Card Grading

Should you get your cards graded?

There are several reasons why you should get trading cards graded:

1. Authentication: Grading companies authenticate the legitimacy and originality of trading cards. They carefully examine the card to ensure it is not counterfeit or altered in any way. This provides assurance to collectors and buyers that they are investing in a genuine card.

2. Preservation: Grading companies encapsulate the trading card in a protective case, often made of high-quality materials. This helps to preserve the condition of the card and protects it from damage, such as scratches, creases, or fading. The case also prevents tampering and further manipulation of the card.

3. Condition Assessment: Grading companies thoroughly evaluate the condition of the trading card, taking into account factors such as centering, corners, edges, and surface. They assign a numeric grade, typically on a scale of 1 to 10, indicating the card’s condition. A higher grade usually translates to higher value and desirability among collectors.

4. Value Determination: Graded trading cards generally have a higher market value compared to ungraded cards. The assigned grade provides a standardized measure of the card’s condition, making it easier for buyers and sellers to determine its worth. Additionally, graded cards often fetch higher prices in auctions and sales, as they are perceived as being more trustworthy and reliable.

5. Protection against Future Damage: The protective case provided by grading companies safeguards the trading card from potential future damage, such as accidental spills, handling mishaps, or environmental factors. This ensures the long-term preservation of the card’s condition, maintaining its value over time. Overall, getting trading cards graded adds credibility, protection, and value to your collection, making it a worthwhile investment for serious collectors and enthusiasts.

How to Get Cards Graded?

To get your trading cards graded, you can follow these general steps:

1. Research Grading Companies: Start by researching different grading companies to find one that suits your needs. Some popular grading companies include PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty). Each company has its own grading standards, fees, and turnaround times, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your preferences.

2. Prepare Your Cards: Before submitting your cards for grading, it’s essential to ensure they are in the best possible condition. Carefully examine each card for any damages, such as scratches, creases, or stains. Clean the cards using a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris. It’s also advisable to handle the cards with clean hands or wear gloves to prevent oil or moisture transfer.

3. Choose a Service Level: Most grading companies offer different service levels with varying turnaround times and fees. Decide whether you need a standard service or a faster option, depending on your urgency. Consider factors like cost, time, and the value of the cards when selecting the service level.

4. Complete Submission Forms: Each grading company will have submission forms that need to be completed. These forms require details such as your contact information, return shipping preferences, and a description of the cards being submitted. Make sure to accurately fill out the forms to avoid any delays or errors in the grading process.

5. Package and Ship: Carefully package your cards to ensure they are protected during transit. Use card sleeves, top loaders, or plastic cases to safeguard the cards from damage. Place the cards in a sturdy shipping box and include any necessary paperwork, such as the submission forms and payment. Follow the specific instructions provided by the grading company for packaging and shipping.

6. Track and Await Results: After shipping your cards, you can typically track the progress of your submission through the grading company’s website. Once the grading process is complete, you will receive a notification with the grades assigned to each card. The graded cards will be encapsulated in protective cases and returned to you along with a grading certificate.

It’s important to note that each grading company may have slightly different procedures and requirements, so it’s crucial to carefully review their guidelines and follow their instructions. Additionally, be aware that grading services may have wait times depending on their current workload, so be prepared for potential delays in receiving your graded cards.

How Are Cards Graded?

Trading cards are graded based on their condition and overall quality. The grading process typically involves the following steps:

1. Authentication: The first step in grading a trading card is to authenticate its legitimacy and confirm that it is not a counterfeit or altered card. The grading company carefully examines the card for any signs of tampering, forgery, or reproduction.

2. Centering: The centering of a trading card refers to how well the image and borders are aligned within the card. Graders assess the card’s centering by measuring the equal distance between the edges of the image and the borders on all sides.

3. Corners: Corners are a critical aspect of a trading card’s condition. Graders examine the corners for any signs of wear, dings, or rounding. Cards with sharp, crisp corners typically receive higher grades.

4. Edges: The edges of a trading card are inspected for any signs of chipping, fraying, or roughness. Graders ensure that the edges are clean and smooth, without any significant damage.

5. Surface: The surface of the card is evaluated for any imperfections such as scratches, scuffs, printing defects, or stains. Graders carefully examine the card under proper lighting conditions to detect any flaws that might affect its appearance.

6. Print Quality: Graders assess the print quality of the card, including the clarity, color vibrancy, and registration of the images and text. Any printing errors or inconsistencies may affect the card’s grade.

7. Overall Condition: The grader considers the overall condition of the card, taking into account factors such as centering, corners, edges, surface, and print quality. They assign a numeric grade, typically on a scale of 1 to 10, indicating the card’s condition. A higher grade signifies a card in better condition.

It’s important to note that different grading companies may have slightly different criteria and scales for grading trading cards. Some grading companies also consider additional factors such as autographs, rarity, and special attributes when determining a card’s grade.

Once the grading process is complete, the card is encapsulated in a protective case, often made of high-quality materials, to preserve its condition and protect it from further damage. The encapsulated card is then returned to the owner along with a grading certificate that provides details of the card’s grade and authenticity.

The Grading Scale

Card Grading Score	Card Condition
1	Poor condition
2	Good condition
3	Very Good condition
4	Very Good to Excellent condition
5	Excellent condition
6	Excellent – Near Mint condition
7	Near Mint condition
8	Near Mint – Mint condition
9	Mint condition
10	Gem Mint condition