How to Predict Card Grades Before PSA Submission: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Submitting cards to PSA can be costly and time-consuming, making it essential to predict card grades before sending them in. By using AI-powered tools like CardMintAI, you can accurately estimate a card’s grade, identify potential flaws, and decide whether a PSA submission is worth the investment. For those looking to grade cards without sending them to PSA, check out our guide on how to grade trading cards without PSA.

Common Problems

Predicting a card’s grade before PSA submission can be challenging for many collectors. Common issues include:

• Subjectivity: Visual assessments can be biased, leading to inaccurate predictions.
• Overlooking Minor Flaws: Small defects like print lines or corner dings can drastically impact the final grade.
• Cost Concerns: Submitting cards that won’t grade high can waste time and money. Learn about affordable Pokémon card grading services.
• Time Delays: Waiting for PSA results can take months, affecting potential resale timing. To reduce waiting time, explore instant card grading software.

Solutions

1. Use AI Grading Software

AI tools like CardMintAI use advanced algorithms to analyze centering, corners, edges, and surface. This provides a predictive grade that helps you decide whether a card is worth sending to PSA.

Example

Jason, a collector, uses CardMintAI to predict the grade of his rare Charizard card. The AI model assigns a preliminary grade of 9.2, indicating it’s worth submitting to PSA for a formal grade. For more on AI grading accuracy, read our comparison of AI grading vs PSA.

2. Assess Key Grading Factors

Before submitting to PSA, evaluate the following areas:

• Centering: Use a ruler or AI tool to measure border thickness. Follow our guide to checking centering at home.
• Corners and Edges: Look for whitening, fraying, or dents. Minor defects can drop a grade by half a point.
• Surface: Examine for print lines, scratches, or stains. Check our guide to identifying card printing errors.

3. Compare with Graded Cards

If you have PSA-graded cards in your collection, use them as benchmarks. Compare centering, corners, and surface quality to predict potential grades for ungraded cards. For a more comprehensive approach, learn how to estimate card value before grading.

4. Use AI Tools for Bulk Pre-Grading

For bulk submissions, AI grading tools can quickly assess multiple cards, allowing you to focus on submitting only those likely to grade 9 or higher. This can save significant time and grading fees. Discover the best cheap card grading software for collectors.

Bonus Tips or Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t Submit Low-Grade Cards: Cards predicted to grade below 7 typically don’t justify PSA fees.
• Avoid Over-Grading: Be objective when evaluating cards to avoid disappointment.
• Keep Detailed Records: Document AI predictions and actual PSA grades for future reference.
• Reassess After Cleaning: Clean cards with a soft microfiber cloth before AI grading for better results.
• Store Cards Properly: Protect cards in top loaders or sleeves to prevent damage before PSA submission.

Conclusion

Predicting a card’s grade before PSA submission can save time, money, and disappointment. By leveraging AI tools like CardMintAI, collectors can identify high-grade cards and avoid submitting those likely to score poorly. Ready to predict your card grades before submission? Try CardMintAI today.

FAQ

How accurate are AI grading predictions compared to PSA?

AI grading tools like CardMintAI use advanced algorithms for centering, edges, and corners, providing highly accurate predictions. Learn more in our AI vs PSA grading comparison.

Can AI grading replace PSA?

While AI grading provides reliable predictions, PSA remains the benchmark for official certification and market acceptance.

Should I submit a card predicted to grade below 7?

Typically, cards predicted to grade below 7 may not justify PSA submission fees. Consider grading cards without PSA.

How do I check centering before submission?

Use a centering tool, ruler, or AI software to measure border thickness. Follow our guide on checking centering at home.

Can AI grading help with bulk submissions?

Yes, AI grading is ideal for pre-screening bulk submissions, helping you identify which cards are worth sending to PSA.