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–present) · PSA Japan vs USA · Cert date reference
2/22/2021–present
Style 12: 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.
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
Standard polycarbonate, ~50g
Medical-grade plastic (post-2024), ~60g (~20% heavier)
Bottom Mold Mark
Small circular mold mark at the bottom centre
Smooth, flat bottom — no mold mark
Inner Frame Border
Completely flat inner border
Subtle bevel creating a picture-frame effect
Inner Mold Marks (Back)
Three prominent rectangular marks visible on back
Same marks but subtler and harder to notice
"21" Mark (Bottom Left)
Larger font, clearly visible
Smaller font, less noticeable
1LR+ Film Insert
Not present (rare exception only)
Protective film on back interior for thick cards (One Piece, etc.)
Buying a PSA Japan Slab? Check These First
No mold mark = Japan slab. A mark = USA slab.
Post-2024 Japan slabs feel ~20% heavier than USA slabs.
Check psacard.com — cert lookup works globally for both.
Japan label prints in Japanese but grade scale is identical.
A film insert on the back interior is normal for thick cards.
Standard plastic cleaners damage Japan slab material — use microfibre only.
Scan any PSA slab in 2.4 seconds
BankTCG reads the cert number, matches it against the PSA registry, and cross-checks the label style against the submission date — flagging mismatches automatically.