Are Most Raw Cards Basically the Equivalent of a PSA 9 Today?
If you’ve been collecting or selling cards in today’s hobby, you’ve probably heard this phrase:
“Most raw cards are basically PSA 9s now.”
But is that accurate—or just another hobby myth? Whether you’re buying, selling, or sitting on a stack of cards waiting to decide what to do next, it’s worth breaking down what this means and how it impacts your decision-making.
What Exactly Is a “Raw” Card?
A raw card is a trading card that hasn’t been graded by a third-party service like PSA, BGS, or SGC. It's “as-is”—either fresh out of the pack or stored in someone’s box or binder. Raw cards are evaluated by the eye of the seller or buyer, not under a grader’s microscope.
The challenge? What one person calls "mint" might only be "near mint" in PSA terms.
PSA 9: The Modern Benchmark
A PSA 9 is widely viewed as high-grade and investment-worthy, even if it doesn’t carry the premium of a Gem Mint 10. To earn a 9, a card must be:
Centered well
Free from creases
Clean overall with only minor flaws (like a soft corner or light print defect)
So when collectors say "raw = PSA 9," they’re usually referring to cards that have small imperfections—often not visible at first glance.
Why Most Raw Cards Are PSA 9s (Or Lower)
Here’s the truth: in today’s market, most of the raw cards being sold—especially modern and ultra-modern—are likely PSA 9s at best. Here’s why:
1. The Cherry-Picking Effect
Grading is a business. The best-looking cards get pulled from packs and sent in immediately. The cards that don’t make the cut for grading (off-centering, faint dimples, slight edge wear) are what usually hit the raw market. That means you're often looking at:
PSA 8s
PSA 9s
Occasionally even worse
2. Buyers Are Smarter Than Ever
Collectors today know what to look for. Between YouTube tutorials, eBay zoom-in photos, and grading pop reports, many buyers assume any card not already graded likely has a flaw. If a raw card truly looks like a gem, buyers ask:
“Why hasn’t it been graded already?”
That leads to more cautious buying—and often lower raw prices, especially when compared to PSA 9s.
3. Grading Standards Have Tightened
It’s also worth noting that grading companies—especially PSA—have become stricter post-2021. Even newer cards that appear flawless sometimes come back as 9s due to minute surface or edge flaws. That’s why many raw cards that look strong end up grading out as PSA 9s, not 10s.
So, Should You Buy a Raw Card Instead of a PSA 9?
This is where it gets interesting.
In Many Cases… Yes.
If a raw card:
Has high-resolution photos
Shows strong centering and corners
Is sold by a trusted seller or collector
And is priced below a PSA 9 of the same card…
Then buying raw can make a lot of sense—especially if you’re collecting, not flipping.
Why?
Because:
A raw card in “mint” condition often looks identical to a PSA 9 in a slab.
You save money by not paying the grading premium.
If you later decide to grade it yourself and it lands a 9, you're still ahead—and it may even get a 10.
However, be cautious with ultra-modern cards (2018 and newer). Many of them have been heavily cherry-picked already, and raw cards often reflect that. If you’re chasing PSA 10 value, buying a graded 10 directly may be the safer move.
Vintage Cards Are a Different Story
This rule of thumb mainly applies to modern and ultra-modern cards. With vintage, raw condition can vary wildly—from creased and rounded to surprisingly sharp. A true PSA 9-level vintage card is extremely rare raw and often commands a premium.
Final Thoughts
Yes, most raw cards today really are equivalent to PSA 9s—or worse. That’s a result of grading culture, cherry-picking, and more educated buyers.
But in many cases, especially for modern and mid-tier cards, buying a raw card that looks sharp can be the smarter, more affordable move over paying for a slabbed PSA 9—as long as you do your homework.
Keep your eyes sharp, ask for detailed images, and when in doubt, don’t assume raw means gem. But don’t assume raw means junk either—some of the best deals in the hobby still come ungraded.
Looking to sell raw or graded cards? Curious about whether your collection is worth grading?
[Contact us today] to get expert, honest advice with no pressure.