Demystifying the Grading Scale: A Comprehensive Guide to Top Sports Card Grading Services

In the world of sports card collecting, the condition of a card plays a pivotal role in determining its value and desirability among enthusiasts and investors. To assess the condition of sports cards accurately, collectors rely on reputable grading services such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). Each grading service employs its own grading scale and criteria to evaluate the condition of cards. Let’s explore the grading scales and conditions for each of these top sports card grading services.

Exploring Grading and Condition Standards Across Leading Sports Card Grading Services

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)

PSA employs a numerical grading scale ranging from 1 to 10, with grades between 2 and 9 having half-point increments (e.g., 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and so on). The PSA grading scale assesses cards based on centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions for each PSA grade:

• PSA 1: Poor – In a PSA 1 grade, many of the same qualities as a PSA 1.5 may be present, but the defects have progressed to a more serious stage, resulting in significantly diminished eye appeal. A Poor card may feature major creasing that nearly breaks through all layers of cardboard, contain extreme discoloration or dirtiness throughout, making it challenging to identify the issue or content of the card on either the front or back. Additionally, the card may exhibit noticeable warping or other destructive defects.
• PSA 1.5: Fair – In a PSA 1.5 grade, the corners of the card will exhibit extreme wear, possibly affecting the framing of the picture. The surface will show advanced stages of wear, including scuffing, scratching, pitting, chipping, and staining. Additionally, the picture may be significantly out-of-register, and the borders may have become brown and dirty. The card may also have one or more heavy creases. To achieve a Fair grade, the card must be fully intact, even though it may be heavily worn. However, it cannot achieve this grade if it is missing solid pieces due to a major tear, removal of the back layer, or an entire corner. Centering must be approximately 90/10 or better on both the front and back.
• PSA 2: Good – In a PSA 2 grade, the corners of the card exhibit accelerated rounding, and surface wear begins to become apparent. The card may display scratching, scuffing, light staining, or chipping of enamel on the obverse. Additionally, several creases may be present. Original gloss may be entirely absent, and the card may show considerable discoloration. It is crucial that the centering of the card is 90/10 or better on both the front and back.
• PSA 3: Very Good – In a PSA 3 grade, the corners of the card may show some rounding, although not too excessively. Surface wear becomes apparent, accompanied by potential light scuffing or scratches. The focus may be slightly off-register, and noticeable wear may be present on the edges. While much of the card’s original gloss is lost, some may still remain. Borders may exhibit some yellowing or discoloration, and a visible crease may be present. Additionally, printing defects are possible, and there may be slight staining on the obverse and more prominent wax staining on the reverse. It is crucial that the centering of the card is 90/10 or better on both the front and back.
• PSA 4: Very Good-Excellent – In a PSA 4 grade, the corners of the card may exhibit slightly more rounding than a PSA 5, and surface wear becomes noticeable but remains modest. Light scuffing or scratches may be present, and some original gloss is retained. Additionally, borders may show slight off-whiteness, and a light crease may be visible. Centering of the card is 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
• PSA 5: Excellent – PSA 5 cards exhibit more pronounced rounding of the corners, along with increased visibility of surface wear or printing defects. Minor chipping on edges may also be present, and the loss of original gloss becomes more apparent. The focus of the picture may be slightly out-of-register, and several light scratches may be visible upon close inspection but do not diminish the card’s appeal. Additionally, the card may display some off-whiteness on the borders. Centering of the card is 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
• PSA 6: Excellent-Mint – A PSA 6 grade indicates a card with noticeable surface wear or a printing defect that does not significantly detract from its overall appeal. It may exhibit a very light scratch detectable only upon close inspection. Additionally, corners may show slight graduated fraying, and picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. The card may display some loss of original gloss, minor wax staining on the back, very slight notching on edges, and some off-whiteness on borders. It is crucial that the centering of the card is 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
• PSA 7: Near Mint – A PSA 7 grade denotes a card with minimal surface wear that is only noticeable upon close inspection. Some corners may exhibit slight fraying, and there may be a slight out-of-register picture focus. A minor printing blemish is acceptable, and slight wax staining is permissible on the back of the card only. Despite these minor imperfections, most of the original gloss is retained. It is essential that the centering of the card is approximately 70/30 to 75/25 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
• PSA 8: Near Mint-Mint – A PSA 8 grade represents a super high-end card that may initially appear to be a PSA 9 upon first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the card may exhibit the following minor flaws: a very slight wax stain on the back, slight fraying at one or two corners, a minor printing imperfection, and/or slightly off-white borders. It is essential that the centering of the card is approximately 65/35 to 70/30 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
• PSA 9: Mint – A PSA 9 grade signifies a card in superb condition, with only one of the following minor flaws: a very slight wax stain on the back, a minor printing imperfection, or slightly off-white borders. The centering of the card must be approximately 60/40 to 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
• PSA 10: Gem Mint – A PSA 10 grade showcases a virtually flawless card. It features four perfectly sharp corners, sharp focus, and retains its full original gloss. To achieve a PSA 10 grade, the card must be free of any staining, although a slight printing imperfection may be allowed if it does not significantly detract from the overall appeal of the card. Additionally, the image must be centered on the card within a tolerance not exceeding approximately 55/45 to 60/40 percent on the front, and 75/25 percent on the back. As the highest achievable grade, a PSA 10 card yields top dollar in the sports card market and to many is the benchmark for sports card grading services.

Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)

SGC also utilizes a numerical grading scale ranging from 1 to 10, with half-point increments. SGC evaluates cards based on centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. Here are the conditions for each grade:

• SGC 1: Poor – A SGC 1 grade typically displays several of the following characteristics: heavy print spots, prominent creases, pinholes, color or focus imperfections, discoloration, surface scuffing or tears, rounded and/or fraying corners, ink or pencil markings, and a lack of all or some original gloss. Additionally, small portions of the card may be missing.
• SGC 1.5: Fair – A SGC 1.5 grade usually denotes heavy print spots, prominent creases, pinholes, color or focus imperfections, discoloration, surface scuffing or tears, rounded and/or fraying corners, ink or pencil markings, and a lack of all or some original gloss. Additionally, a small portion of the card may be missing. The card is centered 90/10 or better.
• SGC 2: Good – A SGC 2 grade typically displays one or more of the following characteristics: heavy print spots, prominent creases, pinholes, color or focus imperfections, discoloration, surface scuffing or tears, rounded and/or fraying corners, ink or pencil markings, and a lack of all or some original gloss. The card is centered 90/10 or better.
• SGC 2.5: Good+ – A SGC 2.5 grade showcases good overall quality and eye appeal, slightly surpassing the characteristics of an SGC 2. It may still exhibit heavy print spots, prominent creases, pinholes, color or focus imperfections, discoloration, surface scuffing or tears, rounded and/or fraying corners, ink or pencil markings, and a lack of all or some original gloss. The card typically maintains a centering of around 90/10 or better.
• SGC 3: Very Good – A SGC 3 grade features 90/10 or better centering, with corners that are more rounded, although not excessively so. Stronger creasing may be present, along with poorer focus, registration, and more noticeable discoloration and staining.
• SGC 3.5: Very Good+ – A SGC 3.5 grade represents a card with very good overall quality and eye appeal, slightly surpassing the characteristics of an SGC 3. The grade features slightly better than 90/10 centering, with corners that are more rounded, although not excessively so. Stronger creasing may be present, along with poorer focus, registration, and more noticeable discoloration and staining.
• SGC 4: Very Good-Excellent – A SGC 4 grade typically showcases 85/15 or better centering, with corners that are slightly rounded and exhibiting modest surface wear. Additionally, a light hairline crease may appear on one or both sides, and a light tear or surface break may exist.
• SGC 4.5: Very Good-Excellent+ – A SGC 4.5 grade represents a card with very good to excellent overall quality and eye appeal, slightly surpassing the characteristics of a SGC 4 grade. Typically, SGC 4.5 grades feature better than 85/15 centering, with corners that are slightly rounded and exhibiting modest surface wear. Additionally, a light hairline crease may appear on one or both sides, and a light tear or surface break may exist.
• SGC 5: Excellent – A SGC 5 grade indicates 80/20 or better centering, with some rounding or fuzzing of corners. The card may exhibit roughness or chipping along the edges, without any layering. Additionally, one very slight surface or “spider” crease may exist on one side of the card. Some gloss may be lost from the surface and some scratching may be present that does not detract from the the card’s overall aesthetic.
• SGC 5.5: Excellent+ – A SGC 5.5 graded card showcases excellent overall quality and eye appeal, marginally surpassing the characteristics of a SGC 5 grade. Typically, SGC 5.5 grades feature slightly better than 80/20 centering, with minor surface imperfections and rounding or fuzzing of corners.
• SGC 6: Excellent-Near Mint – A SGC grade 6 denotes a card with 75/25 or better centering, where slight fuzzing of corners may be noticeable. Additionally, a skewed cut may be more evident, and the focus or register may be slightly off. Furthermore, slight notching of edges may exist.
