PSA Card Grading Process Revealed

[RobertGT]

Originally Posted by Paulanthony

The grading service is being conducted using no tools or a mathamatical formula which gives the graders the open discretion to be subjective.
The grader is determining the condition of the card using Subjective opinions, based on his experience. He then determines the grade based on his interpretations. This is a double standard. PSA's concept of third-party grading. ensures the accuracy of the grade assigned based on a 10 point grading scale. If a grade is being assigned and the process does not consist using basic tools, ruler, magnifing glass or a mathamatical formula then how can anyone make an assessment and claim a 10 point grading scale was used.
This is a ( catch 22) a problematic situation and a contradicition of grading policy that effects the opposite of what was intended

So you are saying- without a set of algebraic equations and stainless steel calipers - you cannot determine whether a raw card right in front of you is a 5 or an 8?

[t206fix]

the graders don't need a ruler or magnifying glass to see the $50 bill taped to the back of the previously graded PSA 7 card I just submitted in order to bump it to a PSA 9.

Great news!

[Fred]

Bottom line - Grading is still SUBJECTIVE....

How the heck can anyone expect to see consistency in grading if people are to rely on the "naked eye". We've seen enough examples of paper loss being missed and other issues not caught during grading.

I've seen enough PSA graded cards graded with an OC qualifier that had better centering than cards without the OC qualifier. Oh, that's right, it's the "naked eye" thing.

The numerical grading system is bull $hit. I still think it's funny that there are people that care more about a numerical grade assigned to a card than they actually care about the card.

I see a good purpose for TPG companies but assigning numerical grades shouldn't be a part of it. The label should indicate AUTH (authentic) and if the card was altered then place that information (ALT) on the label and let the purchaser figure out the rest. If the TPG companies did this then nobody would be bashing them for the mistakes they're being paid not to make.

[ullmandds]

This is about as "revealing" as the Joey P thread!

[frankbmd]

The half grades recently employed by PSA required the purchase of a new grading wheel. Accurate division by two (2) is required to determine the grade.

[ullmandds]

frank...does this mean psa has changed their scale...to include "11" for those really really "loud" cards!?!?!??!

[frankbmd]

Peter,

You are not a PSA grader.

11 divided by 2 = 5.5 EX+

We are forwarding your application to CSA.

And before anyone asks,

1 divided by 2 = Authentic

[3-2-count]

Originally Posted by Fred

"The numerical grading system is bull $hit. I still think it's funny that there are people that care more about a numerical grade assigned to a card than they actually care about the card.

I see a good purpose for TPG companies but assigning numerical grades shouldn't be a part of it. The label should indicate AUTH (authentic) and if the card was altered then place that information (ALT) on the label and let the purchaser figure out the rest".

Smartest thing stated in this thread yet. Well said Fred!!

[glchen]

Originally Posted by Fred

Bottom line - Grading is still SUBJECTIVE....

...

Do people even know what subjective vs objective mean? TPGs are obviously human like referees but they are a neutral third party between the buyer and seller.

[Exhibitman]

Pete, only Chuck Norris's cards are 11's...

[Bocabirdman]

I always thought that the "P" in PSA stood for Punxsutawny. I figured grading is what Phil does the rest of the year. I mean, is it a coincidence that they don't accept submissions on Feb 2?

[Bocabirdman]

I always thought that the "P" in PSA stood for Punxsutawny. I figured grading is what Phil does the rest of the year. Do they accept submissions on February 2nd?

[Tao_Moko]

Good on PSA for finding a way to capatilize on the hobby. However, these statements only add validity to the "Authentic" or "Altered" concept.

Also, I would prefer an objective grader anyday. My 3 year old can subjectively grade a card.

[toledo_mudhen]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Pete, only Chuck Norris's cards are 11's...

Chuck Norris will kick your ass...........

[HOF Auto Rookies]

simple solution, if you simply don't like it, then don't buy or use TPA's