Four Key Physical Card Traits That Impact Grading!

Before we begin, this guide is intended for those just starting out with card grading. While I’m still learning myself and may overlook a few details, I want to share some key reference points for those unfamiliar with the process.

To begin these four traits are factors when it comes to grading and you may see them as sub grades if the grader offers them like Beckett (BSG).

1. Centering

Centering refers to how well a card's design is positioned within its borders. Ideally, a card should have balanced spacing on all sides, creating a symmetrical look. Misaligned centering can drastically lower a card’s grade, even if the rest of its condition is pristine. For example, PSA currently uses 55/45 parameters for front centering. If your centering measures out to be 56/44 then expect a PSA 9 if you decide to submit your card even if your card was otherwise perfect.

In card grading, the X/X ratio refers to the percentage difference between the borders of a card, specifically how evenly the printed design is centered. This ratio is typically measured both left to right and top to bottom to determine how off-center a card is.

Example: 50/50 refers to a perfectly centered card, below is a BSG Black Label, which requires perfect 50/50 centering to achieve a 10 in the centering subcategory.




Another Example centering using a PSA 9 using JoshBeeTCG Center Grading Tool

How to Check Centering:

• Compare the borders on all four sides of the card.
• Look for noticeable shifts in alignment, especially on older prints.
• Use tools like centering tools, Apps or Sites like, JoshBeeTCG Center Grading Tool

2. Surface

A card’s surface encompasses everything from its gloss and texture to potential flaws like scratches, dents, or print imperfections. A pristine surface contributes significantly to a high grade, while any damage such as ink smudges, scratches and factory defects can reduce its value and grading potential. Surface damage is a major factor that especially effects vintage cards as even hard to see surface damage on the foil can knock out the grade of the card.

Common Surface Issues:

• Scratches and scuff marks from handling or storage.
• Print lines or holographic imperfections in foil cards.
• Dirt or smudges from improper handling. 

Example: Major Surface damage is this BSG 1.5 Charizard (Crease and scratching on the card)

3. Edges

The edges of a card are another crucial factor in grading. Wear and tear along the borders can result in visible whitening, nicks, or chipping, especially in foil or premium cards. It's also very common problem with promo cards were the loose promos bounce around in the box. Damage to the edges often occurs due to frequent handling or improper storage in loose sleeves or binders.

Preventing Edge Wear:

• Store cards in protective sleeves or top loaders.
• Avoid excessive handling, especially with foil cards.
• Inspect edges under bright light (black light can be used as well) to identify subtle imperfections.

Example: Edge Damage is this BGS 2.5 with a 3.5 edge sub grade (Major Whitening and nicks/scratches leading from the edge)

4. Corners

Corners should be sharp and well-defined, maintaining their original shape without any bending or fraying. Even the slightest rounding or ding on a corner can drop a card’s grade significantly that It can bring an otherwise pristine card to a nine. This is often one of the first areas graders examine when assessing a card's condition.

Tips to Preserve Corner Quality:

• Handle cards by their sides rather than pressing on the corners.
• Use rigid cases for high-value cards to avoid unnecessary pressure.
• Be cautious when inserting cards into sleeves, as improper handling can cause corner damage.

Example: Corner Damage is PSA 1 Card (Severe whitening of some of the corners to the point you can say its nearly all white)

 

With those physical factors out of the way, I hope you understand some to factors that come into grading.