BGS vs PSA Centering: Complete Comparison
Choosing between Beckett (BGS) and PSA for grading? Centering standards differ significantly between these two services. This guide compares their requirements side-by-side to help you make informed grading decisions.
Quick Verdict
BGS is stricter on centering overall, especially for their highest grades. However, BGS provides detailed subgrades that show exactly where a card excels or falls short. PSA uses broader thresholds without subgrades, making their 10s more achievable for slightly off-centre cards.
Centering Requirements Comparison
| Grade | PSA Centering | BGS Centering |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect 10 | 55/45 or better (front) 75/25 or better (back) | 50/50 perfect centering Required for Black Label |
| 9.5 / Gem Mint | N/A (PSA uses whole numbers) | 55/45 or better Front and back |
| 9 / Mint | 60/40 or better (front) 90/10 or better (back) | 60/40 or better Front and back |
| 8.5 / NM-MT+ | N/A | 65/35 or better |
| 8 / NM-MT | 65/35 or better (front) 90/10 or better (back) | 70/30 or better |
Key Differences
PSA Approach
- Single overall grade (no subgrades)
- More lenient front centering (55/45 for 10)
- Very lenient back centering (75/25 for 10)
- Higher market liquidity
BGS Approach
- Four subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface)
- Black Label for perfect 10 subgrades
- Half-point grades (9.5, 8.5, etc.)
- Premium for Black Labels in some markets
Understanding BGS Centering Subgrades
BGS provides a separate centering subgrade on every card. This gives you precise information about how well-centered your card is, regardless of the overall grade.
| Subgrade | Centering Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 50/50 perfect | Pristine centering |
| 9.5 | 55/45 or better | Nearly perfect |
| 9 | 60/40 or better | Slight shift visible |
| 8.5 | 65/35 or better | Noticeable but minor |
| 8 | 70/30 or better | Obvious off-centre |
Which Service Should You Choose?
Choose PSA when...
- Your card has slight centering issues (56-60/40)
- You prioritise market liquidity and faster sales
- You're grading modern sports cards
- The back centering is off but front is good
- You want the most recognisable brand
Choose BGS when...
- Your card has near-perfect or perfect centering
- You're chasing a Black Label designation
- You want detailed subgrades for transparency
- You're grading high-end Pokemon cards
- You want to showcase the card's specific strengths
How Centering Affects Value
Centering can significantly impact resale value, but the effect varies by service:
- PSA 10: Premium over PSA 9 is often 2-5x or more, making the 55/45 threshold critical
- BGS 10 (Pristine): Commands significant premium, but BGS 9.5 Gem Mint is still highly valued
- BGS Black Label: Can command 2-3x premium over regular BGS 10 for popular cards
- Subgrade visibility: BGS cards with 10 centering subgrade sell faster than those with 9.5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BGS or PSA stricter on centering?
BGS is generally stricter on centering, especially for their highest grades. A BGS 10 Pristine requires 50/50 perfect centering, while PSA 10 allows up to 55/45. However, BGS uses subgrades that show exactly how centered a card is.
What centering do you need for BGS 10?
For a BGS 10 Pristine overall grade with a 10 centering subgrade, the card must have 50/50 perfect centering on both axes, front and back. For a 9.5 centering subgrade (which can still contribute to a BGS 10 overall), 55/45 is acceptable.
Can I crossover a BGS 9.5 to PSA 10?
Potentially, yes. If the BGS 9.5 has a centering subgrade of 9 or lower but other subgrades are strong, the card might meet PSA's more lenient centering threshold for a 10. However, PSA's overall assessment considers all factors.
Should I send my card to BGS or PSA?
For perfectly centered cards, BGS can provide higher value through Black Label designations. For cards with slight centering issues, PSA's more lenient thresholds may result in higher grades. PSA also typically has higher liquidity in the resale market.
Check Your Card's Centering Before Grading
Use Centrifyx to measure your card's exact centering and get predictions for both BGS and PSA grades before submitting.
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