Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 150 years and remain one of the most popular collectibles in the world. While millions of cards change hands each year in packs, boxes and through the secondary market, the true gems are high grade vintage and modern rookie cards. For collectors seeking to confirm the condition and grade of their most valuable cards, third party grading from professional authentication and grading companies like Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC) has become the standard.

SGC was founded in 2000 with the goal of providing an affordable alternative to the dominant grading service PSA. Starting with just a handful of employees working out of a small office, SGC has grown into a leading authenticator and grader with a staff of over 50 handling submissions from collectors around the world. What sets SGC apart is their focus on accessibility – they aim to offer the most competitive pricing in the industry while still providing expert grading.

For baseball card collectors, getting cards professionally graded serves several important purposes. First, it confirms that a card is authentic and not a forgery or reprint. In the lucrative high-end card market, a third party authentication greatly increases a card’s value and trust among buyers. Grading also precisely evaluates a card’s condition which is crucial information for collectors. Condition directly impacts a card’s price, with higher numerical grades commanding far greater sums. SGC uses a 1-10 point scale to assess factors like centering, corners, edges and surface quality.

Submitting cards to SGC involves first requesting a shipping label and holder order on their website. Collectors then send their cards in for grading along with a completed submission form. The average turnaround time is around 3-4 weeks depending on volume, after which the now encapsulated and graded cards are returned to the owner. SGC offers different service levels based on desired speed and added services like cross-over grading to another major company. Their lowest basic service starts at just $12 per card which is very competitive in the industry.

For vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s, SGC has become a go-to authenticator and grader. High grade examples from this “Golden Age” of baseball can sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands depending on the player, year and set. SGC’s expertise in vintage analysis helps collectors confirm authenticity and condition on these extremely valuable pieces of sports history. Their detailed holder labels provide full pedigree information adding transparency. Modern rookie cards from the late 80s to today also see substantial value increases with an SGC grade, especially for stars like Griffey, Pujols, Trout and more.

While PSA remains the most recognizable name in the hobby due to their earlier start, SGC has gained immense respect and market share over the past two decades. Studies show SGC holders often achieve equal or greater sale prices compared to the competition on the secondary market. This is a testament to collectors’ trust in SGC’s consistency and expertise. For budget-conscious buyers, cards already in SGC cases also provide a more affordable entry point versus raw or competing slabs. SGC’s growth and popularity has allowed them to expand services to other collectible categories beyond just sports cards as well.

Whether a collector is looking to confirm the value of a single vintage Mickey Mantle card or submit a full modern set for grading, SGC provides a trusted and cost-effective option. Their experienced authenticators and graders have analyzed millions of cards to develop an unmatched depth of knowledge. While raw cards hold romance, a well-graded SGC holder adds certainty and immediately communicates a card’s quality to potential buyers. In today’s high stakes collectibles market, third party authentication from a respected company like SGC is really a necessity for valuable pieces. It’s no wonder they have become a go-to service for collectors worldwide seeking to fully understand and maximize the value of their baseball card investments.