Should I Grade This Card? A PSA Pre-Grading Checklist for Sports Cards & Pokémon

Before spending money on professional grading, every collector should ask one important question: Is my card worth grading? A card may look perfect at first glance, but small imperfections can affect its final grade and potential resale value.

Whether you have a valuable sports card, a rare Pokémon card, or a collectible you have kept for years, checking its condition before submission can help you make a more informed decision.

This guide explains how to inspect your cards, compare raw and graded values, estimate grading expenses, and decide whether PSA grading makes sense for your collection.

1. Check the Centering

Centering refers to how evenly the printed image and borders are positioned on a trading card. A card with noticeably uneven borders may have less potential for a high grade, even if its corners and surface look clean.

When inspecting centering, check the following:

• Left and right borders: Compare their widths to see whether the image is positioned evenly.

• Top and bottom borders: Look for noticeable differences in the space above and below the image.

• Front and back: Inspect both sides because centering can differ between them.

• Borderless cards: Examine the placement of the printed design relative to the card's edges.

You can use a ruler or centering tool to help assess the borders. However, visual estimates cannot guarantee a particular grade. Review the official PSA grading standards for additional guidance.

Pre-grading tip: Check both sides of the card before deciding whether its centering is suitable for submission.

2. Inspect the Corners

Card corners can show signs of wear even when a card has been stored carefully. Small imperfections may be difficult to notice without examining each corner individually.

Look for these common problems:

• Whitening or exposed paper fibers at the tips.

• Rounded or worn corners.

• Small bends, creases, or dents.

• Chipped edges around the corners.

• Damage caused by handling or storage.

Dark-bordered sports cards may show white corner wear more clearly, while colorful Pokémon cards can reveal whitening where the printed layer has chipped.

Use good lighting and, if available, a magnifying loupe to examine all four corners. Handle the card carefully to avoid introducing additional damage.

Pre-grading tip: Do not assume all four corners are in equally good condition. Inspect each one separately.

3. Inspect the Edges

The edges of a trading card can reveal damage that is not immediately visible when looking at the card from the front.

Examine all four edges for:

• White spots or chipped color.

• Rough or uneven cuts.

• Small dents or impressions.

• Peeling layers or visible separation.

• Damage extending from an edge into the card.

Manufacturing characteristics and handling damage are not always the same. Some cards have factory-cut variations or printing irregularities, so unusual edges should be assessed in context rather than automatically treated as damage.

Check the front and back, paying particular attention to dark-colored edges where whitening may be easier to see.

Pre-grading tip: Inspect the top, bottom, left, and right edges before deciding whether to submit the card.

4. Check the Surface Under Good Lighting

Surface condition is an important part of evaluating a card's grading potential. Scratches, dents, creases, and other imperfections can be difficult to see under ordinary room lighting.

Place the card on a clean, flat surface and examine it under bright, indirect lighting. Tilt it gently to view the surface from different angles. This can help reveal defects that are not obvious when looking straight at the card.

Look for:

• Scratches, scuffs, and fine surface marks.

• Dents, pressure marks, or indentations.

• Creases and wrinkles.

• Stains, discoloration, or residue.

• Uneven gloss or surface texture.

• Fingerprints or smudges.

Holographic Pokémon cards and foil sports cards may require extra attention because scratches and surface lines can become more visible as the light changes.

Avoid aggressive cleaning, polishing, or using chemicals on your cards. These methods can damage the surface and potentially affect grading eligibility.

Pre-grading tip: Examine the entire front and back under more than one lighting angle. A card that looks clean at first may reveal surface imperfections upon closer inspection.

5. Look for Print Defects

Not every card imperfection results from handling. Some defects occur during manufacturing, meaning a card pulled directly from a pack may still have issues that affect its grading potential.

Common print defects include:

• Print lines: Thin lines across the artwork, background, or holographic surface.

• Ink spots: Small dots, smears, or areas of excess ink.

• Color registration issues: Colors that appear shifted or misaligned.

