The Ultimate Guide to Card Grading

Card grading turns your childhood hobby into a serious investment. Here's what you need to know:

Grading companies evaluate cards based on centering, corners, edges, and surface
Top graders: PSA, BGS, and SGC
Grading can dramatically increase card value (e.g., a PSA 10 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan card sold for $169,192 vs. $15,359 for a PSA 9)
Benefits: authentication, standardized condition language, and protection

Key steps for grading:

Choose cards wisely (focus on rare, valuable, or high-condition cards)
Select a grading company
Prepare cards carefully
Submit and wait (turnaround varies from days to months)
Understand the market before selling

Quick Comparison:

Grader	Lowest Price	Turnaround	Subgrades	Max Grade
PSA	$25	45+ days	No	10
BGS	$15	45+ days	Yes	10+
SGC	$12	5-10 days	No	10+

What Card Grading Is

Card grading turns your childhood hobby into a serious investment. Experts examine trading cards and give them a score based on their condition. This score can dramatically impact a card's value.

Basic Grading Process

When you send a card for grading, professionals look at four main things:

Centering
Corners
Edges
Surface

They check if the image is centered, corners are sharp, edges are smooth, and the surface is scratch-free. After examination, the card gets a grade from 1 to 10. Higher grade? Better condition and often higher value.

Benefits of Grading Cards

Grading isn't just about boosting value. It:

Proves your card is genuine
Protects cards in sealed cases
Gives everyone a common language for card condition

How Grading Changes Card Value

Grading can skyrocket a card's value. Check this out:

Card	Ungraded	PSA 9	PSA 10
1986 Fleer Michael Jordan	~$3,000	$15,359	$169,192

A perfect PSA 10 grade? It makes this card worth over 11 times more than a PSA 9!

What Pop Reports Tell Us

Pop reports show how many cards exist at each grade level. They're key for understanding rarity and potential value.

Take the 2018-19 Trae Young Prizm Rookie:

PSA 9: 9,329 cards
PSA 10: 9,282 cards

Almost as many PSA 10s as 9s. Result? PSA 10 sells for about $380, PSA 9 for $110.

Now, the 1986-87 Fleer Charles Barkley:

PSA 9: 1,566 cards
PSA 10: 228 cards

PSA 10s are much rarer here. Only 14 PSA 10s for every 100 PSA 9s. The prices reflect this: PSA 9 sells for about $1,750, PSA 10 for a whopping $13,500!

Checking Real vs Fake Cards

Grading companies don't just rate condition - they authenticate cards too. This matters in a market where fakes are a real issue. A graded card? It's not just a condition score. It's peace of mind that your card is the real deal.

"Grading is an incredibly effective way to increase the value of your cards." - Cardbase Author

Grading transforms your collection from a hobby into a potential goldmine. It's not just about slapping a number on a card - it's about unlocking its true value and ensuring its authenticity. Whether you're a casual collector or a serious investor, understanding card grading is key to navigating the trading card world.

Top Grading Companies

Three companies dominate the card grading scene: PSA, BGS, and SGC. Each has its own approach to grading. Let's break down what makes these grading giants special.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

PSA is the big dog in card grading. Since 1991, they've graded over 40 million cards worth more than a billion dollars. That's a mountain of cardboard!

PSA's appeal:

Big name in the industry
Uses a special machine to measure centering
Offers a Card Grading Guarantee

PSA grades from 1 to 10, no half-points. Fees? $25 to $10,000, based on the card's value. Typical wait time is about 65 business days.

"PSA has been grading trading cards since its inception. Their storied history and huge volume makes many people consider them the 'gold standard' for grading services." - Cardbase

BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

BGS is the detail freak of the grading world. They're known for subgrades, breaking down a card's condition into four areas: centering, edges, corners, and surface.

BGS's standout features:

Subgrades for a deeper look at card condition
10-point scale with half-points (like 9.5)
Often faster turnaround times

BGS starts at $15 for cards without subgrades, with a 45+ business day wait. Their Black Label 10 is the holy grail of graded cards.

SGC and Other Grading Services

SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Corporation) is the speed demon of grading. They focus mainly on sports cards, especially old-school ones.

