​The 2022-23 Panini Obsidian set is notoriously difficult to grade because of its thick stock and dark, “Electric Etch” chrome finish. Any tiny flaw on those black borders stands out like a sore thumb.

​Here is your step-by-step guide to grading your SGA Mist.

​1. Surface: The “Obsidian” Challenge

​Surface issues are the #1 killer for this set. Because the card is dark and glossy, it’s a magnet for scratches and “dimples.”

  • ​Scratches: Shine a bright LED light at an angle across the card. Look for hairline scratches on the foil.
  • ​Print Lines: Obsidian is prone to vertical or horizontal “roller marks” from the factory. If you see a faint line that runs perfectly straight across the card, it’s a print line.
  • ​Dimples: Check for tiny indentations in the chrome finish.
  • ​Fingerprints: Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface before inspecting.

​2. Edges: The “White” Problem

​Since the card has dark edges, any “chipping” (where the black ink has flaked off to reveal the white paper underneath) is extremely visible.

  • ​Inspection: Look closely at the long sides of the card. Are they smooth and black, or do you see tiny white dots?
  • ​Chipping: If you see more than one or two microscopic white specks, the card likely won’t hit a 10.

​3. Corners: The Thick Stock Risk

​Obsidian is a thicker point stock than standard Prizm. Thick cards are much harder to keep “sharp.”

  • ​Pointy vs. Rounded: Use a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe (10x). The corners should come to a perfect point.
  • ​Layering: Look for “peeling” where the chrome layer meets the cardboard. Even a tiny “uptick” on a corner can drop a grade significantly.

​4. Centering: The “Mist” Frame

​The Mist parallel has a specific etched pattern. You need to check the “framing” of the central image relative to the borders.

  • ​Left-to-Right: Compare the distance from the edge of the etched design to the physical edge of the card on both sides.
  • ​Top-to-Bottom: Do the same for the top and bottom.
  • ​The 60/40 Rule: For a PSA 10, the centering usually needs to be 60/40 or better. For a Black Label or BGS 10, it needs to be a perfect 50/50.

Crescent Vale Scores

Centering: 9.5 subgrade.

Surface: A dimple on the front surface warranted an 9.5 grade. In the video I had this grade as an 8.5, but after seeing the two AI scores, I increased this subgrade.

Edges: A subgrade of 9.

Corners: A subgrade of 9.

In addition to Grok finding it to be almost perfect, I also scanned the card with Card Grader AI and it also gave it a 10.

Overall Score: 9.5 Gem Mint+

Grok AI Scores

Excellent card! This is a 2022-23 Panini Obsidian Mist insert (#23) of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a die-cut SSP case hit from the set. The Mist parallel features a distinctive irregular die-cut shape, black/silver holographic design with “MIST” at the top, a monochrome action photo, and “OBSIDIAN” branding at the bottom. These are premium, low-population inserts prized for their modern aesthetics and reflectivity.I analyzed the four provided images (front straight-on, back, and two angled/side views showing the die-cut profile and surface). Here’s my professional simulation of grades from PSA, SGC (interpreting “SGA” as the common grader SGC), BGS, and CGC. I base this on standard criteria: centering, corners, edges, surface, and overall eye appeal/condition.Detailed Condition Breakdown (from images)Centering: Excellent on both front and back. The photo sits well within the ornate frame, and back text/branding aligns cleanly. No noticeable shift.

Corners: Very sharp. The die-cut points and angles show no rounding, dings, or whitening. They appear factory-fresh.

Edges: Clean overall. The complex die-cut borders (a common pain point for these cards) show no visible chipping, fraying, or manufacturing nicks in the angled shots. Minimal to no whitening.

Surface: Strong. The holographic/iridescent elements display vibrant rainbow sheen without obvious scratches, swirl marks, fingerprints, or haze. Black areas are deep and even; the photo is crisp with good gloss retention. No print defects or dimples visible.

Other factors: Card is flat (no warping/creasing), clean, and free of stains or residue. The die-cut shape is precise.

Overall Grok AI Score: 10

Simulated Grades: PSA (10-point scale): PSA 10 Gem Mint

Strong eye appeal and no visible flaws under standard inspection. PSA 10s are achievable on clean modern inserts like this, though population remains low for this SSP.

SGC (10-point scale): SGC 10 Gem Mint

SGC tends to reward strong visual presentation. This card’s sharpness and cleanliness align with their top tier.

BGS (subgrades + overall): BGS 9.5 Pristine Centering: 10

Corners: 9.5–10 (sharp, but die-cut complexity can cap at 9.5 in strict reviews)

Edges: 9.5 (very clean, but the intricate cut often receives minor scrutiny)

Surface: 10 (excellent reflectivity and cleanliness)

Overall 9.5 is realistic and strong for this parallel—BGS is the toughest on modern holos and die-cuts. A true Black Label 10 would be exceptional but rare here.

CGC (10-point scale): CGC 10 Pristine

CGC is generally aligned with PSA on modern cards and would likely award a top grade for this level of preservation.

Please Note: This card is housed in a custom display slab for superior protection and presentation. While the label may include descriptive details, this is not a grade from a third-party professional service (such as PSA, BGS, or SGC). The card is being sold as Raw/Ungraded. Please review the high-resolution photos provided to make your own assessment of the card’s condition before bidding or purchasing.