Grading
PSA is the largest and most respected third-party authentication and grading company in the world for unopened packs. From first-edition Pokémon and other TCG packs to vintage baseball wax, PSA authenticates and grades a wide range of sealed trading card products.
Authentication is the process of verifying the originality or genuineness of an unopened pack, including an examination of the integrity of the seal. Grading involves assessing the quality and condition of a pack using PSA’s 10-point grading scale. Grading can only take place after a pack has been deemed authentic and confirmed to have its original seal intact.
Learn more about our research, authentication and grading process, insightful content and collecting resources below.
Pricing
Note: When submitting pack orders, please keep TCG and non-TCG items separate. Mixed orders may result in delays or additional shipping fees.
Benefits of Unopened Pack Grading
Benefits of Unopened Pack Grading
Established Standards
PSA's established and universal grading scale is the gold standard among unopened pack collectors. Due to the inherent differences between packaging types, we apply our grading standard differently to wax packs and modern foil or plastic packs.
Unopened Packs PSA Price Guide
PSA has established a PSA-graded pack price guide that has enhanced stability in the marketplace for both collectors and dealers alike.
Security
PSA encapsulates every authentic unopened pack in a tamper-evident, sonically sealed case. These attractive, hard plastic cases provide protection from pressure and most damage. Our holders fit a wide variety of packs, including long crimp and oversized packs, as well as most common wax, foil and plastic packs.
Set Registry
Just like for cards, PSA has a Set Registry for unopened pack collectors and, just like with cards, the possibilities are virtually endless in terms of creating interesting and fun pack sets.
Value
PSA can help you get the most for your packs. Unopened packs authenticated and graded by PSA achieve amazing prices at auction.
Population Report
PSA offers an online record of all PSA-certified unopened packs in today’s marketplace.
What kinds of packs does PSA grade?
PSA authenticates: Wax, Cello, Plastic Foil Packs
We do not authenticate: Rack Packs
Important Note: For certain types of packs, the top and/or bottom card that shows through the wrapper is often noted on the PSA label – if, and only if, the card(s) can be verified with certainty. However, for packs where the card contents are not clearly visible, such as foil packs, only the outside features of the pack wrapper itself are identified and noted on the label. The label identification of the pack wrapper does not guarantee that card contents within such packs are as described by the manufacturer of the pack.
What kinds of packs does PSA grade?
PSA authenticates: Wax, Cello, Plastic Foil Packs
We do not authenticate: Rack Packs
Important Note: For certain types of packs, the top and/or bottom card that shows through the wrapper is often noted on the PSA label – if, and only if, the card(s) can be verified with certainty. However, for packs where the card contents are not clearly visible, such as foil packs, only the outside features of the pack wrapper itself are identified and noted on the label. The label identification of the pack wrapper does not guarantee that card contents within such packs are as described by the manufacturer of the pack.
Pack Authentication & Grading Process
Pack Authentication & Grading Process
Research
Our dedicated team of research specialists identifies the pack, including unique variants such as error packs or the market in which the item was originally distributed. We also identify noteworthy top and back cards such as Hall of Fame athletes or prominent characters when these can be confirmed. These unique attributes, when applicable, will be recognised on the PSA LightHouse™ label.
Authentication
A dedicated team of sealed product authenticators at PSA carefully reviews your packs for authenticity and inspects the integrity of the seal. If genuine and unopened, PSA looks for evidence of resealing, repairs, restoration and other alterations.
Pack Grading
If your packs pass authentication, PSA grades the condition of each pack on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best. Wear to corners and edges of the wrapper, or staining and toning of the wrapper, will contribute to the grade.
Encapsulation
PSA encapsulates each authentic pack in its own extra-thick, sonically sealed, tamper-evident case. The PSA LightHouse™ label within the case displays the pack's pertinent information, grade and certification number.
*Estimated Turnaround Times are estimates only and not guaranteed. A service level’s Estimated Turnaround Time begins when the order is received and scanned into the PSA facility. These times are based on, and may be impacted by, PSA’s submission volume, capacity, and other unforeseen circumstances. Turnaround Times may change rapidly without notice as conditions change.
As the collectibles industry continues to expand, and the demand for PSA’s services continues to expand along with it, PSA may decide to adjust pricing, services offered, and processing time to better align the demand for PSA services with our capacity to deliver those services.
All terms & conditions are subject to change.