Centering

Centering describes how evenly the image on a card sits relative to its edges. If the artwork sits in the middle of the frame, the card has good centering. If it is shifted, the borders become unequal in width on opposite sides. Centering is one of the four main factors in grading, along with corners, edges and surface.

How it is measured

Centering is given as a ratio between the widths of two opposite borders, for example 50/50 for perfectly centred and 60/40 for a noticeable shift. It is measured both horizontally and vertically, and on both the front and the back. On cards with a thick yellow border it is easy to see, but on cards where the artwork runs to the edge it can be hard to judge.

Effect on the grade

Grading companies allow some offset at high grades and tighten the tolerance the higher the grade. How strict the limits are is set out in each company's guidelines and can change; see the grading scale. Poor centering can prevent a high grade even when corners, edges and surface are flawless. Beckett gives a separate subgrade for centering, while PSA folds it into the overall grade.

What causes poor centering

Centering is determined during printing and cutting. Small variations in production mean that some sets have more crookedly cut cards than others, and that cards from the same pack can look very different. Some unusual shifts are classed as misprints; see misprints and error cards. A heavily shifted border from the factory is not the same as wear.

Judging an ungraded card

• Look at the card against an even background and compare the border widths on every side.
• Check the back as well, since it is often harder to get perfect.
• Be careful with photographs: camera angle can make a card look more or less centred.

Centering is judged differently for different card designs. Cards with a thin or irregular border are harder to measure than cards with a broad, even border, and some modern cards have artwork that runs all the way to the edge. The grading company then has to use other reference points. Collectors often discuss which sets are known for poor centering, but such accounts are based on experience and vary from pack to pack.

Context

Centering is part of the overall impression summarised in card condition and grading. Even a card that looks clean can receive a lower grade if the centering is weak.