Graded Card
Graded card (noun): a card that has been professionally authenticated and condition-scored — usually on a 1–10 scale — by a company like PSA, BGS, SGC, or CGC, then sealed in a tamper-evident holder called a slab.
Graded Cards in More Detail
Graders score centering, corners, edges, and surface, and the overall grade drives value: the jump from a 9 to a gem mint 10 can be several multiples of price for the same card. Grading also authenticates the card, which matters for expensive vintage and autographs.
A card that hasn't been graded is called raw. Whether grading is worth the fee depends on the card's potential grade and value — check the pop report and recent slab sales first.
FAQ
What do card grades mean?
Most companies use a 1–10 scale where 10 is gem mint (near-flawless), 9 is mint, and lower numbers reflect increasing wear. Half grades and subgrades vary by company.
Is grading worth it?
For cards where the graded value meaningfully exceeds raw value plus the fee, yes. For common cards in average condition, usually not.
Related Resources
- Glossary: Gem Mint (PSA 10) · Pop Report · Toploader
- Shop: Card Protection Supplies