PSA OC Meaning & Other Qualifier Examples

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PSA OC Definition

“OC” is a specific qualifier assigned by PSA to identify a card as “off center” even though that card meets the criteria for a particular grade. For example, a PSA 9 means the card is in mint condition, but a PSA 9 OC means that card also significant centering issues.

Read More: PSA Centering Standards

You might be thinking, if centering is one of the main factors in determining the grade of a card, then why would the card receive a grade of 9 OC rather than just drop its rating to a truer grade of PSA 7 for example. PSA has addressed a piece of this question in a 2021 policy change:

“Moving forward, the mint card with mild centering issues would grade a PSA 7 or PSA 8 as opposed to being a 9(OC). In other words, the centering would be reflected in the numerical grade. However, in the case of the mint card with significant centering issues, the grading staff may decide to apply a qualifier, assigning the card a 9(OC) rather than dropping the grade all the way to a PSA 4 or PSA 5.”

The key word here is “significant” and unless the card has significant centering issues, the centering will be factored into the grade. The same article mentions:

“The qualifiers will be used infrequently and at the discretion of the grading staff when they feel it’s in the card’s best interest to apply a qualifier.”

So, now that it’s understood what OC means from the grader’s perspective, what does it mean for you the card buyer?

Does “OC” Impact a Card’s Value

There is significant difference in value between a PSA 9 and a PSA 9 OC. The same goes for other grades, meaning yes, the OC qualifier impacts a card’s value.

For example, the last three PSA 9 Barry Bonds 1986 rookie year cards sold for the following prices (including shipping):

  • $45 on 7/15/22
  • $42.99 on 7/14/22
  • $46 on 7/14/22

Now, looking at the last three PSA 9 OC versions of that same card:

  • $24.99 on 7/3/22
  • $24.99 on 6/26/22
  • $38 on 6/16/22

The $38 on 6/16 might be an outlier, but the last two sales were for nearly 50% less than the PSA 9 without the qualifier.

Are There Other Qualifiers?

In addition to OC for off-center, PSA could also apply the following qualifiers:

  • MK (Marks)
  • MC (Miscut)
  • ST (Staining)
  • PD (Print Defect)
  • OF (Out of Focus)

Be sure to check out PSA’s grading standards and different PSA card grading examples for more information.

About Ryan from Ballcard Genius 330 Articles
Ryan is a lifelong member of the hobby and sports card expert. Specializing in baseball cards, and showcasing a love for flashy 90s inserts and all things A's, Ryan enjoys sharing the ins and outs of collecting, while highlighting the best cardboard options to add to your collections. Last Time Ago LLC dba Ballcard Genius.