Posted By:
Red"If the characteristics are such that it should not be a "10" - it should not be a "10" - by any grader."
Your requirements for what you consider a 10 may be different than what PSA allows for a 10 based on their printed standards. Here are PSA's and SGC's description of what they'll put in a 10 holder.
"A PSA Gem Mint 10 card is a virtually perfect card. Attributes include four perfectly sharp corners, sharp focus and full original gloss. A PSA Gem Mint 10 card must be free of staining of any kind, but an allowance may be made for a slight printing imperfection, if it doesn't impair the overall appeal of the card. The image must be centered on the card within a tolerance not to exceed approximately 55/45 to 60/40 percent on the front, and 75/25 percent on the reverse."
"98 GEM 10: 55/45 or better centering, sharp focus, four sharp corners*, free of stains, no breaks in surface gloss, no print or refractor lines, and no visible wear. A slight print spot visible under close scrutiny is allowable if it does not detract from the aesthetics of the card."
The both leave a lot of room sure for minor factory issues on really nice looking cards with both SGC and PSA. You don't have to agree with them. Just select tens that meet your rigid standards. Or if you really want to be selective you can try your luck with an SGC 100 Pristine. It's like an 11. You know there are flaws hiding somewhere with that "virtually flawless" qualifier.
"100 PRISTINE: A "virtually flawless" card. 50/50 centering, crisp focus, four sharp corners*, free of stains, no breaks in surface gloss, no print or refractor lines, and no visible wear under magnification."