What does "centering" mean in card grading?

Centering in card grading refers to the uniformity of borders or design elements on a trading card, measured by the ratio of space from left-to-right and top-to-bottom, with 50/50 being perfect, and it's a crucial factor in determining a card's grade and value, often weighted more heavily on the front. Graders use specific tolerances (e.g., 55/45 or 60/40 for top grades) for front and back centering, with stricter requirements for higher grades, impacting eye appeal significantly.

What does centering mean on card grading?

PSA determines centering by comparing the measurements of the borders from left to right and top to bottom. The centering is designated as the percent of difference at the most off-center part of the card. A 5% leeway is given to the front centering minimum standards for cards which grade PSA 7 or better.

Is 50/50 perfect centering?

Grading typically considers centering ratios, such as 50/50, which indicates perfect alignment, or 60/40, where there is a slight discrepancy but still within an acceptable range. More extreme misalignments can greatly impact a card's grade, as they make the card appear noticeably off-balance.

Can you get a PSA 10 with 60/40 centering?

For a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, 60/40 centering on the front was a long-standing tolerance, often allowing minor imperfections if other aspects (corners, gloss, focus) were flawless, but PSA's guidelines recently shifted to a stricter 55/45 ideal, though 60/40 might still sneak in at the grader's discretion, especially for older grades, with 75/25 being the back standard.
 

What is considered good centering?

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) was the most lenient for decades, allowing 60/40 centering on the front and 75/25 on the back for a Gem Mint 10. The PSA Grading Standards changed in early 2025, however, and a Gem Mint 10 now requires 55/45 front centering and 75/25 back centering.

Rare Footage Of The Entire PSA Trading Card Grading Process

Does PSA grading increase card value?

Does PSA grading increase card value? Yes. PSA graded cards typically command higher resale prices because of verified authenticity and condition.

Can you get a PSA 10 with a white spot?

It's very difficult but not impossible to get a PSA 10 with a white spot, as Gem Mint 10s require near-perfection, but slight, barely-visible printing flaws or tiny dots might pass if they don't affect the card's overall appeal and are isolated; however, most visible white spots, especially on corners or borders, typically drop a card to a PSA 9 or lower due to whitening or print imperfections, though some lenient graders or rare factory errors can sometimes allow it. 

Is PSA really $100 per card?

Is PSA really $100 per card? PSA charges $100 or more per card only for services like Super Express, Walk-Through, or any of the five Premium tiers. These options offer very fast turnaround times for high-value cards.

What does a PSA 7 look like?

A PSA NM 7 is a card with just a slight surface wear visible upon close inspection. There may be slight fraying on some corners. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. A minor printing blemish is acceptable.

How strict is PSA on centering?

The image must be centered on the card within a tolerance not to exceed approximately 55/45 to 60/40 percent on the front, and 75/25 percent on the reverse." And if you look at it now it says: "A PSA Gem Mint 10 card is a virtually perfect card.

Is CGC grading better than PSA?

Neither CGC nor PSA is definitively "better"; they serve different collector priorities, with PSA generally holding higher resale value and market share (especially vintage), while CGC offers stricter grading, more detailed sub-grades, and often better slab aesthetics, making it strong for modern cards and personal collections where precise condition matters. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize quick sale (PSA) or granular detail/personal enjoyment (CGC).
 

Is CGC 9.5 a 10?

Yes, CGC Cards, the leading card grading company, updated its system so that previously graded CGC 9.5 Gem Mint cards are now equivalent to the new CGC 10 Gem Mint grade, and collectors can get them reslabbed for a new label. While the old blue-labeled 9.5s automatically convert in the population report to a 10, you can pay a fee to have them physically reslabbed with the updated Gem Mint 10 label, making them functionally the same as newer 10s, though some collectors debate the market perception and whether they should have remained 9.5s.
 

What Pokémon card is worth $60,000?

A Trainer No. 3 card, awarded to a third-place winner in a 1999 Japanese competition, famously sold for $60,000 in 2018 but was lost in the mail, while a rare Gyarados Unnumbered Promo card was also selling for around $60,000 in July 2023, both prized for extreme rarity and unique tournament origins.
 

Which grading company is most lenient on centering?

Reputation for Grading: PSA is known for being slightly more lenient than its competitors when it comes to minor imperfections like centering. Collectors often see this as beneficial, as PSA 9 and PSA 10 grades can be easier to achieve for certain cards.

Can a PSA 9 be off center?

A PSA 9 is nearly perfect with only one minor flaw, such as a minor printing imperfection or very slight off-centering. A PSA 8 may look like a PSA 9 at first glance and is in excellent condition, but may show the slightest fraying on one or two corners or a minor printing imperfection or be very slightly off-center.

What is the holy grail of cards?

The Wagner card has been described as “The Mona Lisa of baseball cards,” and as “The Holy Grail of card collecting.” It is the subject of three books, one for adults and two for children. It was even the inspiration for a movie about Wagner, 2004's “The Winning Season,” released in 2004.

What cards won't PSA grade?

PSA generally won't grade cards that are too small, significantly miscut, altered (trimmed, cleaned, recolored), non-English/Japanese (unless an obscure, recognized exception), or from obscure/unrecognized issues, often returning them as "Don't Grade" (N9) or "Authentic Altered" (AA) if they are genuine but altered; they also might refuse certain errors or items not fitting their holder.
 

Who bought the 13 million dollar card?

The $13 million Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant dual-signed basketball card was purchased by an investment group that includes celebrity investor and "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary, along with fellow investors Matt Allen and Paul Warshaw, forming a syndicate to acquire the rare collectible. The record-setting sale occurred at Heritage Auctions in August 2025, with the group viewing the card as a long-term alternative asset.
 

Is PSA at Collect a Con?

Yes, PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) attends Collect-A-Con events to offer on-site submission for grading and authentication, not typically for instant, in-person grading, though some dealers might offer faster turnarounds for a fee, saving you shipping costs and time. You drop off your items (cards, tickets, memorabilia) at the PSA booth, fill out paperwork (often on-site), and they handle the rest, with returns often taking weeks or months, depending on the service level. 

Is a PSA of 200 possible?

In cases where PSA levels are extremely high, such as 200 PSA, the cancer is likely advanced, and the risk of metastasis is much greater.

How much does GameStop charge for PSA grading?

GameStop's PSA grading costs typically range from $19.99 to $21.99 per card, depending on the card type (Pokemon vs. Sports/Other), with some promotions or Pro memberships offering slightly lower rates, plus a potential flat shipping fee, and additional charges can apply if your card's graded value exceeds the initial insurance tier. The process involves dropping cards off at a store, tracking online, and picking them up, with Pro members getting perks like extra credit for traded cards.