At CSA we evaluate each card submitted and examine it's physical properties. Based upon a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 meaning GEM MINT), we determine a GRADE that indicates the physical condition of the card. We then create a grade label (we call it a CERT) and place the sports card and the CERT inside a specially designed rigid plastic holder. We then SEAL the card holder SONICALLY. This entire process is sometimes referred to as SLABBING. CSA is only rendering an OPINION and accepts no liability for value of any item. The following are GUIDELINES ONLY! 

CSA uses the following 1 - 10 grading scale:

10-GEM MINT A card that is free from physical defects to the naked eye. 50/50 centered on the front with no less than 60/40 centering on the back.

9-MINT A card that exhibits four sharp corners, front centering of 55/45 and back centering of 70/30.

8.5-NMMT+ A card with characteristics of an 8-NMMT and some of a 9-MINT. Front centering of 60/40 and back centering of at least 75/25.

8-NMMT This card must be centered at least 65/35 on the front with 90/10 on the back One or two corners may be frayed or the borders may be off-white.

7.5-NEAR MINT+ This card is centered at least 70/30 on front and 95/5 on back. Minor surface wear may be evident and two or more corners may be slightly frayed. A printing flaw may also be evident.

7-NEAR MINT This card is centered at least 70/30 on front with 95/5 on back. Minor surface wear may be evident and two or more corners may be slightly frayed. Other flaws may include a printing imperfection or a slight loss of original gloss.

6-ENM A card that must be centered at least 80/20 on front with 95/5 on back. Obvious wear is evident and eye appeal may be good, but corner wear, loss of original gloss, a slight wrinkle or crease and/or printing imperfections keep this card from grading higher.

5-EXCELLENT Centering of 85/15 on front and 95/5 on back. Surface wear and corner wear are evident.

4-VGE A card that shows slight corner rounding, a minor crease, a wax stain, slight scuffing and/or surface scratches.

3-VERY GOOD This card appears to be heavily used, with a crease and scuffed.

2-GOOD A card that shows considerable use and is creased and/or stained.

1-POOR A card that is heavily abused, creased, marked on or stained. Considerable paper loss may also be evident.