Getting vintage baseball cards professionally graded is an important part of the collecting and trading process. Grading provides an objective assessment of a card’s condition and authenticity which establishes market value. With the growing popularity and value of vintage cards, there are now several professional grading services available to collectors. Choosing the right service and navigating the grading process can seem daunting. This guide will outline the best practices for submitting cards to be graded.
The “Big 3” grading services for baseball cards are Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), and Hockey Card Grading (HCG). All three are reputable third-party authenticators that provide slabbed encasements with assigned numerical grades. BGS and PSA dominate the market, each grading over 10 million cards. HCG is smaller but still respected. Each service has its own grading scale and specialties.
BGS uses a 1-10 scale and specializes in aesthetics like centering and corners. They provide sub-grades within overall condition grades. PSA uses a 1-10 scale as well but focuses more on playability. HCG uses a 1-5 scale and caters to vintage hockey but also grades baseball. For most collectors, PSA and BGS are the top choices due to market share and brand recognition increasing resale value.
When choosing a grading service, consider your card’s value, the turnaround time of each company, and your goals for the graded card. High-value vintage cards may merit using multiple services. Standard bulk submissions have faster turnaround than express options but costs are higher for express. Also research special services like cross-over grading between companies.
Proper submission is crucial. Grading companies have detailed instructions on their websites. Use the correct submission form, describe the card accurately, and send in the original card in a protective holder. Slabbed re-holdered cards or counterfeit submissions will be rejected. Insuring shipments is highly recommended. Also inquire about membership discounts and bulk submission deals.
Pay close attention to declared values and grading fees. Undervaluing exposes you if the grade increases the card’s worth. Overvaluing costs more in fees. Ask about special membership deals. Check turnaround estimates which can vary seasonally. Opt for express if time is critical. Also factor in resale/consignment fees if that is the goal.
Be prepared for potential grade disappointments versus your expectations. Modern mint cards are easier to consistently grade 10s versus older worn cards. Request a re-holder at additional cost if you disagree with the assigned grade. Reconsider re-submitting to another service for a second opinion. Slab breaks are another option to inspect raw cards yourself.
When the graded cards return, inspect the slabs closely for any flaws or damage in transit before accepting delivery. Hold onto original submission paperwork for records. Photograph valuable cards in case of future disputes. Integrate graded cards back into your collection or consign high-value pieces. Enjoy showing off your certified vintage baseball history! With diligent research and careful handling, third party grading can unlock new value and preservation.
In conclusion, Beckett, PSA and HCG are the top choices for baseball card grading due to their reputation and market impact on collectible values. Consider your goals, the card’s rarity, and company turnaround times when choosing a service. Carefully follow submission instructions to avoid rejections. Pay attention to declared values and grading fees to maximize value. Grading provides authentication that protects against forgeries while preserving condition history. With the right submission practices, third party certification unlocks new opportunities for collectors and investors in the growing vintage sports card market.
