The short answer
PSA uses No Grade code N5, Altered Stock, when a card shows a form of alteration to its stock. PSA lists examples including paper restoration, crease or wrinkle pressing, scratch removal, enhanced gloss, and a foreign substance such as cleaning spray or wax applied to the surface. N5 is not a numeric condition grade.
- N5 is PSA's No Grade code for Altered Stock.
- PSA lists pressing, scratch removal, enhanced gloss, paper restoration, and added substances as examples.
- Altered Stock is separate from PSA's trimming, restoration, recoloration, and cleaning codes.
- PSA says Authentic Altered encapsulation may be available at its discretion when properly requested.
Understand an Altered Stock result
The code describes PSA's determination, not a complete history of who changed the card or when. Choose the situation you need to understand.
PSA found evidence that the card stock was altered
The N5 result means PSA did not assign a numeric grade because its graders identified a form of stock alteration under PSA's published standards.
Next checkRead PSA's current No Grade definitions, review your submission record, and contact PSA if you need clarification about available next steps.
Why Altered Stock matters
A numeric grade describes condition within a grading scale. PSA treats evidence of certain changes to a card's stock as a different issue, so it can return the card without a numeric grade under code N5.
PSA's examples cover more than cutting an edge. Its N5 definition includes changes to the paper or surface, such as pressing, scratch removal, enhanced gloss, and added substances.
PSA lists other No Grade codes separately. That separation matters because N1 Evidence of Trimming, N2 Evidence of Restoration, N3 Evidence of Recoloration, and N7 Evidence of Cleaning are not interchangeable with N5.
Related PSA No Grade codes
- N5 Altered Stock
- A stock alteration such as pressing, scratch removal, enhanced gloss, paper restoration, or an applied substance.
- N1 Evidence of Trimming
- Evidence that a card edge appears to have been altered.
- N2 Evidence of Restoration
- Evidence that paper stock was built up, such as rebuilding a damaged corner.
- N7 Evidence of Cleaning
- Evidence of whitening or a solution used to remove stains, wax, candy, gum, or tobacco residue.
Check an Altered Stock card
Use the grader's exact language and preserve the card's current state. Visual inspection cannot always reveal the full history.
- Record the exact result
Photograph the return label, card front and back, edges, submission record, and any written explanation.
- Read the current standard
Compare the wording with PSA's live No Grade definitions because policies and options can change.
- Keep the codes separate
Do not rename N5 as trimming, cleaning, or restoration unless PSA used that specific code.
- Verify any holder
If the card is encapsulated as Authentic Altered, match the label and certification number to PSA's official record.
- Describe it plainly
When selling or cataloging, state the exact PSA result and avoid claiming a cause or responsible person that the record does not prove.
What an N5 result does not prove
- N5 does not identify who altered the card or when it happened.
- A photograph may not reveal the evidence PSA observed during in-person examination.
- Authentic Altered is not the same as a numeric condition grade.
- Card Collector Capital cannot reverse or reinterpret a grading-company determination.
Choose your next step
Move from reading to one practical collector task.
Questions collectors ask
What does N5 mean at PSA?
N5 means Altered Stock. PSA uses it when the card shows a form of stock alteration covered by its No Grade definitions.
Is Altered Stock the same as trimmed?
No. PSA uses N1 for Evidence of Trimming and N5 for Altered Stock. Read the exact result instead of combining the labels.
Will PSA put an Altered Stock card in a holder?
PSA says N5 can qualify for Authentic Altered encapsulation at its discretion when AA is selected as the desired minimum grade on the submission form. Current service rules control.
Does PSA charge for an N5 result?
PSA's current grading standards and FAQ say the applicable grading fee is charged for altered-stock review. Check the terms for the submission you are placing.
Sources and research notes
Product checklists, definitions, and policies can change. These sources were reviewed on 2026-08-16.
- PSA: Grading standards and No Grade definitionsOfficial N5 Altered Stock definition, examples, fees, and possible Authentic Altered treatment.
- PSA: Frequently asked questionsOfficial explanation of PSA No Grade results and which results receive a grading charge.
- PSA: Why cards are not pressedOfficial explanation that pressed cards are not eligible for numeric grading and may receive Authentic Altered.
Card Collector Capital publishes educational research, not financial advice. Card prices, populations, checklists, and grading policies can change. Verify the exact card and current information before buying, selling, or submitting a card.