PSA 9 vs. PSA 10: A Guide to Maximizing Your Grading Profits

PSA 9 vs. PSA 10: The Small Details That Make a Huge Difference

In the world of Pokémon card grading, the jump from a PSA 9 (Mint) to a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) is where fortunes are made. While both are excellent grades, the price premium for a PSA 10 can be astronomical. Understanding the subtle differences between these two grades is crucial for any serious investor.

What's the Difference in Value?

Let's look at a real-world example: the Giratina V Alternate Art from Lost Origin.

• PSA 9 Value: ~$450
• PSA 10 Value: ~$1,200

That's a $750 difference for what might be a nearly imperceptible flaw. For vintage cards, the gap can be even wider.

What Separates a PSA 9 from a PSA 10?

According to PSA, a "Gem Mint 10" card is virtually perfect. It must have:

• Four perfectly sharp corners.
• Sharp focus and full original gloss.
• No staining or blemishes of any kind.

A "Mint 9" card is described as being in "superb condition" but may have one very minor flaw, such as:

• A very slight wax stain on the reverse.
• A minor printing imperfection.
• Slightly off-white borders.
• Centering that is slightly off-center.

Centering is often the biggest factor. A card can look perfect in every other way, but if the centering of the artwork is off by more than a 60/40 split, it will almost never receive a PSA 10.

How to Pre-Grade Your Cards for PSA 10 Potential

Before you spend money on grading, you should "pre-grade" your cards yourself to estimate their potential.

1. Get the Right Tools: You'll need a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe, a bright light source, and a centering tool.
2. Examine the Surface: Under the light, tilt the card back and forth to look for any scratches, print lines, or dimples on the holographic area.
3. Check the Corners: Use your magnifying glass to inspect each corner. They must be perfectly sharp, with no whitening or "dings."
4. Inspect the Edges: Look for any "whitening" or "silvering" along the back edges of the card.
5. Measure the Centering: Use a centering tool to measure the borders on the front and back of the card. This is the most objective measurement and often the deciding factor.

Is It Worth Getting a Card Graded if It Might Get a 9?

This is where a PSA 9 vs. PSA 10 value calculator becomes essential. Our PSA Grading Calculator is designed to help with this exact scenario.

When you look up a card, the calculator will show you the current market value for both a PSA 9 and a PSA 10. This allows you to calculate two potential ROIs: one for a "hit" (PSA 10) and one for a "miss" (PSA 9).

If the value of a PSA 9 is still high enough to make a profit after grading fees, then it's a much safer investment. If the PSA 9 value would result in a loss, then you are betting entirely on hitting the perfect 10.

By understanding the subtle differences and using the right tools, you can make much more strategic decisions about which cards to send for grading, maximizing your chances of a profitable return.