How does SGC and PSA grade tears?
 

Curious as I have a card I want to send in, but likely won’t if it’ll come back an A.

Dan it depends on the severity.
I just won this from Sterling last week, there's a small tear on the right side by Camnitz' socks
It knocked it down to a "2" but presents much better


https://qualitycards.com/pictures/42449512.jpg

You can choose a minimum numeric grade when you complete their order form. If it's an A they'll send it back ungraded.

Thanks for the responses, Jay & Casey. Casey, do they charge you still if it doesn’t meet the minimum grade?

yes they still charge you regardless.

It depends on if the tear stains the card or not. If the player himself is crying in the photograph (see Brooks Robinson ‘58T) it is considered part of the card and doesn’t impact the grade.

" it depends " :
 

..http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/204295...57KKKOUFAX.JPG


...this tear extends into the card beyond the border , ; I have other cards with a tear that is confined to the border and they are a " 2 ".

http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/204295...OBATESPSA2.JPG

I usually think of a card that has a tear as a 1 to 1.5. But I guess if it's a really great looking card, a 2 is fine. It can't be above that, in my mind. Some of us love low grade cards...

This is in an old holder and I doubt it gets a 2 today. Things have gotten more strict, in general.
.

My experience is somewhat limited to a handful of cards but all have come back as ones.

I have a Drysdale RC with a tear that is graded PSA 2.