What does “subgrades” mean?

What it means

Subgrades are specific, numerical assessments applied by third-party grading services to discrete physical attributes of a trading card. They break down the overall numerical grade (e.g., PSA 9) into component scores. These components typically include Centering (how well the image is framed by the borders), Corners (sharpness and wear on the four corners), Surface (scratches, print defects, print lines), and Edges (chipping or whitening along the perimeter). The mainstream equivalent is a detailed condition report, but subgrades are the standardized, quantified version of that report.

What it does to price

Subgrades directly modulate the market value derived from the overall grade. A card graded 9 overall but receiving a 5/10 for centering will sell significantly below a 9/10 card with balanced subgrades. Poor centering alone can reduce value by 20-40% compared to a perfectly centered card of the same grade. Conversely, achieving near-perfect scores (9.5/10 or 10/10) across all categories justifies a premium, sometimes resulting in a 1.2x to 1.8x multiplier over a similarly graded but poorly detailed card. For example, a $50 graded card with excellent subgrades might sell for $65, whereas the same card with poor centering might sell for $35.

How to spot it

Subgrades are not visible to the casual buyer; they are locked within the official certification report provided by the grading company (e.g., PSA, BGS). Sellers must provide this report. The tells to look for when evaluating a card *before* grading are visual inspection for centering issues (uneven border spacing) and corner wear. Common mistakes include sellers misrepresenting a card’s condition based on a quick glance, or failing to disclose minor surface scratches that would result in a low surface subgrade. Always request high-resolution photos showing the card from all four sides to assess centering before committing to a purchase.

Buying smart

Paying a premium for a card based on subgrades is worthwhile when the difference between the subgrades is substantial (e.g., 10/10 vs. 6/10) and the overall grade is high (PSA 9 or 10). If the card is graded 8 or lower, the marginal value added by perfect subgrades is often too small to justify the grading cost. A fair deal involves the asking price reflecting the *lowest* subgrade score. If a seller claims a card is "near perfect" but the report shows a 5/10 for edges, the purchase price must reflect that 5/10 limitation.

Selling smart

To maximize return, the listing must explicitly reference the key subgrades. Instead of just stating "PSA 9," a listing stating "PSA 9 (Centering 10/10, Corners 9.5/10)" immediately qualifies the item for buyers seeking specific attributes. The one word that earns the premium is "Perfectly Centered," provided the report supports it. Highlighting a 10/10 in a critical area like centering allows the seller to command a higher price bracket than sellers who only list the overall grade.