What cards will PSA not grade?

By Eliud Alano December 04, 2023 08:58

When it comes to collecting trading cards, getting them professionally graded can add value and credibility to your collection. The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is one of the most renowned grading companies in the industry. However, there are certain types of cards that PSA will not grade. In this article, we will explore the cards that fall outside the scope of PSA's grading services.

Altered Cards

PSA will not grade cards that have been altered or tampered with in any way. This includes cards that have been trimmed, re-colored, or had their surfaces altered. The integrity of the card is of utmost importance to PSA, and any signs of alteration will result in the card being deemed ineligible for grading.

Counterfeit Cards

PSA has strict guidelines in place to ensure the authenticity of the cards they grade. Any cards suspected of being counterfeit will not be accepted for grading. This includes cards that have been reproduced or forged to mimic the original. PSA's rigorous authentication process aims to maintain the credibility of the graded cards in the market.

Cards in Poor Condition

While PSA does grade cards in various conditions, there are certain extreme cases where cards will not be accepted for grading. Cards that are severely damaged, torn, stained, or have significant wear and tear will not meet PSA's grading standards. It is essential to ensure that the cards you submit for grading are in a reasonably good condition.

Unauthorized Cards

PSA will not grade cards that are not officially licensed or recognized by the respective trading card companies. This includes cards that have been custom-made or produced by unauthorized manufacturers. PSA's grading services are primarily focused on authentic and officially recognized trading cards.

Non-Sports Cards

While PSA is well-known for grading sports cards, they do not provide grading services for non-sports cards. Non-sports cards include trading cards related to movies, TV shows, comics, and other entertainment genres. If you have non-sports trading cards that require grading, you will need to explore other grading options.

If you are considering getting your trading cards graded by PSA, it is important to be aware of the types of cards that they will not grade. Altered cards, counterfeit cards, cards in poor condition, unauthorized cards, and non-sports cards are among the categories that fall outside PSA's grading services. Ensuring that your cards meet the criteria set by PSA will help you make informed decisions about getting your collection graded and enhance its overall value and authenticity.