BGS 10 vs CGC 10: The Real Difference and How Centering Decides Your Grade
BGS 10 and CGC 10 both represent top-tier card grades, but Beckett is generally stricter on centering. Here’s how centering can make or break your grade, and how to check it before submitting.
How BGS 10 and CGC 10 Grades Compare
Both BGS (Beckett Grading Services) and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) use four sub-grades: centering, corners, edges, and surface. The main difference is that Beckett is more demanding on centering for their highest grades. A BGS 10 requires nearly perfect centering, while CGC 10 allows for slightly more variance. Both companies display sub-grades, so you can see exactly how centering affected your final grade.
Centering Requirements: What Each Grader Looks For
- BGS 10: Beckett’s standard for a 10 centering sub-grade is extremely strict, effectively requiring about 50/50 centering. Their “Black Label” 10 needs all four sub-grades at 10, including perfect centering.
- CGC 10: CGC’s Gem Mint 10 accepts approximately 55/45 or better centering on the front. Their Pristine 10 tier is reserved for cards with perfect centering and flawless condition.
Because of this, a card with slight centering variance may earn a CGC 10 but not a BGS 10. Always check the latest published standards for each grader, as requirements may be updated.
Why Centering Can Decide Your Grade
Even small centering differences can mean the difference between a BGS 10 and CGC 10. If your card is close to perfect, it might get a BGS 10. If it’s slightly off-center, it could still reach CGC Gem Mint 10, but not Beckett’s top grade. Corners, edges, and surface are also critical, but centering is often the deciding factor between these two grades.
How to Measure Centering Before You Submit
To avoid surprises, measure your card’s exact centering before sending it in. The Midpoint app lets you analyze centering from a single photo, detecting borders and calculating front and back centering ratios. This gives you a clear idea of which grading tier your card is most likely to achieve, helping you choose the right grader and avoid unnecessary submission fees.
Measure your card's exact front and back centering in Midpoint - free to start - and know which grade tier it can actually reach.
Try MidpointFAQ
What is stricter on centering, BGS 10 or CGC 10?
BGS 10 is generally stricter, requiring nearly perfect 50/50 centering, while CGC 10 allows for slightly more variance, roughly 55/45 or better on the front.
Can a card get CGC 10 but not BGS 10 due to centering?
Yes. Cards with centering that falls short of BGS 10 standards can still achieve CGC Gem Mint 10, as CGC allows more leeway in centering.
Do both BGS and CGC show centering as a sub-grade?
Yes, both grading companies display centering as one of the four sub-grades on the final label, making it clear how centering affected the grade.
How can I check my card’s centering before grading?
You can measure your card’s exact centering using the Midpoint app, which analyzes a single photo to give precise front and back centering ratios.
Does centering alone determine if I get a 10 grade?
No. While centering is very important, corners, edges, and surface condition also play a critical role in achieving a 10 from any grader.