How does card grading work? PSA, CGC, BGS & TAG explained
A plain-English guide to card grading — what the 1–10 scale means, how the big four grading companies differ, and why a slab matters for display and value.
Grading is the process of having a card professionally authenticated and scored for condition, then sealed in a tamper-evident plastic case — a slab — with its grade printed on the label.
A graded card is protected, verified as genuine, and far easier to value and trade. It is also the perfect canvas for extend art, since the slab is a clean, standard size.
FAQ
What does the 1–10 grade mean?
Cards are scored on a scale from 1 to 10 based on condition — centering, corners, edges and surface. A 10 is effectively flawless; most collectible cards you will see graded fall between 8 and 10. Some companies add a "Pristine" or "Black Label" tier for perfect examples.
What's the difference between PSA, CGC, BGS and TAG?
They are the four most recognized grading companies. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the most widely traded name in the hobby. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) is known for its crisp modern slab. BGS (Beckett Grading Services) is known for its sub-grades and coveted Black Label 10. TAG (Technical Authentication & Grading) uses computer-vision scoring for a highly consistent, transparent grade.
Which grading company is best?
There is no single "best" — it depends on what you collect and where you sell. PSA tends to have the broadest market recognition; BGS sub-grades appeal to condition purists; TAG's tech-driven grading appeals to collectors who want objective consistency. All four are respected.
Does the grading company affect how extend art looks?
Only the case dimensions matter, and we build each frame to fit. A PSA, CGC, BGS or TAG slab will all sit perfectly in an extended-art piece cut for that case.
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