Pikachu Illustrator, Charizard & More: The Pre-Grading Guide

You have a potentially valuable Pokémon card — a Charizard from the Base Set, a rare holo, maybe even a Pikachu Illustrator. Before spending hundreds of dollars on PSA grading, you should be able to assess whether your card has PSA 10 quality yourself. This guide shows you how.

The 4 PSA Criteria in Detail

PSA evaluates four categories. For a PSA 10, each must be near perfect. Even a small flaw in one category can mean the difference between PSA 9 and PSA 10 — and thousands of dollars in market value.

1. Centering: The Most Common PSA 10 Obstacle

Centering is the most common problem with older Base Set cards. PSA requires a maximum of 55/45 top/bottom and left/right for a 10. Perfect centering is extremely rare on Shadowless and 1st Edition cards — which is what makes PSA 10 copies so valuable.

• PSA 10 standard: max 55/45 in both directions
• PSA 9 standard: max 65/35 — considerably more lenient
• Measurement: Lay the card flat and measure border distance to image edge on all four sides
• Tool tip: Calipers or a ruler for precise measurements

2. Corners: Whitening as the PSA 10 Killer

Corner whitening — the lightening of corners from mechanical stress — is the most common killer for a PSA 10 on older cards. Even minimal whitening usually results in PSA 9. Examine all four corners under raking light (side lighting).

• Hold card under side light (raking light method)
• White brightening at corners = whitening
• Fraying (frayed corners) = at most PSA 8
• Perfect corners: Evenly colored, sharp, no brightening

3. Edges: Identifying Chipping and Nicks

The edges of a Pokémon card are susceptible to chipping (small flakes) and nicks (indentations). Hold the card at an angle against bright light and systematically inspect all four edges.

• Chipping: Small paint flakes at the edges — PSA 10 killer
• Nicks: Mechanical indentations — often caused by shuffling
• Roughing: Roughened edges from friction
• Inspection method: Card under strong light, tilt slightly

4. Surface: Scratch Tests and Print Lines

Surface evaluation covers scratches, print lines (manufacturing defects) and for holo cards especially foil damage. Holo scratches on Base Set Charizards are endemic — from decades of childhood handling.

• Holo scratches: Inspect at 45° angle to light source
• Print lines: Linear print defects in the image — factory-caused, PSA accepts minimal
• Surface dents: Impressions from pressure — often only visible under light
• Fingerprints: Always handle with cotton gloves, never bare-handed

Charizard Base Set: What Makes a PSA 10?

A PSA 10 Base Set Charizard is the most coveted version of the most iconic Pokémon card. For a PSA 10, all four criteria must be near perfect. The population of PSA 10 examples is small — for the 1st Edition Charizard, only a few hundred exist worldwide.

Self-Check Checklist Before PSA Submission

• □ Centering measured: Is the ratio ≤ 55/45?
• □ Corners checked under raking light: No whitening?
• □ All 4 edges inspected under light: No chipping?
• □ Surface checked at 45° angle: No holo scratches?
• □ Back of card checked: Clean, no markings?
• □ AI pre-grading done with SlabScan?