Question about the current PSA standards

Cardsandcoffee · 08-21-2023, 12:15 PM

How do people feel about the current standards they are employing?

Anecdotally, it does seem like PSA is being very strict, fairly or not, about their current grading standards, particularly with older, non-chrome, cards. I have used this to my advantage by picking up some general collection and grail cards, that have been recently graded by PSA (unfortunately for the seller but fortunately for me). Otherwise I probably would not have be able to afford to grab some of these cards, in as nice of condition. Now, I’m not a grader nor do I think I’m one… but I generally think I’m pretty knowledgeable about what card condition constitutes what grade and it does feel they are grading many cards a level or two below what’s generally considered their historical level. Several of my recent pick ups look better than many 9’s I’ve seen, in older slabs.

I am fully aware of the adage “buy the card, not the holder” but it does become trickier when you have to explain why your 6 or 7 is better looking than many older 8’s. Grading was meant to reduce ambiguity but these waves of strict grading vs more lax grading is causing confusion.

Just a thought that I like to hear others thoughts on.

08-21-2023, 12:15 PM	#1
Cardsandcoffee Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: PNW Posts: 1,066	Question about the current PSA standards How do people feel about the current standards they are employing? Anecdotally, it does seem like PSA is being very strict, fairly or not, about their current grading standards, particularly with older, non-chrome, cards. I have used this to my advantage by picking up some general collection and grail cards, that have been recently graded by PSA (unfortunately for the seller but fortunately for me). Otherwise I probably would not have be able to afford to grab some of these cards, in as nice of condition. Now, I’m not a grader nor do I think I’m one… but I generally think I’m pretty knowledgeable about what card condition constitutes what grade and it does feel they are grading many cards a level or two below what’s generally considered their historical level. Several of my recent pick ups look better than many 9’s I’ve seen, in older slabs. I am fully aware of the adage “buy the card, not the holder” but it does become trickier when you have to explain why your 6 or 7 is better looking than many older 8’s. Grading was meant to reduce ambiguity but these waves of strict grading vs more lax grading is causing confusion. Just a thought that I like to hear others thoughts on.