Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the most recognized name in card grading, setting the gold standard for grading sports and Pokémon cards. Since its founding in 1991, PSA has graded millions of cards, transforming the hobby from a casual pastime into a structured and highly valuable industry.
The Origins of PSA (1991-2000s)
Before PSA, card condition was subjective, leading to disputes between collectors and dealers. Recognizing the need for a standardized grading system, PSA launched in 1991 under Collectors Universe, introducing the now-famous 10-point grading scale to ensure consistency and trust in the market.
PSA’s early impact was immediate:
- Encapsulation of cards in tamper-proof holders protected against counterfeiting.
- Authentication services assured collectors that their cards were genuine.
- A standardized scale helped define values across the industry.
Growth and Dominance in the Hobby (2000s-2010s)
As the sports card market expanded, PSA became the most trusted grading service. Some key milestones include:
- 2007: PSA graded the legendary Honus Wagner T206 card, one of the most valuable cards in history.
- 2018: PSA crossed the 30 million graded cards milestone.
- Increased presence in Pokémon and TCG cards, expanding beyond sports.
Collectors and investors saw PSA 10 grades as the ultimate benchmark for high-value cards. A PSA 10 can increase a card’s price tenfold compared to an ungraded version.
The Pandemic Boom & Challenges (2020s)
The COVID-19 pandemic fueled an unprecedented demand for graded cards, causing PSA to experience:
- Massive submission backlogs, leading to year-long delays.
- Temporary shutdowns to catch up on grading.
- Raised grading fees to slow submissions and manage demand.
Despite these challenges, PSA remained the market leader, grading some of the most expensive cards ever sold, including a PSA 10 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle that sold for $12.6 million in 2022.
PSA Today: Modern Grading & AI Integration
PSA continues to evolve, integrating AI technology to enhance grading accuracy and prevent human errors. They also offer:
✅ PSA CardFacts & Population Reports – Providing collectors with data on card populations and values.
✅ PSA Authentication & DNA – Expanding into autographs and memorabilia authentication.
✅ New service tiers & pricing models – Making grading more accessible.
How PSA Compares to Modern AI Grading
While PSA remains the biggest name in grading, modern AI-powered companies like AGS (Automated Grading Systems) offer:
- Faster, unbiased AI grading with no human subjectivity.
- Detailed digital reports that show exactly why a card received its grade.
- More affordable grading options for collectors.
Final Thoughts: Is PSA Still the Best?
For collectors seeking legacy value and recognition, PSA is still the most well-known grading company. However, with AI-powered grading becoming the future of the hobby, competitors like AGS are pushing the industry toward a new era of precision and efficiency.