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Grading

PSA is the largest and most respected third-party authentication and grading company in the world for unopened packs. From first-edition Pokemon and other TCG packs to vintage baseball wax, PSA authenticates and grades a huge assortment 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 is 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 to its original form and with its original seal intact.

Learn more about our research, authentication and grading process, insightful content and collecting resources below.

Pricing

Value

$29.99/Pack

Max Insured Value: $500

Estimated Turnaround Time: 125 - 140 Business Days*

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Economy

$49.99/Pack

Max Insured Value: $1,000

Estimated Turnaround Time: 85 - 95 Business Days*

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Express

$149.00/Pack

Max Insured Value: $2,500

Estimated Turnaround Time: 45 - 55 Business Days*

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Note: When submitting pack orders, please keep TCG and non-TCG items separate. Mixed orders may result in a delay and/or additional shipping fees.

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 nuances in packaging, our grading standard is uniquely applied when assessing the condition of wax packs compared to modern foil or plastic packs.

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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.

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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, in addition to most common wax, foil or plastic packs.

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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.

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Value

PSA can help you get the most for your packs. Unopened packs authenticated and graded by PSA achieve amazing prices at auction.

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Population Report

PSA offers an online record of all PSA-certified unopened packs in today’s marketplace.

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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

Step 1

Research

Our dedicated team of research specialists identify the pack, including unique variants such as error packs or the item’s origin of distribution. We also identify noteworthy top and back cards such as Hall of Fame athletes or prominent characters when such observation can be confirmed. These unique attributes, when applicable, will be recognized on the PSA LightHouse™ label.

Step 2

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, repairing, restoration and other alterations.

Step 3

Pack Grading

If your packs pass these 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.

Step 4

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 and unique card's grade and certification number.