Getting baseball cards professionally graded is an important process for collectors looking to verify the condition and authenticity of valuable trading cards. Third party grading provides an objective assessment that is trusted within the hobby. While there are a few different companies that offer grading services, the two industry leaders are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). This article will explore the grading process in-depth and provide collectors with tips on the best way to submit cards to PSA or BGS for an official certificate and slab.
To start, it’s important to understand the purpose and benefits of third party grading. The main reason collectors use PSA or BGS is to establish a verified grade that can be trusted in the marketplace. An encapsulated card with a grade holds more value than a raw card of the same condition because buyers have confidence in the assessment. Grading also protects cards, which is important for high-end vintage issues that may be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Authenticating cards is another key service, as grading companies can catch counterfeits attempting to enter the market.
In terms of the actual submission process, both PSA and BGS allow collectors to send in cards through the mail. This is the most affordable option, but turnaround times tend to be longer compared to dropping cards off in-person at a trade show or company headquarters. No matter the submission method, there are several important things to keep in mind. First, only send in cards you believe are worthy of earning a high grade from PSA or BGS. Cards in poor condition may not be worth the cost of grading. It’s also crucial to properly package cards to avoid damage in transit.
When using the mail-in service, PSA and BGS each have specific submission forms, shipping instructions, and packaging guidelines that must be followed carefully. Cards should be individually encapsulated in 2-ply penny sleeves and placed upright in a submission box or rigid holder. Toploaders can also work. Bubble wrap or other padding is needed inside the shipping box to prevent shifting during transport. Documentation like the submission form and value declaration must be included. Failure to follow protocols exactly could result in the rejection of your order. For high-end cards, insured shipping is recommended to protect against loss.
In terms of pricing, the cost of grading depends on several factors like turnaround time, number of cards, and value of the order. Economy and standard options are available from both PSA and BGS. Economy takes longer but is more affordable, while standard and express services provide quicker returns at higher prices. Bulk submissions of 50 or more cards usually qualify for special discounted pricing as well. Collectors should also consider upgrade options like sub-grading, auto-authentication, and special labeling. Do your research to find the best service level that fits your budget and needs.
After submitting cards for grading, the next step is receiving them back from PSA or BGS encapsulated and certified. At this point, collectors can enjoy displaying their new slabs or listing high-grade issues in the marketplace. The official certification dramatically increases the value and collectability of cards that earn top grades from the trusted authentication companies. Cards that receive lower grades are still protected in the slab and maintain more value than raw counterparts in similar condition. Professional third party grading is a worthwhile investment for valuable vintage baseball cards. With proper planning and by following submission guidelines closely, collectors can get the most from this authentication and protection process.
In summary, PSA and BGS are the industry standard for baseball card grading due to their reputation, experience, and impact on the collectibles marketplace. For those looking to establish verified grades, protect investment-worthy cards, and potentially uncover hidden value – professional grading is the best approach. Taking time to select worthy issues, carefully package submissions, choose an appropriate service level, and properly receive slabs back are all important steps for achieving the full benefits of third party authentication. With some research and by following the process correctly, any collector can experience how grading adds long-term value and enjoyment to their baseball card collection.
