Why do people cover PSA numbers?

People cover PSA numbers on graded cards primarily to prevent counterfeiting, where scammers use valid numbers to create fake slabs, but also for seller privacy (doxing, sales history) or to hide potential issues like misgrades or a large population count of a specific card, though some argue it hinders buyer verification and allows for hiding stolen cards.

What is the controversy with PSA grading?

A recent controversy dubbed the “PSA Buyback Scandal” alleges that the grading company PSA downgraded customer-submitted cards (e.g., 30 identical cards graded PSA 9), repurchased them at lower prices, then relisted the same cert numbers as higher-value PSA 10s.

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.

How to tell if it's a fake PSA?

Easiest and fastest way to tell is the PSA logo with the silver foil in the middle of the label. If you move it back and forth in the light and the colors change, it's real. That one piece is what every fake slab can never replicate.

Is it safe to display PSA cards?

In short, protect and display your PSA-graded cards by using protective sleeves over the cases, storing them in a cool, dry place, and showcasing them in display cases with UV protection. This ensures your valuable cards remain in pristine condition while being proudly displayed.

Is PSA Buying Back PSA 9 Cards and Regarding them as 10's? No, they are not...but I digress!

Is PSA 7 a bad grade?

A PSA of 7 ng/mL is considered elevated and borderline, suggesting a higher chance (around 25%) of prostate cancer but not a certainty, as it can also be caused by aging, inflammation, infection, or an enlarged prostate (BPH). Doctors usually recommend further investigation like a repeat test, digital rectal exam (DRE), or biopsy, with action depending on your age, medical history, PSA velocity (rate of change), and prostate size (PSA density). 

How much will GameStop pay for graded cards?

GameStop pays a maximum of $1500 cash/credit per PSA graded card (grades 8, 9, 10 accepted) but the actual offer depends on the card's market value, with offers often around 90% of what you could get elsewhere, though it's easier and faster than selling privately; Pro members get an extra 5% trade credit on these graded cards, notes this YouTube video and this Facebook post.

Can people fake PSA graded cards?

Yes, fake PSA-graded cards exist and are becoming increasingly convincing, with counterfeit slabs featuring fake cards, incorrect grades, and forged labels that mimic authentic ones, requiring careful inspection for subtle details like UV markings, engraving quality, font accuracy, and label security features (like the lighthouse logo) to spot the fraud. While checking the certification number on the PSA website confirms a number's legitimacy, it doesn't guarantee the card in the slab is the real one associated with that number, as fraudsters can replicate labels and swap cards. 

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. 

What is the most expensive PSA graded card?

PSA GEM MINT 10 RATINGS

There are only three PSA 10 grades of the hobby's most valuable card, or 0.18 percent of the total. PSA 10 Value: NA (none of the PSA 10 Mantle cards have been sold; a SGC 9.5 holds the sports card record at $12.6 million).

Do collectors prefer CGC or PSA?

Collectors prefer PSA for higher resale value and market dominance, while CGC is favored for stricter grading (especially Pristine 10s), better slab aesthetics, faster service, and lower costs, making the choice dependent on whether the goal is maximum profit (PSA) or collection enjoyment/accuracy (CGC). PSA is the industry leader, especially for older or high-value sports cards, but CGC offers a strong alternative, particularly for modern Pokémon, with a more critical eye and attractive cases.
 

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.
 

Why are PSA 10 so rare?

PSA 10s are rare because they require near-flawless cards, meaning perfect corners, edges, surface, and centering, with very few cards meeting these strict criteria due to manufacturing flaws and handling damage, creating high demand for these virtually perfect cards that drives prices significantly above lower grades. While modern cards have better initial conditions, widespread quality control issues like print defects and centering problems still limit the number of true Gem Mint 10s, especially for popular vintage cards where finding pristine examples is extremely difficult. 

Is Gamestop still doing PSA grading?

Yes, GameStop still offers <<< !nav >>PSA grading services for trading cards through select stores, acting as an authorized submission center where they handle packaging and shipping for you, though the process and experience can vary by location. You drop off your cards at GameStop, they send them to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) for authentication and grading, and then you can pick them up or buy them back from GameStop once graded. 

What cards will PSA not grade?

PSA generally won't grade cards that are significantly altered (trimmed, recolored, cleaned), counterfeit, non-English/Japanese cards outside specific releases, or sometimes obscure/vintage items where they lack established standards, leading to returns or "Authentic Altered" (AA) designations for genuine but tampered items, rather than a numerical grade. Cards with major manufacturing defects or those deemed too thick/memorabilia-heavy can also face grading challenges. 

Is PSA discontinuing funko?

PSA will stop grading Funko POP! figures as of December 1, the company announced. The company will accept figures to grade until that date, but end the service after all figures submitted for grading before that date are processed for authentication and grading. The services being discontinued include Funko POP!

What is cheaper, CGC or PSA?

Yes, a comparable CGC grade (like a 10) generally sells for less than a PSA grade (like a 10) due to PSA's higher market recognition and established resale value, though this can vary, with CGC's stricter standards sometimes making its pristine grades more valuable, but PSA remains the go-to for maximizing short-term resale profit, while CGC is popular for its lower cost, faster service, and perceived stricter grading on modern cards. 

Can you walk into PSA and get a card graded?

Just prep your items the best you can, bring them to a PSA team member, and work with us to finalize your submission. Find a PSA drop-off event or location near you!

Is PSA 55-45 or 60-40?

PSA's standard for a Gem Mint 10 used to be 60/40 centering, but they officially updated it to 55/45 or better, though graders still have some discretion, sometimes allowing up to 60/40 if the rest of the card is perfect and it has good "eye appeal". So, while 55/45 is the stricter new requirement, older 60/40 cards might still get a 10, but it's less common now. 

Does PSA check if the card is real?

Checklist Verified

PSA ensures every card is authentic and reviews the checklist for accuracy.

Why do people crack PSA slabs?

People crack PSA slabs primarily to re-grade for a potentially higher score, to submit to a different grading company (like BGS or SGC), to sell as a raw card for better profit on low grades, or because they prefer raw cards/binders, sometimes after discovering an issue like moisture or wanting a better display. The goal is often to achieve a higher grade or fit a personal collecting preference, though it risks damaging the card or losing value if the grade doesn't improve.
 

Why won't GameStop buy my PSA card?

However, not all cards will be accepted. Cards must be graded by PSA with a grade of 8, 9, or 10 to be accepted for trade. How will the card value be determined when I trade in?

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.
 

Why did GameStop charge me $27?

That $27 charge from GameStop is very likely your annual GameStop Pro Membership auto-renewal, which costs $25 plus taxes, often appearing as $27-$28 on your statement and sometimes originating from Grapevine, TX. You probably opted into this when signing up for Pro or a purchase, and it automatically renews yearly unless canceled. Check your online account to manage or cancel it, or contact GameStop customer service if you don't recognize it.