If you are new to collecting graded cards, you might notice some letters on PSA labels after the number grade. For example, PSA 8 (OC), PSA 4 (MC), PSA 3 (MK). Here’s an example:

These little abbreviations are called “qualifiers,” and they serve a simple and descriptive function within PSA’s ecosystem. The (OC) qualifier above indicates that this card meets many criteria of a 6, but is too “off center” for the grade. In this sense, qualifiers are descriptive.

At SGC, which does not use qualifiers, the above card would likely receive a grade of 4. But it’s easier to picture a 6 (OC) than it is to visualize a “4” for example. There are many reasons a card might receive a 4. But I know that a 6 (OC) will be a sharp card–except for the centering.

At the same time, qualifiers are undoubtedly the most confusing and misunderstood aspect of card grading. This brief article aims to help you understand the following:

• What are Qualifiers?
• When and How are Qualifiers Assigned?
• How do Qualifiers Impact Card Value?

Cardhound covers other aspects of grading in resources such as “Should I Grade My Vintage Sports Cards?” and “5 Misunderstood Aspects of Grading with PSA and SGC.” This article takes a closer look at qualifiers specifically.

What are Qualifiers?

In short, a “qualified” grade can be translated as “this card meets all of the criteria for the stated grade except for the qualifier.” Maybe the card is marked with pen, miscut so badly that it is missing a border, or has a significant stain. The qualifier notes the presence of this defect, while also explaining the condition of the card aside from this issue.

PSA describes qualifiers this way on their web site:

When and How are Qualifiers assigned?

Adding to the confusion is that PSA has changed how they handle qualifiers over time. Submitters used to have the option to “opt in” or “opt out” of some qualifiers. For example, if you would prefer your card be graded with the qualifier–PSA 8 (OC) for example–or a PSA 6 (no qualifier)–you checked a box on their form.

During COVID, PSA decided to make almost all qualifiers discretionary. Miscut (MC) and Marked (MK) are required if present, but it is up to the grader to decide whether to assign (OC) and the others.

It is a somewhat subjective decision, but the idea is this: is the centering (in this case) a true outlier to an otherwise nice card? So, you’re more likely to see an 8 (OC) than a 4 (OC)–because a 4 likely has other issues, and the centering criteria for a 4 are much more lax anyway.

How do Qualifiers Affect Card Value?

There’s a rule of thumb that the presence of a qualifier knocks the grade down by 2 steps. For example, most will value a PSA 6 (MC) in line with a PSA 4.

This guideline stems in part from PSA Registry Set “rules” which state that for PSA Registry Set purposes, a qualified 6 is “worth” only 4 points. And since PSA resale values are driven in large part by PSA Registry Set collectors, the rule caught on.

But in practice, another rule of thumb seems more appropriate: “Buy the card, not the grade.” After all, which of these 2 1968 Nolan Ryan PSA 6 (MC) cards would you prefer to own? Personally, I would pay more for the less severe cut.

In Conclusion

As a buyer, it’s important to understand what a qualifier is, and what is is not. A qualified grade does not mean that the card would have graded higher without the qualifier. It is inaccurate to say that these PSA 6 (MC) Ryans would have graded 7 or better without the (MC). On the contrary: they likely would have graded 6. A PSA 6 (MC) is not a PSA 6 at all–though many naive sellers try to pass them off as such.