PSA 10 vs CGC 10: The Real Difference & How Centering Decides
PSA 10 Gem Mint and CGC 10 Gem Mint grades use similar centering standards, but CGC also offers a higher Pristine 10. Centering is key, but not the only factor - measure it before you submit.
PSA 10 vs CGC 10: How Their Centering Standards Compare
Both PSA and CGC use comparable centering requirements for their Gem Mint 10 grades. PSA 10 Gem Mint usually requires centering of roughly 55/45 or better on the front and about 75/25 or better on the back. CGC 10 Gem Mint is similar, with no significant published difference for centering alone. This means if your card meets the centering standard for one, it likely meets it for the other. However, always check each grader’s latest published guidelines before submitting.
CGC Pristine 10: A Step Above Gem Mint
Unlike PSA, CGC offers a Pristine 10 grade, which is above its Gem Mint 10. Pristine 10 requires perfect subgrades in centering, corners, edges, and surface. Achieving this is extremely rare, and even slight imperfections in centering can make a card miss this top grade. PSA’s highest grade is Gem Mint 10, with no Pristine tier.
Why Centering Matters - But Isn’t Everything
- Centering is one of four main subgrades: centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Even with perfect centering, flaws in other areas can prevent a 10 grade.
- Measure centering precisely before submitting, but inspect corners, edges, and surface closely as well.
How to Measure Centering Before You Submit
Accurate centering measurement is crucial for predicting your grade. The Midpoint app (available for iOS and Android) measures your card’s exact front and back centering from a single photo, so you know where your card stands before paying for grading. Always confirm your card’s centering matches the grader’s published standards before submitting.
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 the main difference between PSA 10 and CGC 10?
Both use similar centering standards for Gem Mint 10, but CGC also offers a higher Pristine 10 grade for cards with perfect subgrades.
How does centering affect PSA 10 and CGC 10 grades?
Centering must meet roughly 55/45 or better on the front and about 75/25 or better on the back for both PSA 10 and CGC 10. Always check current standards.
Can a card graded PSA 10 get CGC 10 as well?
Often yes, since their centering standards are similar, but all subgrades (corners, edges, surface) must also meet requirements.
What is CGC Pristine 10?
CGC Pristine 10 is a grade above Gem Mint 10, requiring perfect subgrades in centering, corners, edges, and surface. PSA does not offer a Pristine 10.
How can I check my card’s centering before submitting?
Use the Midpoint app to measure your card’s exact centering and compare it to current grading standards before submission.