• SGC 6.5: Near Mint+ – A SGC 6.5 grade represents a card with almost almost great overall quality and eye appeal, slightly surpassing the characteristics of an SGC 6 grade. The card typically features slightly better than 75/25 centering, with some slight fuzzing of corners still evident. Any skewed cut may be less noticeable than a SGC 6 grade, and the focus or register may still be off a tad bit.
• SGC 7: Near Mint-Mint – A SGC 7 graded card has 70/30 or better centering, with only slight wear visible on some corners. Minor scratching, occasional print spots or speckling, and acceptable print lines or refractor lines may be present. Additionally, the card may exhibit a slightly skewed (diamond) cut.
• SGC 7.5: Near Mint+ – A SGC 7.5 graded card boasts slightly better than 70/30 centering, with a few minor flaws that may be discernible upon close inspection. These flaws can include, but are not limited to, very minor wear on one corner, a gloss break or surface scratch, a print line or refractor line, a focus or color imperfection, or a print spot.
• SGC 8: Near Mint-Mint – A SGC grade 8 exhibits 65/35 or better centering, with corners appearing sharp to the naked eye but may reveal slight wear upon closer inspection. Additionally, a few small flaws may be discernible upon close examination, including very minor wear on one corner, a gloss break or surface scratch, a print line or refractor line, a focus or color imperfection, or a print spot.
• SGC 8.5: Near Mint-Mint+ – A SGC 8.5 grade has slightly better than 65/35 centering and exhibits four fairly sharp corners. Despite its overall excellent condition, a few minor flaws may be detected upon close examination. These minor flaws may include, but are not limited to, a slight nick to one corner, a small gloss break or surface scratch, a minor print line or refractor line, a minor focus or color imperfection, or a small print spot.
• SGC 9: Mint – An SGC 9 grade is mint and features 60/40 or better centering, along with sharp focus and four sharp corners. Despite its outstanding condition, a minor flaw may be discernible upon close examination. This minor flaw could include, but is not limited to, a slight nick to one corner, a small gloss break or surface scratch, a minor print line or refractor line, a minor focus or color imperfection, or a small print spot.
• SGC 9.5: Mint+ – A SGC 9.5 graded card may initially appear to be Gem Mint 10, but upon closer inspection, it may reveal a tiny flaw or flaws that prevent it from receiving a Gem Mint 10 grade.
• SGC 10: Gem Mint – A SGC 10 Gem Mint grade signifies 55/45 or better centering, sharp focus, and four sharp corners. The card is free of stains, with no breaks in surface gloss, and devoid of print or refractor lines. Additionally, there is no visible wear present. However, a slight print spot may be allowable under close scrutiny if it does not detract from the overall aesthetics of the card.
• SGC 10: Pristine – An SGC 10 Pristine grade represents a “virtually flawless” card. It features 50/50 centering, crisp focus, and four sharp corners. The card is free of stains, with no breaks in surface gloss, and no print or refractor lines visible. Furthermore, there is no visible wear detectable under magnification. As the highest achievable grade, an SGC 10 Pristine card is exceedingly rare and commands top dollar in the market.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS)

BGS employs a dual grading scale that assesses both the condition of the card’s surface and its corners, edges, and centering. The BGS grading scale uses a numerical grade from 1 to 10, with subgrades for each component (surface, corners, edges, and centering). Beckett also issues final grades in half-point increments (e.g., 10, 9.5, 9, 8.5, etc.). When a card receives a grade with a half-point increment, it typically exhibits characteristics that are a blend of those found in the grade above and below it. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions for each grade:

