Grading baseball cards is a popular way for collectors to professionally authenticate and encapsulate their most valuable cards. The cost to grade cards can vary significantly depending on several factors. In this article, we will explore the different grading services available, their pricing structures, turnaround times, and other considerations when determining the total cost to grade your baseball card collection.
The two largest and most well-known third-party grading companies for sports cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both companies charge submission fees on a per-card basis to have cards professionally graded. For standard submissions, PSA charges $10-$15 per card depending on volume, while BGS charges $15-$20 per card. Expedited and bulk submission options are also available from both companies for higher per-card prices.
In addition to the per-card grading fee, collectors need to factor in the cost of shipping cards to and from the grading company, as well as any return shipping costs. Most grading services require cards to be shipped in special protective holders and boxes, which can add $5-$10 or more to shipping costs depending on the number of cards submitted. Collectors also have the option to purchase insurance for their submissions, though this is not always necessary.
Once the cards are graded and returned, collectors may choose to display graded cards in acrylic holders or plastic slabs. PSA and BGS both include the cost of an acrylic slab with the standard grading fee. Higher-end slab options are available for an additional cost. Collectors can also opt for special label customization, auto-authentication verification, or other specialty services which carry premium pricing.
Turnaround times are another major factor in the total cost equation. Most grading companies offer multiple tiers of service times ranging from economy to express options. Economy submissions usually take 2-6 months to grade and return, while express services can return cards in as little as a few weeks. Naturally, the faster the turnaround, the higher the per-card price. During peak collecting seasons, wait times may also extend beyond the estimated timeframes.
Lesser known grading companies like SGC, CGC, and HGA often charge lower per-card fees than PSA or BGS, usually in the $5-$10 range. These services are generally not as desirable to collectors in terms of population report sizes, resale value, and brand recognition compared to the big two companies. Some collectors may still opt for a cheaper alternative to get bulk cards graded as long as authenticity and protection is provided.
The costs can add up quickly when grading entire baseball card collections. As an example, submitting a group of 50 vintage cards to PSA for a 4-month turnaround at $10 per card would cost around $600 after shipping and supplies. Sending in 100 modern rookie cards to BGS express service at $20 each may run close to $2,000 total. For high-end rare cards, collectors are willing to pay premium prices for top-tier authentication and turnaround. A single rare Mickey Mantle rookie card sent to PSA for same-day grading could cost well over $100 on its own.
The total cost to grade baseball cards varies greatly depending on the number of cards, desired turnaround timeframes, and choice of grading company. Collectors need to consider all these factors as well as potential return on investment when deciding how many cards to submit from their collections. Proper research into services, pricing structures, and population report data can help collectors maximize value and minimize costs over the long run. With careful planning, the benefits of third-party grading often outweigh the upfront expenses for valuable sports card investments.
