AI CONDITION CHECK
Card Grade Estimator: Check Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface
A card grade estimator checks the four things grading companies score (centering, corners, edges, and surface) from photos of your card, so you can decide whether it is worth sending to PSA, BGS, or CGC. Solira's AI condition check works from a front photo, or a front and back photo, and gives an estimated grade range. It is a pre-check, not an official grade.
- Centering, corners, edges, surface
- Front or front + back photos
- Estimated grade range
- Decide before paying grading fees
By the Solira team · Updated
STEP BY STEP
How to pre-grade a card with Solira
- 1
Scan the card
Identify the card first so you also see its raw market price.
- 2
Add a back photo
For a fuller check, photograph the back. Centering and edge wear on the back count too.
- 3
Review the condition check
See the estimate for centering, corners, edges, and visible surface condition.
- 4
Decide on grading
Compare the estimated grade with the card's value to see if the grading fee is worth it.
01
What grading companies look at
PSA, BGS (Beckett), and CGC all grade on a 1–10 scale and judge the same four areas. One weak area usually caps the grade, even if the rest of the card is perfect.
| Area | What graders check | Common issues |
|---|---|---|
| Centering | How evenly the borders frame the artwork, front and back | Off-center cuts, uneven left/right or top/bottom borders |
| Corners | Sharpness of all four corners | Whitening, rounding, soft or dinged corners |
| Edges | Smoothness of the four edges | Whitening, chipping, rough factory cuts |
| Surface | Front and back surface under light | Scratches, print lines, dents, indentations, stains |
02
Centering standards for a 10
Centering is the easiest area to measure and one of the most common reasons a card misses a 10. PSA's published Gem Mint standard allows roughly 55/45 to 60/40 centering on the front and about 75/25 on the back. Measure the border on each side: a card with a 3 mm left border and a 2 mm right border is 60/40.
03
When is a card worth grading?
Grading costs money and time, so it pays off only when the graded value clearly beats the raw value plus fees and shipping. As a rule of thumb, look at grading when a card is valuable raw, is in excellent condition, and is popular enough that graded copies sell regularly.
- Raw value is already meaningful
- No visible whitening or surface scratches
- Centering is close to 60/40 or better
- Graded copies of the card sell regularly
04
Why an estimate is not an official grade
Photos can hide fine scratches, print lines, and edge wear that a grader sees under magnification and angled light. Lighting, sleeves, and camera quality also affect what the AI can see. Use Solira's check to sort which cards deserve a closer look, then inspect those by hand before you submit.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can an app tell me what my card will grade?
An app can estimate condition from photos and flag obvious problems such as off-center borders or whitened corners. It cannot guarantee a grade, because graders inspect the physical card under magnification.
What centering do you need for a PSA 10?
PSA's Gem Mint 10 standard allows roughly 55/45 to 60/40 centering on the front and about 75/25 on the back.
Do I need a back photo?
It is optional but recommended. The back counts toward centering and edge condition, so a front and back check gives a more complete estimate.
Is Solira affiliated with PSA, BGS, or CGC?
No. Solira is independent of all grading companies, and its condition check is an estimate only.
Check a card before you grade it
Scan a card with Solira and run the AI condition check on centering, corners, edges, and surface. Free to download on iPhone. Android is coming soon.