PSA Label Style History & Counterfeit Authentication Guide

Every PSA label style from 1991 to present: exact dates, font changes, hologram evolution, and fake-detection tips for all 12 types, sourced from PSA press releases and collector research.

12 label styles (1991 to present) · PSA Japan vs USA · Cert date reference

Explore the label styles

Illustration, not to scale.

  • Front hologram
  • Fugitive ink
  • QR code
  • Back barcode

Style 12 · 2/22/2021-present

Lighthouse™ now shows "PSA" instead of "NASDAQ: CLCT"

Front label
Identical to Style 11 in all respects except the Lighthouse™ hologram background pattern. When rotated, the pattern now reveals "PSA" rather than "NASDAQ: CLCT", reflecting Collectors Universe's delisting from NASDAQ on 2/22/2021.
Back label
Same as Style 11 except the Lighthouse™ logo on the back also shows "PSA" in its background pattern rather than "NASDAQ: CLCT".
Holder
Same sonically sealed case as Style 11.
Notable fact
The change was triggered by the acquisition of Collectors Universe by a private investor group led by Nat Turner on 2/22/2021, which removed the company from the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Critical authentication check

Any slab submitted after February 22, 2021 must show "PSA" in the Lighthouse pattern, not "NASDAQ: CLCT". A post-2021 cert number on a Style 11 slab is a red flag and should be verified on psacard.com.

Label style date reference

Use a slab's grading date to work out which label it should carry, and the hologram that goes with it.

  1. Style 1 · 1991-1992Original label: slashed zeros, long barcodeOutside sticker
  2. Style 2 · 1992-1999Slashes removed, barcode shortened and centredInside bonded
  3. Style 3 · ~2000-~2003"Collectors Universe" hologram replaces "PSA" hologramCollectors Universe
  4. Style 4 · ~2003-~2006Barcode left-aligned, font wider and rounderCollectors Universe
  5. Style 5 · ~2006-~2007Squared white corners, light blue back, rarely seenNone
  6. Style 6 · ~2007-1/31/2008Darker blue back, "NASDAQ: CLCT" first appearsNone
  7. Style 7 · 2/1/2008-~2014Half-point grades introduced, grade # below descriptionNone
  8. Style 8 · ~2014-4/16/2015Darker, thicker back label stockNone
  9. Style 9 · 4/17/2015-12/1/2015Front-embedded hologram introducedFront embedded
  10. Style 10 · 12/2/2015-6/13/2017Cert number + barcode added to back labelFront + back
  11. Style 11 · 6/14/2017-2/21/2021Lighthouse™ hologram + fugitive ink + QR codeLighthouse (CLCT)
  12. Style 12 · 2/22/2021-presentLighthouse™ now shows "PSA" instead of "NASDAQ: CLCT"Lighthouse (PSA)

PSA Japan vs PSA USA Slabs

PSA Japan and PSA USA use the same label system and cert database, but the physical cases differ. These differences are now a standard authentication check when buying from Japanese marketplaces.

Side-by-Side Overview

Side-by-Side Overview

USA
Standard polycarbonate, ~50g
Japan
Medical-grade plastic (post-2024), ~60g (~20% heavier)
Bottom Mold Mark

Bottom Mold Mark

USA
Small circular mold mark at the bottom centre
Japan
Smooth, flat bottom, no mold mark
Inner Frame Border

Inner Frame Border

USA
Completely flat inner border
Japan
Subtle bevel creating a picture-frame effect
Inner Mold Marks (Back)

Inner Mold Marks (Back)

USA
Three prominent rectangular marks visible on back
Japan
Same marks but subtler and harder to notice
"21" Mark (Bottom Left)

"21" Mark (Bottom Left)

USA
Larger font, clearly visible
Japan
Smaller font, less noticeable
1LR+ Film Insert

1LR+ Film Insert

USA
Not present (rare exception only)
Japan
Protective film on back interior for thick cards (One Piece, etc.)

Buying a PSA Japan slab? Check these first

  • Flip it over

    No mold mark = Japan slab. A mark = USA slab.

  • Pick it up

    Post-2024 Japan slabs feel ~20% heavier than USA slabs.

  • Verify the cert

    Check psacard.com: cert lookup works globally for both.

  • Read the label

    Japan label prints in Japanese but grade scale is identical.

  • Check for 1LR+ film

    A film insert on the back interior is normal for thick cards.

  • Avoid PlastX

    Standard plastic cleaners damage Japan slab material. Use microfibre only.

Check a slab's cert from your phone. Then compare it with the label in your hand.

BankTCG reads the cert number off a PSA slab and pulls PSA's record for it, so you can see whether the grade and card on the label match. Slab scanning is part of BankTCG Legendary.

Download BankTCG