PSA ST Qualifier

tkd7

I received this card back from PSA with the ST qualifier.
What is the PSA basis for this assignment? To me, I don't see any gum stains and the card is already graded a grade 6. The dots that appear on the scans are a product of the image scan, not the card.

Any thoughts?

sayheykid54

The stain qualifier is probably from a slight gum stain on the front of the card.

phreakydancin

Wax on the back will earn an ST qualifier, and is often invisible to the naked eye (easier to feel than see).

ctsoxfan

You might have to hold the card at a slight angle under a bright light to see it - but perhaps you missed a slight wax stain on either side. It has happened to me a few times.

tkd7

thanks for the tips

detroitfan2

I have about 1/2 dozen 1953 Bowman colors with obvious wax stains on the back, yet they are all PSA 5's with no qualifiers. Does anyone know if there's a grade below which the ST qualifier is not used?

phreakydancin

MINT 9: Mint.

A PSA Mint 9 is a superb condition card that exhibits only one of the following minor flaws: a very slight wax stain on reverse, a minor printing imperfection or slightly off-white borders. Centering must be approximately 60/40 to 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

NM 7: Near Mint.

A PSA NM 7 is a card with just a slight surface wear visible upon close inspection. There may be slight fraying on some corners. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. A minor printing blemish is acceptable. Slight wax staining is acceptable on the back of the card only. Most of the original gloss is retained. Centering must be approximately 70/30 to 75/25 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.

EX-MT 6: Excellent-Mint.

A PSA EX-MT 6 card may have visible surface wear or a printing defect which does not detract from its overall appeal. A very light scratch may be detected only upon close inspection. Corners may have slightly graduated fraying. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. Card may show some loss of original gloss, may have minor wax stain on reverse, may exhibit very slight notching on edges and may also show some off-whiteness on borders. Centering must be 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

VG 3: Very Good.

A PSA VG 3 card reveals some rounding of the corners, though not extreme. Some surface wear will be apparent, along with possible light scuffing or light scratches. Focus may be somewhat off-register and edges may exhibit noticeable wear. Much, but not all, of the card's original gloss will be lost. Borders may be somewhat yellowed and/or discolored. A crease may be visible. Printing defects are possible. Slight stain may show on obverse and wax staining on reverse may be more prominent. Centering must be 90/10 or better on the front and back.