The fourth print on a PSA-graded slab label is called the “serial number” or “certification number” and is the unique PSA certification that identifies that specific graded item.NOTE: If you meant a different numbering convention (for example print run on the card art, population/print census, or a fourth edition/print of a card), tell me and I’ll address that alternative interpretation specifically.
Why the fourth printed field is the PSA certification number
– PSA’s standard slab label shows identifying fields (grade, card details, year/set, and a unique certification/serial number) and the unique certification number is the persistent identifier collectors use to verify the slab online with PSA’s database, so that number is functionally the single key that ties the physical holder to PSA’s records and verification system[1][3].
– Collectors and dealers routinely verify slabs by entering that certification number on PSA’s verification lookup on PSA’s site; this practice is recommended to confirm authenticity and slab details because counterfeit slabs exist[1].
How collectors use that fourth-field certification number
– Verification: Entering the certification number on PSA’s verification tool confirms the grade and card details, and alerts buyers to mismatches between the label text and PSA’s database record[1].
– Provenance and marketability: Listings and sales reference the PSA certification number so buyers can independently confirm the slab’s grade and description before purchase[1][4].
Important related label information (so you know what else to check)
– The grade itself (PSA 1–10) is the most visible field and reflects centering, corners, edges, and surface condition as evaluated by PSA’s graders[4][3].
– Slab appearance and label layout: PSA slabs have a characteristic label design and thin plastic case; experienced collectors compare label printing and case integrity against known genuine examples because counterfeit slabs are a known risk[3][1].
If your question was actually about one of these alternative meanings, here’s what each would mean and where to look:
– “Fourth print” meaning the fourth line of text on the label (e.g., set/description fields): that line usually contains the card description (player name, subset or specialty name) and is part of what you verify against the PSA record[3].
– “Fourth print” meaning the card’s print run or edition (for example, 4th printing of a modern reprint): PSA’s label will not normally state print-run edition numbers unless the card’s official title includes it; print-run details must be confirmed from the publisher/printer or census/population reports rather than the slab label itself[3].
– “Fourth print” meaning the fourth copy (a 4-of-# serial-numbered parallel): PSA will display a card’s serialized numbering as part of the description only if the card itself has numbering printed on it (for example “/50”); the PSA certification number remains the slab’s unique identifier and is separate from the card’s own numbering[3][1].
If you want, I can:
– Explain exactly how to locate and verify the certification number on a PSA label step-by-step and show how to use PSA’s verification lookup; or
– Walk through examples (with anonymized sample certification numbers) showing what PSA’s online verification returns for a certification number; or
– Cover where PSA places other label fields so you can read a slab label correctly.
Sources: PSA grading and slab verification practices and the role of certification numbers are described in collector guides and grading comparisons which note PSA’s slab labeling and the need to verify slab serials because counterfeit slabs exist[1][3][4].