SGC's game:

Quick turnaround (5-10 business days)
Prices start at $12
Vintage sports card experts

While PSA and BGS rule the roost, SGC has found its niche, especially with vintage card collectors.

Here's a quick look at these top grading companies:

Grading Company	Lowest Price	Turnaround Time (Business Days)	Subgrades	Max Grade
PSA	$25	45	No	10
BGS	$15	45+	Yes	10+
SGC	$12	5-10	No	10+

Picking a grading company? Think about your card type, how long you're willing to wait, and your budget. Here's a real-world example: a PSA 8 Michael Jordan rookie card sold for $71,888, while a BGS 8.5 of the same card went for $22,601. Shows how your choice of grading company can seriously impact your card's value.

How Cards Are Graded

Card grading isn't just about eyeballing a card. It's a detailed process that top grading companies use to evaluate every aspect of a card. Let's dive into the key factors they look at.

Card Centering

Centering is a big deal. It's all about how the image sits within the borders. For a top grade:

Front image: 55/45 to 60/40 or better on top/bottom and left/right
Back image: 75/25 or better on all sides

Want a pro tip? Use a centering tool before you submit. It could bump your card from a PSA 9 to a PSA 10.

Corner Quality

Sharp corners are a must-have. Graders are looking for:

Perfectly pointed corners
No wear or fraying
Same color and texture all around

Even tiny flaws can drop your grade. For a PSA 10, you need four perfect corners that look great even under a magnifying glass.

Edge Condition

Don't overlook the edges. Graders check for:

Clean edges with no chips
No fraying or whitening
Consistent color

For that PSA 10, edges need to look flawless to the naked eye and nearly perfect under magnification.

Card Surface

The surface is where many cards fall short. Graders are on the lookout for:

Print quality issues
Scratches or scuffs
Stains or weird colors
Loss of shine

A PSA 10 card needs a perfect surface with no visible flaws, even under bright light.

"A PSA 10 Pokémon card is, in essence, a perfect specimen." - Graded Card Investor

Here's a quick rundown of what grades typically mean:

Grade	What It Means
10	Almost perfect
9	Great condition, tiny flaws
8	Good shape, slight wear
7 and below	More wear and damage

Keep in mind, grading isn't just about ticking boxes. There's some gut feeling involved too. PSA says, "Sometimes a grader has to make a call on a card that's right on the line between two grades. That final decision comes down to experience, how good the card looks overall, and what the market expects."

For collectors, this means being smart about what you grade. Focus on cards that people want, like first editions or rare holos. It's not just about condition - it's about potential value too.

Grading can make a HUGE difference in a card's worth. Take the 1999 1st Edition Charizard Holo. A PSA 10? That's about $375,000. A PSA 9? Only $20,000. That's the power of perfect condition in the card world.

Sending Cards for Grading

Getting cards graded is exciting, but it's crucial to handle the process carefully. Here's how to make sure your cards arrive safely at the grading company.

Getting Cards Ready

Preparing your cards for grading is a big deal. Here's what you need to do:

Clean cards gently with a microfiber cloth
Check each card under bright light for imperfections
Use a 100% clear penny sleeve for each card
Put the sleeved card in a Card Saver or similar semi-rigid holder

"The clarity of the penny sleeve is non-negotiable. It's the first line of defense for your card and needs to be completely transparent for proper grading", says a PSA grading expert.

Why all this fuss? Well, the penny sleeve protects your card during its journey and lets graders see it clearly. And grading companies prefer Card Savers because they're tough but flexible.

Safe Shipping Methods

Shipping your cards safely is key. Here's how:

Sandwich cards between two pieces of cardboard
Use rubber bands to hold the bundle (but not too tight!)
Wrap in bubble wrap
Use a sturdy box slightly bigger than your card bundle
Fill empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper
Seal box seams with colored or security tape

For shipping, go with fast services (1-3 business days) from big names like FedEx or UPS. This cuts down on transit time and the chances of your cards being mishandled.

