PSA and BGS are the two most popular card grading companies. Here's how they compare and when to choose each.
Grading scale comparison
| | PSA | BGS | |---|---|---| | Scale | 1-10 (whole numbers only) | 1-10 (includes half grades like 9.5) | | Perfect grade | PSA 10 (Gem Mint) | BGS 10 (Pristine) or Black Label 10 | | Sub-grades | No, single overall grade | Yes: centering, corners, edges, surface | | Half grades | No | Yes (e.g. BGS 9.5) |
BGS sub-grades explained
BGS provides four individual sub-grades alongside the overall grade:
- Centering: how well the image is centered on the card
- Corners: sharpness of all four corners
- Edges: cleanness along all edges
- Surface: freedom from scratches, print defects, etc.
This gives collectors more transparency about exactly where a card's condition strengths and weaknesses lie.
BGS Black Label 10
A BGS Black Label 10 means all four sub-grades scored a perfect 10. The sub-grade labels are printed in black instead of the usual gold. These are extremely rare. For most cards, fewer than 1% of submissions achieve a Black Label. They command massive premiums.
Market liquidity
PSA generally has higher resale demand. More collectors and dealers are familiar with PSA, and PSA-graded cards typically sell faster across major marketplaces and at shows.
BGS slabs trade well but typically have a smaller buyer pool. However, BGS 9.5 and Black Label cards are highly sought after in their own right.
Which should you choose?
- PSA is best for most modern cards and when you want maximum resale liquidity. If you're grading to sell, PSA is the safer choice.
- BGS is preferred by some collectors for the sub-grade detail. Popular for high-end modern cards where a 9.5 or Black Label can command top dollar.
- SGC is worth considering for vintage cards (pre-1980), where SGC has a strong reputation and clean slab design.
In Cubbby
Cubbby supports cards graded by both PSA and BGS (as well as SGC and CGC). When you add a card, select the correct grading company and grade for accurate, grade-specific market pricing.