The first step is to choose a grading company. The three major third-party grading companies for baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation). Each company has its own standards and population report data that can impact the value of a card, so it’s important to consider which company is the best fit based on the individual card.
Once you’ve selected a grading company, you’ll need to purchase the proper submission package based on turnaround time and number of cards. Most companies offer various tiers of service from economy to express. Be sure to read the submission guidelines closely to make sure your cards meet requirements for things like packaging, value restrictions, and card quantity limits per submission.
When preparing your cards to submit, you’ll want to ensure they are packaged securely to avoid any potential damage in transit. Strong toploaders or magnetic holders are recommended, with each card individually sleeved and backed by a sturdy cardboard. Don’t overstuff toploaders as it could cause the cards to shift and potentially scratch or indent during shipping. Other tips include wiping down cards to remove any dirt or fingerprints and trimming away rough cut edges.
It’s a good idea to document the condition of each card yourself before sending using high quality photos from multiple angles. This creates an archive to reference the card’s original state should any issues arise. When filling out the submission form, be as detailed as possible by noting even the slightest defects, as grading standards are very precise. Overstating condition could result in a lower grade.
Packages can be shipped to the grading company using insured and tracked carrier services. USPS, UPS, and FedEx are commonly used options. Be sure to get a delivery confirmation and consider adding insurance equal to the declared value of the submission. Also pay close attention to any seasonal cutoffs, as turnaround times may be longer around holidays.
Once received, the grading company will meticulously examine each card under special lighting and magnification equipment. Multiple trained graders will assess criteria like centering, corners, edges, and surface for issues that could impact the numerical grade. Authenticity may also be verified using technological methods like precision security scanning.
After completing the grading process, the card holders and labels will be permanently applied before packaging for return shipment. It’s a real thrill to open that box and see your prized cards now protected in the holder underneath their earned numeric grade. Be sure to log and appreciate each card’s new “slabbed” state. Population registry on the designated company’s website can provide further value context.
From this point, graded cards are permanently encapsulated and can be confidently collected, bought, and sold in the marketplace. The added authenticity and condition certification provides a level of protection and transparency that enhances value potential over time. Periodically re-submit especially valuable vintage coins if signs of holder degradation appear to maintain pristine preservation.
With careful planning and optimized submissions, the grading process for prized baseball cards becomes smoother each time. Following company best practices ensures the best protection for investments while adding the authenticity layer necessary to confidently engage in today’s modern memorabilia market. With a bit of patience, any collector can unlock added value and enjoyment from their personalized sports collecting journey.
