Serial Numbers

jimtb

Does anyone know how the serial numbering system works? It seems to be random. I know the earlier graded cards had a different font for the label, but I can not figure out the numbering system.
Thanks

peterredshoes

As far as I've been able to tell, originally they were numbering upward sequentially from 00000001. At some point it appears they wanted to move away from the upper digits being a dead giveaway as to when the card had been graded, and began rotating between several series of upper three digits. Those appear to be 900, 300, 400, and 110. Over time enough cards have been graded that the rightmost of the three digits has had the opportunity to increase as well. Most recent cards look to be starting with 117; before that it was 306.

That's as much as I've been able to figure out. Someone who's been doing this longer than me will undoubtedly have more insight.

Peter G.

CW

I'm not sure anybody knows the way the system
works. It's been mentioned in previous threads
that serial numbers starting with 07 or 08 are
assigned to cards submitted through on-site grading
at shows.

Some theories were discussed here and here, too.

millfam36

the earliest graded had psa numbers which read as such 0x00xxxx. there were pretty stringent grading standards at the time. then the next set of numbers were 0x0xxxxx, and the standards were very lenient. then the numbers went to 0xxxxxxx and the standards were pretty tough. now they are xxxxxxxx and the standards are pretty fair.

jimtb

Hi millfam36,
Are the standards you noted common knowledge, or based on experience? I'm asking because I have never heard of the details you have given. Thanks