Cracked or damaged grading slab: what to do
Document the case, protect against sharp or loose parts and check the grader's current reholder process before taking irreversible action.
Do not crack, glue or polish the case
A chipped corner, cracked face or open seam can create sharp edges and allow the card to move. Put the slab down on a clear surface, keep loose fragments, and avoid pressing the crack or testing whether the case will open further.
Do not add superglue, solvent, polish, heat or adhesive tape across the card area. These can obscure evidence, contaminate the case or card, and interfere with the grader's assessment.
Document before moving it again
Photograph the front, back, label, certification number, whole crack and any visible card movement. Record when and how the damage was found. If it happened in transit, retain the parcel and packing while checking the carrier or sender's process.
Place the damaged slab in a clean fitted outer bag or temporary rigid container that prevents fragments escaping without squeezing the case. Keep it separate from undamaged slabs.
Contact the company named on the label
Use the grader's official support channel and current reholder or mechanical-error route. Explain whether the case is scratched, chipped, cracked, open, mislabelled or allowing movement. Ask:
- whether the holder is safe to post in its present state;
- which service and submission type applies;
- whether the card may be reviewed or regraded;
- what packing method is required;
- which fees and return costs apply.
PSA's current terms say a reholder may not be completed where the case or label appears tampered with, the case is fractured over or near the item, or the card's condition has changed. The provider decides the outcome after inspection.
A reholder is not always purely mechanical
Do not assume the label and grade must be preserved. Environmental exposure, card movement, tampering concerns or damage near the card may lead to further review. PSA and CGC publish guarantee terms with exclusions and review processes; read the terms applying to the exact holder.
Pack only after receiving instructions
Protect sharp edges, immobilise the slab inside a strong box and keep the case from contacting other items. Do not send a damaged slab in an ordinary envelope or remove the card to make packing easier.
Update the collection inventory while the slab is away. Record the service reference, parcel tracking and the new certification details or case condition when it returns.
Sources & checks
- PSA submission services terms and conditions · Checked 2026-11-10
- PSA authenticity and grade guarantee terms · Checked 2026-11-10
- CGC Cards certification guarantee · Checked 2026-11-10