Are Off-Center Cards Worth Grading? A Collector’s Guide

Centering is a crucial factor in the world of trading card grading. Many collectors wonder if it’s worth submitting cards that are noticeably off-center to grading companies. The answer depends on several factors, including the card’s rarity, value, and your collecting goals. Here’s what you need to know before sending in that off-center card.

How Centering Affects Card Grades

Card grading companies assess centering by measuring the borders around the card’s artwork. Off-center cards—those with unequal border widths—usually receive lower centering subgrades, which can impact the overall grade. For example, a card with perfect corners and edges but poor centering may still receive a grade below mint, such as Near Mint (NM) or Excellent (EX), depending on how far off-center it is.

• High-grade cards (Gem Mint, Mint) require near-perfect centering.
• Moderately off-center cards can still receive respectable grades if other aspects are strong.
• Significantly off-center cards may be limited to lower grades, regardless of other condition factors.

When Off-Center Cards Are Worth Grading

Grading off-center cards can make sense in specific scenarios. Consider the following before submitting:

• Rarity: Rare or vintage cards, even with centering flaws, may be worth grading due to their scarcity and demand.
• Value: Some cards retain significant value despite centering issues, especially if they are key rookies or from iconic sets.
• Personal significance: If a card holds sentimental value or is a centerpiece of your collection, grading can provide protection and authentication.
• Error cards: Some collectors seek out miscuts or off-center cards as unique collectibles.

However, if the card is common and off-center, grading may not increase its market value enough to justify the cost.

Tools for Assessing Centering Before Grading

Before submitting your card, it’s wise to accurately measure its centering. Digital tools like Midpoint help collectors analyze cards by measuring border widths and estimating centering percentages. This data can help you predict the likely grade your card will receive and decide if grading is worthwhile.

Conclusion

Off-center cards can still be worth grading, especially if they are rare, valuable, or personally significant. Use centering measurement tools to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the choice depends on your collecting goals and the specific card in question.