Grading companies don’t define “Gem Mint” the same way. A recent crossover I tested made that clear.

I bought a 2024 JJ McCarthy Silver Prizm graded CGC 10. Once in hand, I noticed a visible surface dimple. To see how another company would view it, I cracked the slab and sent the card to PSA.

Results:

• CGC: 10

• PSA: 9

• Reason: surface indentation.

This wasn’t a mistake — it was a difference in grading philosophy.

 PSA’s approach

PSA is strict on surfaces, especially chrome.

Any dimple, indent, or pressure mark is usually a hard cap at PSA 9.

Even tiny factory dimples will drop the grade.

 CGC’s approach

CGC is tougher on corners/edges but more forgiving on common factory dimples found in Prizm/Optic/Mosaic.

Some surface marks are treated as “production normal,” not grade-killers.

 What this means for collectors

• A CGC 10 is not guaranteed to cross as a PSA 10.

• PSA and CGC value different defects differently.

• Chrome cards amplify these differences because surface issues are so common.

• Crack-and-cross strategies carry real risk if you don’t know each company’s standards.

 Takeaway

“Gem Mint” is not universal.

The number on the label reflects a grading philosophy, not a hobby-wide definition.

If you’re buying slabs with crossover intentions, you need to know how each company weighs corners, edges, centering — and especially surface dimples.