Protective Cases

Once your cards reach the grading company, they're treated like royalty. After grading, they're put in special tamper-evident holders. These cases are built to keep your cards safe and in top shape. Here's the scoop:

The cases are made of top-notch, archival-safe plastic that won't mess with your card over time. They're sealed using a fancy sonic welding process, making them nearly impossible to open without wrecking the case.

Each case comes with a label showing the card's details, grade, and a unique serial number for authentication. PSA uses their fancy Lighthouse™ case, while BGS has their own system with subgrades on the label.

Here's a pro tip: once your card is in this protective case, leave it there. Opening the case will kill the grade and might hurt your card.

Card Values and Selling

Grading can make or break a card's value. Let's look at how grading impacts prices and some smart ways to sell.

Graded vs Ungraded Prices

The price gap between graded and ungraded cards can be huge. Check out these real examples:

Card	Raw	PSA 9	PSA 10
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Prizm Rookie	$25	$45	$150
Steve Nash Topps Chrome Rookie	$80	$190	$1,000
1999 1st Edition Charizard	~$25,000	~$50,000	$300,000+

Grading can boost a card's value big time. PSA 9 cards often sell for double the raw price, while PSA 10s can go for up to seven times more.

For rare cards, the difference is even crazier. Take the 1999 1st Edition Charizard. Raw? Maybe $25,000 to $40,000. But slap a PSA 10 grade on it, and you're looking at over $300,000!

Selling Smart

Want to make the most when selling graded cards? Here's how:

Know the market: Watch for trends. A player's hot streak or retirement can send card prices through the roof.
Use trusted platforms: Stick to sites like eBay for pricey cards. They've got buyer protection. Avoid cash deals for the rare stuff.
Shop around: Selling to a business? Get quotes from different dealers. As Arnold Jewelers puts it:

"True experts will be able to give you a good price and detailed explanation on why they've priced your particular cards at a certain amount."

Do the math: Before grading, think about the cost. Grading fees can range from $15 to $500+ per card. Make sure it's worth it.
Time it right: Keep an eye on pop reports. If there aren't many high-grade cards out there, it might be time to sell before more show up.

Spotting Fakes

As graded cards get more valuable, fakes are popping up. Here's how to spot the real deal:

Check the label: PSA's got new security features. Scan the certification number and QR code to make sure they match PSA's website.
Look at the case: Real PSA slabs are sealed tight. If it looks like someone's messed with it, watch out.
Bring backup: Dealing with rare or expensive cards? Bring an experienced collector to help check it out.
Play it safe: Buying graded cards online? Use platforms with solid buyer protection.

PSA says it best:

"Each PSA slab is a one-of-a-kind item that can add value and collectability to your trading card collection."

Where to Grade Cards

Getting your cards graded doesn't have to be a headache. Let's look at some easy ways to do it.

Card Shops List

Card Shops List is a goldmine for collectors who want to grade their cards locally. Here's why it's great:

It helps you find nearby stores that grade cards
You can discover shops for sports cards, TCGs, and other collectibles
Many shops also buy, sell, and trade cards

It's perfect if you're new to grading or have questions about your collection. You get to talk to local experts who know their stuff.

DIY Card Grading

Want to handle the grading yourself? No problem. Here's a quick how-to:

1. Pick a grading company: PSA, BGS, and SGC are popular choices.

2. Get your cards ready: Give them a gentle clean and check for obvious flaws.

3. Package them right: Use Card Savers or similar holders to keep them safe.

4. Submit online: Sign up on the grading company's website and follow their steps.

5. Ship it safely: Use a courier with tracking and insurance.

PSA, for example, has different service levels. Their Value Bulk service is good for cheaper cards, while Express is faster but costs more.

"You want to make sure that your high-value, rare cards keep their value, whether you look to sell or trade your cards in the future or want them insured." - Draftsim Author

Card Grading at Events

Card shows often have on-site grading. It's a quick way to get your cards graded. Here's the scoop:

PSA and Beckett often show up at big card events
You can get same-day or end-of-show grading
Some events even offer raw card reviews

Take The National Sports Card Convention in Cleveland (July 24-28, 2024). Big names like PSA, JSA, SGC, BGS, and CGC will be there. Here's what PSA's on-site grading might cost:

Service Level	Declared Value	Turnaround Time	Price
Collector's Club	< $2,499	End of Show	$150
Standard	< $4,999	End of Day	$250
Express	< $14,999	End of Day	$500

But remember, prices can change. Always check the grading company's website for the latest info.

