ACE 10 vs PSA 10 vs CGC 10 vs BGS 10: Grade Scale Comparison
Not all 10s are equal. Different graders apply different criteria. We break down what each scale means, how to compare cross-grader equivalents, and what the market actually pays.
TL;DR: PSA 10 is the market benchmark. BGS 10 (gem mint) is rarer than PSA 10 on the same card. BGS 10 Pristine and BGS 10 Black Label are above PSA 10 in tier. ACE 10 and CGC 10 trade at 30-50% discount to PSA 10 on identical cards.
Grade Scales Side-by-Side
| Grader | Top Grade | What It Means | Premium vs PSA 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 10 (Gem Mint) | Industry benchmark, single number | Baseline |
| BGS | 10 (Pristine) | All 4 sub-grades ≥9.5 | +5 to +20% |
| BGS | 10 Black Label | All 4 sub-grades = 10 | +50 to +150% |
| CGC | 10 (Gem Mint) | Similar criteria to PSA, smaller market share | -25 to -35% |
| CGC | 10 Pristine | All 4 sub-grades ≥9.5 (rare) | -10 to -20% |
| ACE | 10 (Pristine) | Sub-grades plus 1/2 scoring | -30 to -50% |
Why the Premiums Diverge
PSA dominates Pokémon market share (~75%). Buyers trust the brand and the auction houses prefer it. PSA 10s sell faster + at higher prices.
BGS shows 4 sub-grades on the slab (centering, edges, corners, surface). A 9.5/9.5/10/10 = BGS 10 Pristine; a 10/10/10/10 = BGS 10 Black Label. CGC + ACE adopted similar sub-grade displays.
PSA is moderately strict. BGS Black Label is the strictest top-grade in any hobby. CGC reportedly grades slightly more generously than PSA on modern cards.
When to Pick Each
- PSA — default choice. Mainstream collector, vintage, anything you might sell at auction.
- BGS — modern hits where a Black Label could be game-changing. Submit only high-quality candidates; sub-grade visibility is double-edged.
- CGC — bulk submissions where economics matter, or alongside CGC-graded comics for unified collection.
- ACE — newer entrant, less premium. Mostly used for modern bulk + Japanese cards.
Compare Across Graders
Mint Condition shows comps for every grader. See how PSA 10, BGS 10, and CGC 10 prices stack for the same card.
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