• Missing print details: Areas where ink or printed elements appear incomplete.

• Surface irregularities: Dimples, roller marks, or manufacturing impressions.

• Holographic imperfections: Scratches or streaks affecting the foil finish.

Some manufacturing imperfections may have little effect on a card's grade, while others can be more significant. Their impact depends on the type and severity of the defect and the applicable grading standards.

For additional guidance, consult the official PSA grading standards. Remember that even careful collectors cannot reliably predict the exact grade a card will receive.

Pre-grading tip: Inspect the artwork, printed details, and holographic areas instead of focusing only on the corners and edges.

6. Compare Raw Value vs. PSA 9 and PSA 10 Values

After evaluating the card's condition, determine whether grading could make financial sense.

A raw card is an ungraded card. Its raw value is the price buyers are willing to pay for it without professional grading. PSA 9 and PSA 10 values represent the market prices for comparable cards that have received those grades.

Before submitting a card, research its exact identity, including:

• Year and set.

• Player or Pokémon name.

• Card number.

• Parallel, variation, or edition.

• Condition and any relevant distinguishing features.

Compare recent completed sales rather than relying only on active listings. Asking prices do not necessarily reflect what buyers actually pay.

You can use eBay to research sold listings for raw cards and PSA-graded examples. For Pokémon cards, TCGplayer provides additional pricing information for ungraded cards and different card versions.

You can also consult the PSA Population Report to see how many copies of a particular card have received different grades. Population figures provide useful context but do not determine market value or predict the grade of your card.

Example: Is Grading Worth the Cost?

Consider this hypothetical example:

• Estimated raw card value: $40

• Estimated PSA 9 value: $55

• Estimated PSA 10 value: $120

• Total grading and related costs: $30

If the card receives a PSA 9, its estimated value would be $55. After subtracting the $40 raw value and $30 in grading costs, the potential difference is negative $15.

If it receives a PSA 10, its estimated value would be $120. After subtracting the raw value and grading costs, the potential difference is $50.

These figures are illustrative only and do not represent current market prices for a specific card. They also exclude selling fees and taxes.

The example shows why you should not base your decision solely on the PSA 10 price. Consider the card's realistic grading prospects and the financial outcome if it receives a lower grade.

Pre-grading tip: Compare several recent sales for each relevant grade and use realistic values rather than the highest listing you can find.

7. Consider the Cost of Grading

Even if a card looks like a strong grading candidate, the total submission cost can affect whether grading is worthwhile.

Your expenses may include:

• PSA grading fees.

• Shipping and insurance.

• Submission or processing charges, where applicable.

• Return shipping or collection costs.

• Marketplace selling fees if you plan to sell the graded card.

Fees and turnaround estimates can vary depending on the service level, declared value, and submission method. Check the current terms before sending your cards.

Major Sports Cards offers PSA submission services as a PSA Authorized Submission Partner. Visit the Major Sports Cards PSA grading page for submission details and current listed pricing.

How to Calculate Your Potential Return

Use this formula to estimate whether grading makes financial sense:

Potential gain or loss = Expected graded sale price − Raw card value − Total grading costs

If you plan to sell the card, remember to account for selling fees and other transaction expenses as well.

For example, if the likely graded value is only slightly higher than the raw value, grading expenses may eliminate the potential financial benefit. However, a rare card may still be worth grading for authentication, protection, or long-term collecting purposes.

Pre-grading tip: Calculate the total cost before submitting, and review the service requirements and declared-value limits.

8. Decide Whether You're Grading to Sell or Keep

Your reason for grading a card should influence your decision. A submission that makes sense for a personal collection may not be the best choice for someone looking to make a profit.

If You're Grading to Sell

Focus on market value, buyer demand, and total expenses.

Ask yourself:

• Is there a meaningful price difference between raw and graded copies?

• Is the card in condition that supports the grade you expect?

• Will the likely sale price cover grading and selling expenses?

• Is there sufficient demand for this specific card?