So, you've got options: local shops, DIY, or grading events. Think about your timeline, budget, and card value when you decide. Each way has its perks - pick what works best for you.

Summary

Card grading has changed the trading card game. What was once a kid's hobby is now serious business. Let's break down what we've learned and how you can get started:

Key Points

Card grading isn't just about slapping a number on a card. It's a whole process:

The Big Three: PSA, BGS, and SGC lead the pack. Each has its own way of doing things.
What They Look At: Graders check the centering, corners, edges, and surface. Even tiny flaws can knock down the grade.
Money Talks: Grading can make a card's value skyrocket. Take the 1999 1st Edition Charizard. Ungraded? About $25,000. But a PSA 10? Over $300,000!
Prep Work: Clean your cards right and handle them carefully. It makes a big difference.
Getting Graded: You can submit cards through local shops, straight to the grading companies, or at special events.

Your Next Steps

Ready to dive in? Here's how:

1. Check Your Cards

Grab a magnifying glass and look closely. Focus on cards that are:

Old and hard to find
From well-known artists
Important to the game's history
In great shape

2. Pick a Grader

Think about:

How long it'll take
How much it'll cost
What buyers think of their grades

For example, BGS is often the go-to for new cards, while PSA is the king of vintage.

3. Get Your Cards Ready

Clean them gently with a soft cloth
Use sleeves and Card Savers to protect them
Pack them up safely for shipping

4. Send Them Off

Grading can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Keep track of your submission and be patient.

5. Know the Market

Keep an eye on population reports and what's selling. It'll help you decide when to sell or hold onto your graded cards.

Remember, grading is an investment. As TCGplayer Infinite puts it:

"The goal of these guidelines is to ensure a consistent and rewarding experience across all of our platforms so that buyers and sellers can interact with certainty."

Grading your cards isn't just about getting a number. It's about understanding what you have and making smart choices. Whether you're in it for the love of the game or the potential profit, knowing the ins and outs of grading can make a big difference.

FAQs

Does it cost to get a card graded by PSA?

Yes, PSA charges for grading. Their basic "Value" tier is $20 per card. But here's the catch: you need to submit at least 10 cards, and each card can't be worth more than $499. Want faster service or have pricier cards? Expect to pay more.

How much does it cost to send Pokémon cards to PSA?

For Pokémon cards, PSA's pricing starts at about $25 per card (for cards under $499). But if you're in a hurry or have a rare gem, be ready to shell out $75 or more per card. Keep in mind, these prices can change based on demand and PSA's current rates.

How do you tell if a card is graded?

Graded cards are easy to spot. They're sealed in special cases with a label showing the grade. For Beckett Grading Services (BGS), the label color tells you a lot:

Black label? That's the cream of the crop - perfect 10s across the board.
Gold label means a BGS 10 or 9.5.
Silver? You're looking at a BGS 9 or 8.5.
White labels cover all other grades.

PSA keeps it simple with their iconic red label and hologram.

How do you get valuable cards graded?

Want to get your prized cards graded? Here's the lowdown:

Pick a trusted grader (PSA, BGS, and SGC are the big names).
Give your cards a gentle clean and check for obvious flaws.
Protect them with sleeves and semi-rigid holders.
Fill out the grading company's form.
Pack those cards like they're made of glass and ship them off.

Pro tip: If this sounds like a hassle, PSA dealers can handle the whole process for you. It's a lifesaver for grading newbies.

Which is better, BGS or PSA?

BGS and PSA are both heavy hitters in the grading world. Here's how they stack up:

Pricing: PSA tends to charge more and bases fees on card value. BGS keeps it straightforward.
Grading scale: BGS goes into detail with sub-grades. PSA keeps it simple with a 1-10 scale.
Market preferences: Some crowds (like vintage sports card fans) swear by PSA. Others (think modern sports cards) lean towards BGS.
Protection: BGS throws in an extra sleeve in their cases for added safety.