Submitting your trading cards for grading purposes can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially when “card qualifiers” come into play. In an effort to educate collectors and help them with the submittal process, we’d like to define three of the six different card qualifiers PSA officials sometimes use during the grading process. A “qualifier” is a term used when a card meets all the criteria for a numerical grade but may still have one significant flaw. This video features PSA Public Relations Specialist Terry Melia teaming with PSA President Steve Sloan to define the terms “OC” (Off Center), “ST” (Staining) and “PD (“Print Defect”).
Depending on the severity of the flaw, PSA may need to “qualify” the item by identifying the flaw on the label. You also have the option of selecting “No Qualifiers” on the submission form. However, there are instances where PSA must qualify a card. That said, this video is designed to help you make an informed decision as to when to select “No Qualifiers” and when to allow a Qualifier on your cards.
PSA has also produced a “PSA Card Qualifiers (Part 2)” video that covers the remaining three card qualifiers: “OF” (Out of Focus), “MK” (Marks) and “MC” (Miscut). Make sure you check that one out too! Happy collecting.
