Every major grader — PSA, BGS, SGC — scores a card on the same four pillars. Understanding them tells you why a card that “looks mint” still came back a 7.
1. Centering
How evenly the image sits inside the borders, on both the front and the back. It’s measured as a ratio (like 55/45). Modern cards are often judged tightly here, and bad centering alone can cap an otherwise flawless card.
2. Corners
Sharp, crisp corners are mint. Any softness, fuzzing, or rounding — often from handling — pulls the grade down quickly because corners are easy to inspect and hard to fake.
3. Edges
Graders check all four edges for chipping, whitening, nicks, and rough factory cuts. Dark-bordered cards show edge wear badly, which is why they’re notoriously tough to grade high.
4. Surface
Scratches, print lines, dimples, scuffs, stains, and loss of gloss all live here. Surface flaws are the most commonly missed at home because they only catch the light at certain angles.
What this means for you
A card needs to be strong on all four to earn a top grade — one weak pillar sets the ceiling. Inspect honestly, then check whether the likely grade is worth the cost in Breakeven before you send it.