• BGS 1: Poor – A BGS 1 graded card displays centering 100/0 or is offcut on either the front or back. Additionally, heavy diamond cutting is permitted. The corners are heavily rounded or heavily notched, with noticeable layering. The edges may exhibit destructive chipping, notching, or layering. Furthermore, the surface may feature severe print spots, heavy creases, severe color or focus imperfections, heavy border discoloration, severe stains, and a lack of original gloss. Additionally, heavy scuffing or a severe tear may be present.
• BGS 2: Good – A BGS 2 grade exhibits centering of 90/10 or better both ways on the front and 100/0 or offcut on the back. There may be noticeable diamond cutting and the corners are noticeably rounded or heavily notched, with moderate layering. Additionally, the edges may be severely chipped, notched, or layered. On the surface, there may be severe print spots, noticeable creases, noticeable color or focus imperfections, noticeable border discoloration, heavy wax stains, moderate ink marks, or tape stains. The surface may lack gloss and exhibit noticeable scuffing or a noticeable tear.
• BGS 3: Very Good – A BGS 3 grade has centering of 85/15 or better both ways on the front and 100/0 or better on the back. Moderate diamond cutting is permissible. The corners may be slightly rounded or noticeably notched, with slight layering allowed. Additionally, the edges may exhibit heavy notching, moderate layering, or heavy chipping. On the surface, there may be heavy print spots, very minor creases, noticeable color or focus imperfections, noticeable border discoloration, noticeable wax stains, light ink marks, or tape stains. The surface may display very little gloss and minor scuffing or a very minor tear.
• BGS 4: Very Good-Excellent – A BGS 4 graded card denotes centering of 80/20 or better both ways on the front and 100/0 or better on the back. Moderate diamond cutting is acceptable. The corners may show slight notching or layering, or moderate dings. Additionally, the edges may be readily chipped or notched, and/or slightly layered. On the surface, there may be heavy print spots, hairline creases, moderate color or focus imperfections, moderate border discoloration, moderate wax stains, and very light ink marks or tape stains. The surface may have lost a good deal of gloss, with very minor scuffing or an extremely subtle tear in the form of a touch of broken surface paper.
• BGS 5: Excellent – A BGS 5 grade shows centering of 75/25 or better both ways on the front and 95/5 or better on the back. Slight diamond cutting is permitted. The corners may exhibit four fuzzy corners, a touch of notching, or a minor ding. Additionally, the edges may display noticeable roughness without layering, along with very slight notching or noticeable chipping. On the surface, there may be noticeable print spots, minor color or focus imperfections, minor border discoloration, minor wax stains, or very light ink marks. Some gloss may be lost from the surface, accompanied by minor scratches, but devoid of scuffing.
• BGS 6: Excellent-Mint – A BGS 6 graded card’s centering is approximately 70/30 or better both ways on the front and 95/5 or better on the back. Slight diamond cutting is permissible. The corners may have fuzzy corners but are free of dings and fraying. Additionally, the edges may exhibit moderate roughness, moderate chipping, or minor notching. On the surface, there may be noticeable print spots, minor color or focus imperfections, minor border discoloration, and subtle wax stains or extremely subtle ink marks. The card may retain relatively solid gloss with minor scratches, but devoid of scuffing. Noticeable metallic print lines may also be present.
• BGS 7: Near Mint – A BGS 7 grade displays centering of 65/35 or better on both the front and back. Very slight diamond cutting may be observed. Minor wear on two or three corners is permissible, and the edges may exhibit slight roughness, minor chipping, or very minor notching. On the surface, a few noticeable print spots or minor speckling may be present, along with minor color or focus imperfections. Additionally, very minor border discoloration and a very minor wax stain on the back may be visible. The card maintains solid gloss with a few minor scratches detectable upon close inspection, as well as a few metallic print lines.
• BGS 8: Near Mint-Mint – A BGS 8 should have centering of 60/40 or better both ways on the front, and 80/20 or better on the back. Corners appear sharp to the naked eye, but slight imperfections may be observed upon close examination. Borders are relatively smooth, with specks of chipping visible to the naked eye. The surface may display a few minor print spots, very minor color or focus imperfections, and solid gloss with very minor scratches detectable only upon close inspection, or a subtle metallic print line.
• BGS 9: Mint – A BGS 9 boasts centering of 55/45 or better both ways on the front, and 70/30 or better on the back. Corners appear mint upon close inspection, with a speck of wear permitted under intense scrutiny. Edges are virtually mint to the naked eye, with unobtrusive specks of chipping on the borders allowed. The surface may exhibit a handful of printing specks or one minor spot, very minor focus or color imperfections, clean gloss with one or two tiny scratches barely noticeable to the naked eye, and one faint, unobtrusive metallic print line.
• BGS 9.5 Gem Mint – A BGS 9.5 is hailed as Gem Mint, featuring centering of 50/50 one way and 55/45 the other on the front, and 60/40 or better on the back. Corners appear mint to the naked eye, but slight imperfections are allowed under magnification. Edges are virtually mint to the naked eye, with a speck of wear permitted under intense scrutiny. The surface may display a few extremely minor print spots, detectable only under intense scrutiny, deep color devoid of registration or focus imperfections, perfect gloss, and devoid of scratches and metallic print lines.
• BGS 10: Pristine – A BGS 10 is deemed pristine, showcasing 50/50 centering all around on the front and 60/40 or better on the back. Corners appear perfect to the naked eye and mint under magnification. Edges are perfect to the naked eye and virtually free of flaws under magnification. The surface showcases no print spots, flawless color devoid of registration or focus imperfections, perfect gloss, and devoid of scratches and metallic print lines.

Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)

CGC, known primarily for grading comic books, also grades sports cards. CGC utilizes a numerical grading scale from 1 to 10, with half-point increments. CGC evaluates cards based on centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. Here are the conditions for each grade:

• CGC 1: Poor – A CGC 1 grade may have major surface damage, such as severe creasing that breaks the surface, or it may be missing a small portion of the cardstock, such as a torn-away corner. The card will have multiple catastrophic flaws.
• CGC 1.5: Fair – A CGC 1.5 grade is categorized as “fair” and may possess one catastrophic flaw, such as a staple hole, a small area of missing surface, severe creasing, or writing on the surface. Additionally, the card may be miscut.
• CGC 2: Good – A CGC 2 graded card may exhibit heavier creasing that extends across the surface from edge to edge. Additionally, the card may show some surface damage, such as a small amount of writing on either the front or back. Furthermore, an extremely heavy diamond cut that nearly results in a miscut is permissible.
• CGC 2.5: Good+ – A CGC 2.5 graded card may denote heavy creasing, although it typically does not extend across the entire surface from edge to edge. Additionally, the card may exhibit some surface damage, such as a single small writing mark on the back. Furthermore, an extremely heavy diamond cut that nearly results in a miscut is acceptable.
• CGC 3: Very Good – A CGC 3 grade is categorized as “very good” and there may be four rounded corners, although the rounding is not excessive. The surface might showcase one moderate crease or several light creases, along with scuffing, scratches, and a decrease in original gloss. Additionally, the edges could show moderate wear, and there may be noticeable staining on both the front and back of the card.
• CGC 3.5: Very Good+ – A CGC 3.5 graded card typically demonstrates 90/10 centering and four rounded corners, though not excessively rounded. The surface may reveal one moderate crease or multiple light creases, along with scuffing, scratches, and a reduction in original gloss. Additionally, the edges might exhibit moderate wear, and there could be moderate staining visible on the cardstock.
• CGC 4: Very Good-Excellent – A CGC 4 graded card may still posses slightly rounded corners. Surface imperfections such as scuffing, scratches, and one or more light creases may be noticeable. While some original surface gloss may remain, borders may appear off-white, and minor staining may be present. Additionally, an extremely noticeable diamond cut may still be evident.
• CGC 4.5: Very Good-Excellent+ – In a CGC 4.5 grade, the corners may show slight rounding, and noticeable surface flaws such as scuffing, scratches, or one light crease may be present. Though some original surface gloss may remain, borders may appear off-white, and a small amount of minor staining is permitted. Centering for sports and non-sports cards is typically 85/15, and an extremely noticeable diamond cut is acceptable.
• CGC 5: Excellent – In a CGC 5 grade, corners may display slight “fuzziness” and minimal rounding, with two to three corners possibly exhibiting minor dings. Chipping along the edges, slight border discoloration, and noticeable print spots or color/focus imperfections on the surface may also be present. For cards with scratch-off surfaces, the coating may be removed without damaging the surface.
• CGC 5.5: Excellent+ – In a CGC 5.5 grade, corners may still have light “fuzziness” and minimal rounding, with one or two corners possibly exhibiting minor dings. Chipping along the edges, slight border discoloration, and noticeable print spots or color/focus imperfections on the surface may also be present.
• CGC 6 : Excellent-Near Mint – In a CGC 6 grade, only one “dinged” corner is permitted, or alternatively, up to two of the following flaws: two or three corners showing fuzziness, slightly rough edges, or noticeable print spots. A moderate diamond cut is permissible, and wax staining on the front is considered acceptable. For sports and non-sports cards, centering should not exceed 75/25.
