Getting baseball cards professionally graded is a service offered by several companies to authenticate, assess the condition of, and encapsulate cards. There are a few major companies that offer this service, including PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp), and HGA (Hobby Grade Access). Each uses their own grading scale to assign a numerical value that corresponds to the card’s condition and quality.
The basic process of getting cards graded works like this: First, you will need to obtain shipping supplies like plastic sleeves, toploaders, and boxes from the grading company. You’ll then carefully package your cards for shipment, being sure not to damage or add any fingerprints or marks. The cards should be sent to the grading company via insured mail.
Once received, the cards will enter the grading process. Trained graders will carefully examine each card under bright lighting and high magnification lenses. They are looking for any flaws, defects, centering issues or problems that detract from the card being in pristine condition. Parameters like corners, edges, surface and centering are all considered. The grader may take notes on issues found and compare the card to pristine examples.
After fully inspecting the card, the grader will assign it a numerical grade on their established numerical scale, such as 1-10 for BGS or 1-10 for PSA. A “10” denotes a flawless, pristine example that achieved perfect centering and surface quality. As the number gets lower, more flaws and defects are present that detract from the condition. Things like off-center printing, edge wear, corner dings or creases would lower the assigned grade.
Once graded, the card is then encapsulated in a clear plastic holder branded with the grading company logo. Tabs on the holder will display the assigned grade, as well as any additional designations like “GEM MINT” for a high PSA grade. The holder is heat sealed to protect the card and discourage tampering.
Authentication is another important part of the grading process. By examining characteristics like trademarks, design, copyrights and more under high magnification, graders can determine if a card is genuine or counterfeit. Suspicious cards may instead receive a grade of “Authentic” or “Not Genuine” rather than a numeric condition grade.
Costs for grading are based on several factors like turnaround times, membership levels, bulk submission discounts and more. Economy bulk submissions to companies like SGC can be as low as $10-$15 per card, while express submissions to PSA can range from $20-$100+ depending on service selected. Membership levels and tiered plans can offer lower per-card rates for larger submissions.
Once graded, a card’s resale or collector value is typically much higher when it has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated. The assigned grade provides a standardized way to assess condition that buyers can rely on. Premium, gem mint graded examples can sell for exponentially more than raw, ungraded cards. Even more modestly graded cards still bring higher prices than raw copies in similar condition due to the added legitimacy of the third-party authentication and packaging.
For collectors and investors, using reliable grading services can add value and peace of mind. But care must be taken in the packaging and shipping process, as any damage during transit could significantly hurt the grade – and in turn, the card’s resale price. Opting for faster return timelines and express submission options costs more up front but avoids long wait times that could frustrate buyers and sellers trying to complete trades or auction transactions involving graded cards. Insur ing shipments is also highly recommended.
The major third-party grading companies have cert ified experienced authenticators on staff and maintain robust quality control procedures to issue fair, consistent grades over time. While not perfect, modern grading standards have brought more transparency and standardization to the collectibles marketplace. For high-value vintage cards especially, a professional grade adds credibility that can help justify premium prices – whether the card stays in a personal collection or gets consigned to an auction house for sale.
Getting vintage or modern sports cards professionally graded is a reliable way to authenticate, assess condition, give graded examples a collectibility boost, and add resale value – even if it does necessitate patience and carrying extra shipping/submission costs. Using trusted grading services brings standardization that countless collectors, investors and sellers have come to depend on. With care taken in preparation and shipping, submitting cards can be a worthwhile investment to consider.
