine 10
CGC Pristine 10 (noun): CGC Cards' perfect grade — a 10 awarded above its standard Gem Mint 10 to cards that appear flawless under close inspection, the top of CGC's grading scale.
CGC Pristine in More Detail
CGC runs two grades at the very top of its scale: Gem Mint 10 and, above it, Pristine 10 — so a CGC 10 comes in two tiers where PSA has one. That structure mirrors Beckett, whose Black Label plays the same "perfect above gem" role. Pokémon collectors in particular weigh CGC's lower fees and subgrade options against PSA's market liquidity.
As always, the premium is a census question: check each card's pop report — a Pristine 10 with a tiny population can outprice a common PSA 10.
FAQ
Is a CGC Pristine 10 the same as a PSA 10?
No — CGC's Gem Mint 10 is the closer equivalent. Pristine 10 is a stricter tier above it, more comparable to a BGS Black Label.
Does CGC grade sports cards or just Pokémon?
Both — CGC Cards grades TCG, sports, and non-sport cards, though it built its base grading Pokémon and other TCGs.
Related Resources
- Glossary: Gem Mint · BGS Black Label · Graded Card
- Shop: Pokémon Cards · Supplies