PSA grades trading cards on a 1 to 10 scale. PSA 10 is Gem Mint — the top. Everything below is a step down in condition, and those steps change what a card is worth. This guide explains every PSA grading level in plain language so you can read a slab label, compare sold comps, and set the right price alert.
What does PSA 10 mean?
PSA 10 means Gem Mint. The card looks virtually perfect: sharp corners, clean edges, strong centering, and a surface that holds up under close inspection. Only a small share of submissions earn a 10, which is why PSA 10 prices often jump far above PSA 9 for the same card.
PSA grading levels 1–10 (full scale)
Use this chart as a collector's translation of the PSA scale — not a substitute for PSA's official standards. When you buy or sell, always compare the same grade to the same grade.
| Grade | Label | What collectors usually see | Buying tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Gem Mint | Near-perfect under close look; tiny flaws only | Compare only other PSA 10s — never to a 9 |
| 9 | Mint | Excellent; one minor flaw you may need to hunt for | Often the value 'sweet spot' vs Gem Mint premium |
| 8 | NM-MT | Slight wear: soft centering, light corner, or edge | Common high-grade floor for many modern cards |
| 7 | Near Mint | Minor handling; still clean for display | Good when a 9/10 premium is too steep |
| 6 | EX-MT | Light play wear; corners or surface show age | Match photos carefully — 'EX' varies by seller |
| 5 | Excellent | Clear wear on corners, edges, or surface | Price should reflect play, not mint comps |
| 4 | VG-EX | Obvious wear; whitening or soft corners common | Buy for completion, not gem premiums |
| 3 | Very Good | Heavy play; creases or surface loss possible | Avoid unless the card is ultra-scarce |
| 2 | Good | Major wear; structural issues often present | Authenticate before paying for 'rare' low grades |
| 1 | Poor | Severe damage; last-resort collectible copy | Usually memorabilia, not investment grade |
What is the difference between PSA 9 and PSA 10?
Both look sharp in a photo. The difference is how close the card is to perfect under grading standards — and how scarce that top tier is. A PSA 9 is Mint. A PSA 10 is Gem Mint. For chase cards with low gem rates (Moonbreon, vintage Charizard), that one point can mean a large price gap because buyers concentrate on the few Gem Mint copies.
What graders check (centering, corners, edges, surface)
- +Centering — how evenly the borders sit front and back.
- +Corners — whitening, soft tips, or bends.
- +Edges — chipping, whitening, or print issues along the rim.
- +Surface — scratches, print lines, holo wear, stains, or clouding.
Any one weak factor can keep a card out of Gem Mint even if the other three look strong. That is why two cards that look similar online can grade a 9 and a 10.
How to use grading levels on GrailHawk
- 1Open the card's guide page and read live listings with grade filters in mind.
- 2Set a price alert with a grade filter (for example PSA 10) so you are not woken up for the wrong slab.
- 3Compare sold comps within the same grade — a cheap PSA 8 is not a PSA 10 deal.
- 4Track owned slabs in Portfolio with the grade filled in so value stays like-for-like.
Asking prices and sold comps are only useful when printing, language, and grade match. Mixing PSA 10 and raw (or PSA 8) creates fake deals.
PSA vs BGS vs CGC — same idea, different labels?
Other graders also use numeric scales, but labels and subgrades differ. PSA 10 is not automatically equal to a BGS 10 or CGC 10 in the market — collectors often pay different premiums by slab brand. When you set an alert, match the grader you actually want to buy.