If this information is true, does it disprove the existence of the G.O.D.?

gregmo32

Grading

The cards are now ready for grading. Each order is distributed to graders based on their particular skill and expertise. For example, a 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle would not be distributed to one of our modern card specialists. While the graders are generally trained to handle cards from virtually all eras, they are assigned cards based on their strengths.

In addition, the sheer number of graders assigned to each card can vary depending on the type of card submitted. In all cases, at minimum, two graders are assigned to every card.

Here's an example – if you were to submit a 1965 Topps Willie Mays – this is how the grading process would work:

Each grader receives the order and they will enter the order number into the computer. Once that is done, the contents of that order will appear on the PSA grading screen. Grader #1 will then enter his grade for the card in question (and for each card within the order until the order is completed if there is more than one card) and close the order on his screen. Once that is done and after redistribution of the order, Grader #2 will do the same – not knowing the opinion of the first grader on any of the cards within that order.

If their grades match in the computer, the card would then eventually reach a 3rd grader for verification of the grade. If the opinion of the first two graders does not match, that card will be assigned to a 3rd grader whose opinion is required to break the tie, so to speak. As with the first example, the card would still be assigned to another grader for verification (a 4th grader in the process) to make sure the grade is accurate and consistent with our standards.

The first stage in the grading process is determining whether the card is authentic. With the values of some trading cards today, counterfeits are not uncommon on some of the hobby's biggest stars – especially rookie cards and reprints that are often submitted as originals.

Once the card has been determined to be authentic, it is then checked for possible alterations. Since the value of a trading card is often linked directly to its condition, some "card doctors" as they are referred to will attempt to enhance the condition of cards in a variety of ways.

For example, they may attempt this by either trimming them to enhance the sharpness of the edges and corners or re-color them to enhance the color or to cover up wear along the surface or edges. There are several ways a card can be "doctored" but, if evidence of such doctoring is present, the card will not be graded by PSA because the card is no longer original according to PSA standards.

So, finally, once the graders have determined the card to be authentic and unaltered, a grade can now be assigned to the card in question. PSA's 1-10 grading scale, with 10 being best, is universally accepted throughout the industry. Graders are now focusing on the characteristics of the card such as the strength and quality of the corners, color, edges, centering, surface, print clarity and overall eye appeal. PSA's grading standards can be found in Sports Market Report, which is the official price guide for PSA certified collectibles, and on our website. We highly recommend that submitters become familiar with those standards, because your improved knowledge may help increase your chances of attaining higher grades.

Big80s

This is a great SOP in theory, but it's hard to believe that every card that comes through on a thousand card sub is evaluated by three different graders. However, that would explain the exorbinate wait times. I guess the graders are the only people who really know the standard process.

ldferg

<< <i>...but it's hard to believe that every card that comes through on a thousand card sub is evaluated by three different graders.... >>



Agreed. Any idea how long a grader spends "per card" evaluating it? If this time is spent by 3 individuals for one card, I can understand how grading fees increase.

ashabby

If this is the process... Then I think a good plan. Nothing is perfect. Would explain the delays

gregmo32

I would be willing to wager, based on my recent submission, that this process is not occurring.
My high grade, well centered, high dollar, vintage HOF RC submission, that I have been accumulating for five years, met G.O.D. in a cloud of dust.
Except for the single card that I knew was going to be a PSA 1, the cards were hammered.

charrigan

Post some scans.

gregmo32

I know this is lame, but I don't have a scanner and my cell phone camera might as well be attached to a wall with a curly cord on it.

mtcards

I think that was the original plan for each card, I would seriously doubt that HALF of the cards go through that process.

tennesseebanker

I would think that graders with nominal experience had cards evaluated by three different graders at some point, then, as their level of experience grew they were able to grade a card on their own.

charrigan

Why don't you believe this? Because of the presumed time it would take? Do we know how many graders PSA employs? My presumption is to take them at their word unless there is a good reason to think otherwise.

charrigan

<< <i>I know this is lame, but I don't have a scanner and my cell phone camera might as well be attached to a wall with a curly cord on it. >>



LOL. It's cool. If you get some pictures, feel free to post them here. Get either some commiseration or tips to improve. It's a win/win.

gregmo32

I would love to post some pics. If I can figure out a way to do it, I will. But I have been subbing cards for twenty years, and this phenomenon happens on occasion.