Grading can provide authentication, a standardized condition assessment, and a protective holder. However, it does not guarantee a higher selling price or a faster sale.

If You're Grading to Keep

Financial return may be less important if the card has personal meaning or forms part of a long-term collection.

You might choose to grade a favorite rookie card, a rare Pokémon pull, a childhood collectible, or a card you want to display in a protective holder.

Consider whether professional authentication, a recognized grade, and long-term presentation are worth the expense to you.

You can browse the sports cards collection and Pokémon cards collection at Major Sports Cards to explore these collecting categories.

Pre-grading tip: A card does not have to receive a PSA 10 to be worth grading. Rarity, authenticity, sentimental value, and your collecting goals can all influence your decision.

PSA Pre-Grading Checklist

Before submitting a card, review this checklist to make sure you have considered the most important factors.

Card Condition

• Checked centering on the front and back.
• Inspected all four corners for whitening and damage.
• Checked all edges for chipping, dents, and wear.
• Examined the front and back under good lighting.
• Looked for scratches, creases, dents, and surface marks.
• Checked for print lines, ink spots, and other manufacturing defects.

Value and Costs

• Identified the exact card, set, and variation.
• Compared recent raw-card sales.
• Researched comparable PSA 9 and PSA 10 sales.
• Estimated grading, shipping, insurance, and other expenses.
• Considered the potential outcome if the card receives a lower grade.

Final Decision

• Decided whether the goal is selling or keeping the card.
• Determined whether the potential benefits justify the costs.
• Reviewed the submission process and applicable requirements.

Completing this checklist does not guarantee a particular grade. It helps you evaluate your card more carefully before committing to professional grading.

Submit Your Sports Cards and Pokémon Cards Through Major Sports Cards

If you're still unsure whether a card is worth grading, Major Sports Cards can help you explore your PSA submission options.

As a PSA Authorized Submission Partner, Major Sports Cards offers a submission route for collectors looking to have eligible sports cards and Pokémon cards professionally graded.

To get started:

1. Inspect your cards using the checklist in this guide.

2. Research raw and graded prices to understand the potential value.

3. Review the Major Sports Cards PSA grading page for submission information and current listed pricing.

4. Bring your cards to the store or follow the published instructions for arranging a mail-in submission.

5. Contact the team through the Major Sports Cards contact page if you have questions.

Whether you're evaluating a valuable rookie card, a rare Pokémon collectible, or a card with personal significance, taking the time to assess its condition and value can help you make a better-informed grading decision.

Ready to take the next step? Explore PSA submission options with Major Sports Cards and find out whether professional grading is right for your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I grade my card if it isn't perfect?

Yes, depending on its rarity, market value, authenticity, and your collecting goals. Older or scarce cards can still be valuable in lower grades. Compare the likely graded value with the total submission cost before deciding.

2. How can I tell if my card will grade PSA 10?

Inspect its centering, corners, edges, surface, and print quality. Look for balanced borders, sharp corners, clean edges, and minimal surface imperfections. These checks can help you estimate grading potential, but no home inspection can guarantee a PSA 10.

3. Is my Pokémon card worth grading?

A Pokémon card may be worth grading if it is rare, desirable, in strong condition, or meaningful to your collection. Research its exact version, compare raw and graded sale prices, and account for grading costs.

4. Should I grade a card if the PSA 9 value is close to the raw value?

If your main goal is profit, grading may not make financial sense when the PSA 9 price barely exceeds the raw value after expenses. However, authentication, presentation, and personal collecting goals may still make grading worthwhile.

5. Can a card pulled straight from a pack receive less than a PSA 10?

Yes. Pack-fresh cards can have centering issues, print lines, corner whitening, surface marks, or manufacturing defects. Inspect the card carefully instead of assuming it qualifies for a top grade.

6. Can I submit sports cards and Pokémon cards through Major Sports Cards?

Major Sports Cards offers PSA submission services for sports cards and Pokémon cards. Visit the PSA grading page for current submission details and requirements.