centering (another stupid grading thread)

[darwinbulldog]

I have a graded card that I want to submit for a crossover. I know the different grading companies list the grading criteria on their sites, but SGC at least gives just one number for centering (e.g., an SGC 84 has 70/30 or better centering) and PSA gives only two (one for the front and one for the back). There are, of course, four centering measurements (vertical and horizontal on both front and back). For "eye appeal" the front horizontal centering seems to be more important than the other three combined, but to what extent is that the same when actually getting a card graded? From a technical perspective it seems like they should all count equally, but PSA specifies otherwise in the front vs. back cutoffs and both SGC and PSA explicitly verbalize some wiggle room into their grading standards for something like eye appeal.

Does anyone know specifically how it works in practice? Let's say for an SGC 84, do all four measurements have to be 70/30 or better? Or just the main one but the other three have to be close? Or is it that the average of the four measurements has to be 70/30 or better? And is this a trade secret, or should I just call and ask them?

[Leon]

I don't think it's a trade secret but I would call and ask. I don't know the answer....

[toledo_mudhen]

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by Leon

I don't think it's a trade secret but I would call and ask. I don't know the answer....

Always good advice. A quick phone call will often answer these types of questions.

I believe the answer is the score is given based on the point at which the card is most off center. That could be top to bottom, or left to right.

If a card just misses, say 68/32 top to bottom, but has all other characteristics I suppose a judgement call is made on whether or not to let it slide. I have no idea how that is determined. Issues like that are why cards are able to be bumped.

[glynparson]

Back is less important as I feel it should be. Many vintage issues never have equal front and back centering. I am not sure why anyone would think front centering is not more important. Every company that grades allows for a more oc back than front. It is an industry standard. And one I actually agree with.

[pokerplyr80]

Yes there's a centering score for the front and back. I meant that's how I believe each is calculated. From the point each is the most off center. I don't think anyone would argue back centering is as important as front either.