The PSA Grading Scale Explained, From 1 to Gem Mint 10

The PSA grading scale runs from Poor 1 to Gem Mint 10, and each number stands for a defined condition: how sharp the corners are, how clean the surface is and how well the image is centered. Half grades, qualifiers and the Authentic designation fill in the detail. Here is what every step on the label means, in PSA's own terms.

Graded slabs are now live at PUSHAS too, led by the PSA-graded Mega Charizard X ex Special Illustration Rare #125 in the graded cards and slabs collection.

Every PSA grade starts with a card pulled from a pack, and the cards inside sealed boxes like the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box are the ones collectors send for grading. Sealed boxes are live now in the Pokémon trading card range at PUSHAS.

How PSA reads a card

PSA grades on a ten-point scale, with 1 at the low end and 10, Gem Mint, at the top. PSA's grade definitions describe a card's corners, edges, surface and centering. PSA defines centering as the distance between the photo and the edge of the card, measured from opposite sides, and it states its centering tolerances as ratios such as 60/40, where a perfectly centered card would read 50/50. The back of the card has its own, looser tolerance at most grades.

Eye appeal also counts. PSA notes that its graders may allow a small centering variance based on a card's overall eye appeal, and that its graders reserve the right to make a judgment call on a grade based on the strength or weakness of a card's eye appeal. A slabbed PSA card carries a certification number on its label that can be checked through PSA's online verification.

The top of the scale: Gem Mint 10 to NM 7

PSA defines each grade as follows.

Gem Mint 10. PSA calls this a virtually perfect card, virtually free from physical defects, with sharp corners and original color and gloss. Front centering is approximately 55/45 to 60/40, and 75/25 on the reverse.

Mint 9. A card in its original, like-new state with sharp corners and only a minor flaw, such as a very slight wax stain on the reverse or slightly off-white borders. Front centering is approximately 60/40 to 65/35 or better, and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Near Mint-Mint 8, or NM-MT 8. It may appear Mint at first glance, but can show the slightest fraying at one or two corners or slightly off-white borders. Front centering is approximately 65/35 to 70/30 or better, and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Near Mint 7. Very few flaws. Slight surface wear is visible on close inspection and the corners may show light wear. Front centering is approximately 70/30 to 75/25 or better, and 90/10 or better on the back.

The middle and lower grades: EX-MT 6 to Poor 1

PSA defines each grade as follows.

Excellent-Mint 6. Minor wear on the corners and possibly visible surface wear or a printing defect, with no major flaws. Front centering of 80/20 or better, and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Excellent 5. Very minor rounding of the corners is becoming evident, with minor surface wear and possibly very light creasing. Front centering of 85/15 or better, and 90/10 or better on the back.

Very Good-Excellent 4. Corners may be slightly rounded, and surface wear is noticeable but modest, with possible light scuffing or light scratches. Centering of 85/15 or better, front and back.

Very Good 3. Some rounding of the corners, though not extreme, with apparent surface wear and possible light scuffing. Centering of 90/10 or better, front and back.

Good 2. Corners show accelerated rounding and surface wear is starting to become obvious. Centering of 90/10 or better, front and back.

Poor 1. Corners show extreme wear, possibly affecting the framing of the picture.

Half grades, qualifiers and Authentic

PSA adds a half-point grade within each number on the scale except 9, so there is an 8.5 but no 9.5. To earn the half point, a card must show qualities that separate it from the average card at that grade, and PSA says centering usually matters most, typically five to ten percentage points better than the tolerance for the grade. Because a half-grade card is high-end for its grade, qualifiers do not apply to it.

A qualified card meets every criterion for a grade but fails the standard in one area. A card with NM-MT 8 qualities but 90/10 centering, for example, becomes NM-MT 8 OC. PSA's qualifiers are OC for off-center, ST for staining, PD for print defect, OF for out of focus, MK for marks from pen, pencil or ink, and MC for miscut, a card with little or no border or even part of another card.

Some cards receive no number at all. PSA can encapsulate a genuine card as Authentic without a numeric grade, or as Authentic Altered where it shows signs of alteration such as trimming, restoration or recoloring.

Who each grade is built for

Grade	What it means	Built for
Gem Mint 10	Virtually perfect, 55/45 to 60/40 front centering	Collectors chasing the top of the PSA scale
Mint 9	Like-new, with a minor flaw such as a slight wax stain	Collectors who want a sharp, near-perfect card
NM-MT 8 and NM 7	Mint at a glance, light wear on close inspection	Collectors building sets of well-kept cards
Authentic	Genuine card, no numeric grade	Collectors who value the card itself over its condition

Live now at PUSHAS

Stock as of 4 October 2026. Graded slabs, including the Mega Charizard X ex #125 in PSA 10 and PSA 9, sit alongside sealed Pokémon and Topps boxes at PUSHAS. Every item is authenticated by hand, so you can shop with confidence. The live listing shows the current price. Start with the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box.

If you are choosing which box to open, read our guide to Elite Trainer Boxes, booster boxes and booster bundles, or browse the wider trading cards range.

FAQ

What does PSA 10 Gem Mint mean?

PSA calls a Gem Mint 10 a virtually perfect card, virtually free from physical defects, with sharp corners, original color and gloss, and front centering of approximately 55/45 to 60/40.

Is there a PSA 9.5?

No. PSA adds a half-point grade within each number except 9, so there is an 8.5 but no 9.5.

What does OC mean on a PSA card?

OC stands for off-center. It is a qualifier for a card that meets every criterion for a grade except centering.

What is the difference between PSA 9 and PSA 10?

A Mint 9 can show a minor flaw and approximately 60/40 to 65/35 front centering. A Gem Mint 10 is virtually perfect, with approximately 55/45 to 60/40 front centering.

What does PSA Authentic mean?

PSA can encapsulate a genuine card as Authentic without a numeric grade, or as Authentic Altered where it shows signs of alteration such as trimming, restoration or recoloring.