The MintGrade blog
Card grading, explained like a good friend would
Centering, corners, grading fees, PSA vs CGC vs TAG, and what your cards are really worth. Pictures included.
grading costs
How Long Does PSA Take to Grade Cards in 2026?
PSA turnaround times for every tier as of September 2026, what business days mean in real weeks, what each order stage means and how to track your cards.
card value
1st Edition Pokemon Cards: How to Spot One Fast
How to tell if a Pokemon card is 1st Edition: where the stamp sits, which sets had 1st Edition runs, how it differs from Shadowless, and how to spot a fake.
condition
Pokemon Card Conditions: NM, LP, MP, HP and Damaged
A friendly Pokemon card condition guide: what Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Heavily Played and Damaged look like, and how to check at home.
card value
What Pokemon Cards Are Worth Money? 12 Things to Check
Which Pokemon cards are worth money? A friendly 12-point checklist, from 1st Edition stamps to secret rares and condition, plus how to check real sold prices.
grading costs
Is My Card Worth Grading? A 5-Minute Check
Is your card worth grading? Compare raw and graded sold prices, size up your realistic grade, add every fee and run the break-even rule in about 5 minutes.
grading basics
What Is a PSA 10? The PSA Grading Scale Explained
What is a PSA 10? Every PSA grade from 1 to 10 in plain words, with the official centering limits, half grades, qualifiers like OC, and Authentic labels.
grading companies
TAG Grading Explained: Scores, Cost and TAG vs PSA
TAG grading explained: how its imaging and 1,000-point score work, the DIG defect report, which tiers are open in September 2026, and how TAG compares to PSA.
grading companies
PSA vs CGC for Pokemon Cards: Which Should You Pick?
PSA vs CGC for Pokemon cards, side by side: grading scales, the two CGC 10s, centering, September 2026 fees, turnaround and resale, so you can pick well.
grading companies
SGC vs PSA: Which Grader Is Better for Your Cards?
SGC vs PSA, side by side: grading scales, the SGC Pristine 10, centering, September 2026 prices, turnaround, the tuxedo slab and resale for Pokemon and sports.
grading basics
How to Grade Pokemon Cards: A Step-by-Step Guide
Grade Pokemon cards the smart way: pre-grade at home, check it is worth the fee, pick a company and tier, pack it the way PSA asks, then submit and wait.
grading costs
PSA Grading Cost in 2026: Every Tier and Hidden Fee
Every PSA grading tier as of September 2026, why Value is paused, how upcharges and shipping work, and the real math for grading 1 card or 10 cards.
centering
Card Centering: How Graders Measure 55/45 and 60/40
Card centering explained: what 55/45 and 60/40 mean, how to measure borders front and back, the official PSA and CGC tables, and how to shoot a straight photo.