Welcome to Grading 201 — the next-level conversation collectors need after they already know the basics.

Ryan Alford and Mike Baker break down what actually changes a grade once you move beyond surface-level opinions and start looking at cards the way a grader does. From edge chipping and centering to die-cuts, autos, and the factory issues that collectors often overlook, Mike explains why some cards that look perfect still fall short of a 10.

The conversation also touches the bigger grading landscape, including PSA’s volume, scaling challenges, digital review, and how tech can improve efficiency without replacing experienced eyes. This is the episode for collectors who want to submit smarter, buy sharper, and develop a more disciplined eye for grading.

Topics Covered

• What actually makes a card a 10
• Why “pack fresh” can still grade lower
• How graders look at corners and edges
• Why some defects are obvious and others are subtle
• The role of centering and surface in modern cards
• Why different card types need different eyes
• How Mike Baker thinks about grading at scale
• What collectors should take from grading 201

Links
Collector Nation
https://www.collectibles.show/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782
https://thecollectornation.com

Ryan Alford
https://www.ryanalford.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford

Mike Baker / MBA
https://grading.mba/
https://www.instagram.com/grading.mba/