PSA Eliminates Declared Values? PSA 9 vs PSA 10
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) uses declared values to determine the cost of grading a card. The declared value refers to your estimated value of the card after it is graded. This helps PSA set pricing tiers, insurance coverage, and turnaround times for their grading services.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works and the pricing tiers:
What is Declared Value?
- Your Estimate: The price you believe the card would sell for after it receives its PSA grade.
- Why It Matters: Declared value affects the service level, pricing, and insurance while the card is with PSA. If you undervalue a card, PSA may bump it to a higher service tier.
PSA Grading Service Levels and Declared Value Tiers
| Service Level | Max Declared Value | Pricing (per card) | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | $499 | $19-$25 | Estimated 65-90 business days |
| Value Plus | $499 | $40 | Faster (45 business days) |
| Regular | $1,499 | $75 | ~10-20 business days |
| Express | $2,499 | $150 | ~5 business days |
| Super Express | $4,999 | $300 | ~3-5 business days |
| Walk-Through | $9,999+ | Starts at $600 | ~3-5 business days |
- Higher Declared Value = Higher Grading Tier
If PSA evaluates your card and finds it exceeds your declared value, they may charge you for a higher service level.
How to Estimate Declared Value
- Research Sales Data: Use platforms like:
- eBay Sold Listings (search for similar cards and conditions).
- Card Ladder and Market Movers for market analysis.
- PSA’s Price Guide to check values for graded cards.
- Factor in Condition: If you expect a high grade (e.g., PSA 9 or 10), estimate the card’s value at that grade.
- Be Honest: Undervaluing cards can delay the process, and PSA may require a tier adjustment if the card is worth more.
Example of Declared Value in Action
- Card: 2018 Luka Dončić Prizm Rookie
- Raw Card Estimated Value: $200
- PSA 10 Estimated Value: $1,200
- Declared Value: $1,200 → Use Regular Service Tier ($75 per card).
What Happens If PSA Adjusts the Declared Value?
- If PSA determines the card exceeds your declared value, they will:
- Bump the Card to the appropriate service level.
- Charge You for the higher-tier grading fee.
- This is to ensure proper insurance coverage and handling for high-value cards.
Tips for Declared Values
- Do Your Homework: Research recent sales to justify your estimate.
- Consider Condition: Grading results significantly affect value. A PSA 10 can be worth far more than a PSA 8.
- Be Prepared for Adjustments: If in doubt, choose a slightly higher tier to avoid delays.
