While each of the four major card grading companies uses similar scales, there are some unique components to each.
Scales
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) - Uses a 10 point grading scale without (.5) increments. You can view the grading scale here: https://www.psacard.com/resources/gradingstandards#cards
Beckett Grading Services (BGS) - Uses a 10 point grading scale with (.5) increments and subgrading. You can view the grading scale here:
Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC) - Uses a 10 point grading scale with (.5) increments. You can view the grading scale here:
Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) - Uses a 10 point grading scale with (.5) increments. You can view the grading scale here:
Commonalities:
All four companies use numeric grading scales from 1-10 to assess the condition and quality of sports cards.
They examine similar aspects of the cards like centering, edges, corners, surface condition, color, focus.
They offer expedited services
Higher grades indicate better condition cards with 10 being gem mint/pristine.
Lower grades like 1-3 are for cards in poor condition.
They all encase graded cards in plastic slabs with labels indicating the grade.
They grade a variety of different sports cards and non-sport cards collectibles.
Key differences:
BGS, SGC and CGC factor in (.5) increments for grading while PSA gives only single digit grades.
PSA, BGS, SGC are more established and reputable than the newer CGC for sports card grading.
BGS offers subgrades
They have a variation of grading standards
They all have different price points and turnaround times.
Terminology:
Slab - a common term used to describe the plastic holder that grading companies use to encase a graded card. It will be sonically sealed with a label to describe the grade.
Variation - A card that is different – usually in small and subtle ways – from its common counterparts in the same set.
Parallel - a sports card that is identical to a base card in the same sports card offering. It may have a different color, texture, or gradient.
Card Number - specific set of letters, numbers, or a combination thereof that serve as a designator for the set or group of cards. It is most commonly found on the back of the card itself.
Grading - the process of submitting a card to a company that will assign an assessment to a sports card, non-sports card, ticket, photo, etc..
Raw - a card that has not been graded.
Short Print (SP) - A card that has a lower print run than other cards in the set.
Top Loader - a rigid plastic sleeve that encloses the card and keeps it clean and protected while mitigating damage. Often used for storing cards for a prolonged amount of time.
Semi Rigid Top Loader - A more flexible plastic protective sleeve that provides an outer layer of protection thanks to a semi-rigid PVC construction. This sleeve is preferred when submitting cards for grading.
Serial Number - often associated with the SP number stamped or printed on a card. It is usually designated with an (/) character. For example 1/25, 498/499.
Penny Sleeve - a thin plastic sleeve that serves as a barrier prior to inserting into a top loader or semi-rigid loader.
Compensation (Comps) - a term often used to determine the value of the card in relation to the current market.
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