• CGC 6.5 : Near Mint – In a CGC 6.5 grade, there should be no more than one slightly “dinged” corner, or alternatively, up to two of the following flaws: two or three corners displaying fuzziness, slightly rough edges, or noticeable print spots. A moderate diamond cut is permissible, and light wax staining on the front is allowed.
• CGC 7: Near Mint A card graded CGC 7 may exhibit a touch of wear on three or more corners, along with slightly rough edges. The image may also be slightly out of register. A slight diamond cut is permissible, and very slight wax staining is allowed on the reverse. For both sports and non-sports cards, centering should be at least 70/30 or better.
• CGC 7.5: Near Mint+ – A CGC 7.5 graded card may exhibit a touch of wear on two or three corners or slightly rough edges. The image may also be slightly out of register. A slight diamond cut is permissible, and very slight wax staining is allowed on the reverse. For TCG cards, moderate defects or a number of small handling defects may be present. For sports and non-sports cards, 65/35 centering is acceptable.
• CGC 8: Near Mint-Mint – A CGC 8 grade requires relatively smooth edges with only minor signs of wear. It should maintain original color borders and gloss. Additionally, one of the following very minor flaws is permissible: corners appear sharp to the naked eye but reveal slight imperfections under magnification; a small amount of minor print spots; or subtle focus imperfections of the image. A very slight diamond cut is also allowed. TCG cards may exhibit small-to-moderate handling defects. For sports and non-sports cards, centering must be 65/35 or better.
• CGC 8.5: Near Mint-Mint+ – A CGC 8.5 grade indicates relatively smooth edges with only minor signs of wear. The card should retain original color borders and gloss. Additionally, one of the following very minor flaws is permitted: corners appear sharp to the naked eye but reveal slight imperfections under magnification; a small amount of minor print spots; or subtle focus imperfections of the image. A very slight diamond cut is also permissible. TCG cards may exhibit small handling defects.
• CGC 9: Mint – A card graded CGC 9 represents a Mint condition card featuring four sharp corners with only minor visible wear. Slight flaws on the edges may be present. The surface must retain all original gloss, although a small number of specks or one minor spot or surface defect is permissible. TCG cards may exhibit only a few minor manufacturing or handling defects. As for sports and non-sports cards, centering must be 60/40 or better for the front of the card and 90/10 for the back.
• CGC 9.5: Mint+ – A CGC 9.5 denotes a Mint+ grade, signifying a card with premium eye appeal and is marginally better than a Mint card. Exceptional centering, surface qualities, color, or other key elements can elevate a card to achieve the Mint+ grade.
• CGC 10: Gem Mint – A Gem Mint grade is given to a card that has received an overall grade of 10; however, it falls slightly short of meeting the criteria for a Pristine 10 due to a minor imperfection in one of the grading criteria. Corners exhibit perfection to the naked eye and are Mint+ under 10x magnification. The surface is devoid of print spots and displays flawless gloss, without any surface flaws. Centering should not exceed approximately 55/45, and reverse centering should not exceed 75/25.
• CGC 10: Pristine – A Pristine 10 represents a card that is virtually flawless to the naked eye. It boasts perfect centering at 50/50, along with flawless color and registration. Each card deserving of a CGC Pristine 10 grade will be distinguished with a special CGC Cards Pristine 10 label.

In conclusion, understanding the grading scales and conditions for top sports card grading services such as PSA, SGC, BGS, and CGC is essential for collectors and investors seeking to assess the condition and value of their cards accurately. By familiarizing themselves with these grading scales and criteria, collectors can make informed decisions when buying, selling, or investing in graded sports cards.