PSA Qualifiers

XanaduNow

I was always under the assumption that having a qualifier attached to your grade placed it somewhere between the grade assigned and the next lower grade (ie. PSA 9 > PSA 9 oc > PSA 8). After thumbing through the population report I noticed that PSA places the qualifier columns between the base grade and the next higher grade.

Is a grade of 9 higher or lower than a grade of 9 (qualifier)? And what, in theory, do the qualifiers mean? I know what they stand for (oc = off center, etc.) but is it to imply that if it weren't for the qualifier the card would have graded the next higher grade? If so, what's the difference, in theory, between a 9 and a 9 qualifier?

I have to assume that this has been covered numerous times before so if someone could just point me in the direction of the thread I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

baseballfanatic

Any qualifier puts the card two grades lower for the registry. The placement of it in the pop report is just so it is easier to read.....

Ahmanfan

I think it generally drops it two or more grades...

for example, a psa 9 OC is the equivalent of a psa 7, if it's a more serious qualifier like MC (miscut) I think a psa 9 MC would be more like a psa 6. Someone that knows more than me will likely chime in.
John

itzagoner

the OC qualifier gets written with a poison pen....they should just put a picture of an albatross on the back of the holder seems most prefer the lower grade w/o the qualifier

packCollector

on key cards , I prefer the higher grade with the qualifier.

what it means , example PSA 9 o/c , means that all other aspects of the card meet PSA 9 criteria except for the qualifier. It does NOT mean that it would have graded the next grade higher. I see this in listings sometimes and it is sickening.

RichG

I for one will never buy a graded card with a qualifier.
To each his own.
Rich

2dueces

I for 1, do not mind a qualifier on a pre war card. I often do a search for T206's with MK qualifiers.
A pre own card with a stamp of the person that owned it is a great piece of collecting history.
To each hs own.

jimq112

Welcome!

In the registry set the qualifier drops it according to this scale -


9Q = -2 grades
8Q = -2
7Q = -2
6Q = -2
5Q = -2
4Q = -2
3Q = -1
2Q = -1
1Q = no deduction

Most of the time, except rare cards and prewar stuff I don't think you see a lot of 1s and 2s in the registry.

As far as the registry is concerned a 9 oc is equal to a 7.

If the card is easy on the eyes I'll gladly buy a 9oc. I buy to collect, not for resale, and I can get an almost perfect card for the price of a gently worn one, since so many people won't touch a card with a qualifier.


Here's a list of the qualifiers and what they mean
Qualifiers

Hope that helps -

Ahmanfan

Since a lot of people have the attitude of Rich G, you can find very nice cards at a great price, just because of a few pixels of centering difference. It's not worth hundreds, or even thousands of dollars to me, to not have two letters on a card holder flip.

John

XanaduNow

Thanks folks. Much appreciated. It makes perfect sense to me now.

CDsNuts

There is definitely some grey area as well. For example, if you send in a card that barely reaches 9 OC territory but submit it requesting "no qualifiers", there's a good chance it comes back an 8, or maybe even 9.

I never liked that they let people request no qualifiers, and it seems that they arbitrarily fulfill the request.

Lee

Stone193

This card may be an 8 OC.

But, if I ask for no qualifier? Could wind up a 5 or 6 due to centering. Just depends whether 8OC looks better than a 6?

mike

CDsNuts

I agree the Wilkens is a no-brainer 8OC, but I think you might get a 7 if you ask for NQ.

Lee

bobsbbcards

I agree that NOBODY should buy (or even bid on) PSA 9OC cards. They're sickening....

Stone193

<< <i>I agree the Wilkens is a no-brainer 8OC, but I think you might get a 7 if you ask for NQ.

Lee >>


Lee
I want you as the grader!

Stone193

<< <i>I agree that NOBODY should buy (or even bid on) PSA 9OC cards. They're sickening....

>>



I still think that's a great looking card.

I'm from the group who didn't get as nuts about centering in an era long gone.

But this is now...I know.

mike

2dueces

bobsbbcards, I wouldn't care about the OC on that card. It is sweet. The registry has alot to do with lower prices on Qualifiers. I am glad that most of the registry folks pass on Q cards. I have picked many a T206 5 MK card for less than a 3 would go for. I picked up an T206 Elberfeld PSA 5 MC for $35. Kid Elberfeld is a card high on want lists. A regular 5 sells for about $150. TY guys for letting me have one. Joe

CDsNuts

I get ur sarcasm bob.

Lee

RichG

bobs:
It's a very nice card. However, I would much rather have a psa 7 without the qualifier or spend the extra money and buy a psa 9 without the qualifier.
Rich

52mantlebuyer

i would rather have a qualifier, i like sharp corners. why dont psa have 10 oc if corners are perfect just off center, dont make sense to me

slatsme

If you are in it for the money you will hate OC's, but if you are in it for the for the hobby and history OC's will not bother you. I would love to have that 1956 Topps Kaline PSA 9, even with the qualifier. I just got back in the hobby for the first time since 1993 and greed is what drove me out and this is a good example of that. Some OC's can be inviting, while I admist some are just plain awful.

Just my seven cents....

fiveniner

I definetely can live with a qualifier on pre mid 60 cards and low pops.