Posted By:
davidcycleback"There is really no mathematical meaning to it. A 10 is not 10 times better than a 1"
Then how can you perform meaningful mathematical calculations with the the PSA numbers? If a 10 is not 10 times better than a 1, then how can a set registry say "(10 + 1) / 2 = 5.5"? The accuracy of the answer in that equation is dependent on 10 being 10 times bigger (or better, in the case of grading) than 1.
The crux is that PSA's numeric system and our normal system for doing mathematical equations are distinctly different. They can't be interchanged or mixed and matched-- as collectors erroneously try to do. As they share numeric symbols ('9,' '7'), they superficially resemble each other and lead people to erroneously believe you can mix and match the numbers in a calculator or chalkboard equation. As the above paragraph demonstrates, PSA's '10' doesn't represent the same value as the normal '10,' so you can't simply plug into a mathematical equation a PSA 10 as if it were a normal 10. If PSA used letters or other non-numeric symbols to just as accurately represent the same grades (A = best, etc), the hobby wouldn't be trying to mix and match the systems (After all, you can't type an 'A' into your calculator). It is because PSA adopted standard numeric symbols the people incorrectly jump to the conclusion that a PSA 10 is synonymous with a 10 on a calculator or in a Algegra 101 book. The two '10's or two '.5's may look interchangable, but they aren't, as they come from different numeration systems. PSA itself has said that the new .5 grade is not supposed to represent .5 in the normal mathematical sense.