Not every PSA-graded card receives the grade it deserves. Graders are human, processing thousands of cards daily, and subjective judgment inevitably leads to cards being undergraded. For knowledgeable collectors, spotting undergraded cards is one of the best ways to find value in the market. Here's how to identify Pokemon cards that deserve a higher PSA grade.
Understanding PSA Grading Standards
PSA grades cards on a 1–10 scale considering four main factors: centering, corners, edges, and surface. A PSA 9 card typically has near-perfect condition with only minor imperfections visible under close inspection. A PSA 10 (GEM MINT) requires excellent centering (approximately 55/45 or better), sharp corners, clean edges, and a pristine surface with no scratches, print defects, or whitening.
Understanding these criteria deeply is the first step to spotting undergraded cards.
What Causes Cards to be Undergraded?
- Grader fatigue: High-volume periods mean less time per card
- Lighting conditions: Surface imperfections are harder to spot under certain lighting
- Print defects vs. damage: Factory print lines or spots can be mistaken for handling damage
- Subjectivity in centering assessment: Machine and human measurement can disagree
- Era of grading: PSA standards have tightened over the years — older grades may not reflect current standards
How to Identify Undergraded Cards: Visual Inspection
Step 1: Centering Check
Use a ruler or the "PSA centering overlay" technique to measure the border width on all four sides. Many PSA 8 cards actually have centering that meets PSA 9 or 10 standards. Take precise measurements — even 0.5mm difference matters.
Step 2: Corner Assessment
Examine all four corners under magnification (10x loupe recommended). PSA 9 corners show extremely minor wear that may only be visible under high magnification. If the slab's corners appear sharper than a typical PSA 8, investigate further.
Step 3: Edge Examination
Look at all four edges under raking light. Roll the slab gently to catch different angles. Whitening or chipping on edges is the most common reason for grade reductions — but occasionally cards with clean edges receive lower grades due to other factors.
Step 4: Surface Analysis
This requires the best lighting. Use a bright LED torch at various angles to look for:
- Print lines (factory defects — generally not counted against the card)
- Scratches on the holo layer (significant grade deductions)
- Indentations from handling
- Fingerprint oils or residue
Where to Find Undergraded Cards
The best hunting grounds for undergraded cards in Australia:
- eBay completed sales: Filter for PSA 8 cards of cards that are known to have high PSA 9/10 populations
- Facebook Marketplace: Collectors selling graded lots sometimes mislabel grades
- Local card shows: In-person inspection allows thorough examination
- Bulk lot purchases: Lots containing PSA 7–8 cards sometimes hide PSA 9 quality examples
The Crossgrade and Regrade Strategy
Once you identify a potential undergraded card, you have two options:
- Crossgrade to CGC or BGS: These companies sometimes grade the same card higher than PSA, especially when PSA grades were given during high-volume periods
- PSA Review/Regrade: PSA offers a review service where you can challenge a grade. Success is not guaranteed and costs fees, but for high-value cards the math can work out
Economics of the Undergrade Hunt
For this strategy to be profitable, the spread between the PSA 8 purchase price and PSA 9/10 selling price must exceed grading costs ($25–$60 per card for standard PSA service) plus your time. Focus on cards where PSA 9 is worth at least $150–200 more than PSA 8 to make the math work.
Final Tips
Practice by comparing hundreds of graded cards and developing an eye for quality. Study PSA Population Reports to understand which cards grade well (high PSA 10 populations mean easier criteria) and which are "tough grades" (few PSA 10s despite high submission volumes). With patience and a trained eye, spotting undergraded cards can be one of the most rewarding skills in Pokemon collecting.