Getting your baseball card collection appraised is an important step to know the true value of your cards. Whether you are looking to sell your collection or just want to understand its worth, a professional appraisal conducted by an experienced card grader is the best way to go. With so many grading companies and experts out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are the key things to understand about the baseball card appraisal process.
The first decision is choosing which card grading company to use. The three major professional third-party authenticators and graders are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp). Each has their own grading scale and subtle differences in how they assess cards. PSA is generally considered the gold standard, as they were the original and longest running service. They pioneered the modern grading scale of 1-10. BGS is also very reputable and authenticates more vintage cards. SGC is usually the most affordable option. For a full appraisal, you’ll want to use one of the major companies.
Once you’ve chosen a grading service, you’ll need to package up your cards carefully and mail them off for grading. Be sure to register the submission on the company’s website to get your Collector’s Account setup in advance. Read all submission guidelines carefully to avoid any issues. Most require you to declare a value for insurance purposes too. Costs vary based on turnaround time and number of cards, but plan for at least a few dollars per card on average. Faster express services are more expensive.
When your cards return from grading, they will be encased in plastic slabs with the assigned numerical grade clearly labeled. Take time to review each grade – they may be higher or lower than you expected. Reconsider the value of any problem cards at this point. Unopened vintage packs or boxes may also receive authenticity certification at this stage too. Now you have officially graded collectibles to accurately appraise.
Getting the actual appraisal from an expert is the final step. Look for experienced appraisers who specialize in sports and trading cards. Provide full details on any notable grades, autographs, or rare find in the collection. Reputable appraisers may charge $50-100 minimum per hour of their time. Ask how the appraisal report will break down estimated fair market values. Replacements values are also important for insurance purposes.
Some factors that influence appraisal value include the player, year, specific card design, photo, autograph, grade and its pop (population report). Rarer graded vintage Hall of Famer rookies in high grades can appreciate significantly over time. More common retired star cards in lower grades will not hold as much worth. Condition is key for older issues. Appraisals are not definitive sell prices, which may fluctuate based on current demand and availability too.
Don’t forget to keep detailed records of the whole process for your records. This includes submission forms, assigned unique PCNS (Population Census Numbers) for each certified card, and the final written appraisal. Proper documentation protects your valuable collection and investment for the future if you ever need to make an insurance or other financial claim. Over time, as the hobby and prices change, it may make sense to have your prized pieces re-appraised as well.
With patience and working with reputable experts every step of the way, getting a complete appraisal of your baseball card collection does not need to be intimidating or expensive. Take the time to learn about grading scales and values. An appraisal establishes a baseline for how much your cardboard nostalgia is truly worth on the open market today. Whether enjoying your collection or someday passing it on, knowing its worth brings priceless peace of mind.
