Getting baseball cards authenticated is an important process for collectors who want to verify the authenticity and quality of their valuable baseball cards. Third-party authentication and grading services provide objective expert opinions to assess important details that establish a card’s authenticity, condition and value.
While some cards that are not in pristine condition can still have considerable value depending on rarity and player, authentication and grading is particularly important for high-value vintage cards or modern hits that could fetch thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Authentication helps ensure collectors are purchasing real cards worth their listed value rather than fraudulent reprints or doctored versions.
The main third-party authentication and grading services for baseball cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC). Each service has detailed submission and grading guidelines on their websites. The basic process is similar across the major companies:
Collectors choose which cards they want to submit for grading either by mailing them in or bringing them to authentication company events. Most services have submission tiers based on turnaround times and costs.
Authentication experts thoroughly inspect each card under high-powered magnification and sophisticated imaging technology to authenticate design elements, production methods, card stock compositions and more. Any anomalies could cause a card to be deemed unauthenticated.
Graders then assess various condition factors like centering, corners, edges and surface quality on a fixed scale (e.g. PSA’s 1-10 scale). Higher grades signify tighter centering, sharper corners and edges with no harm, and bright surfaces free of handling marks or other imperfections.
Encased holders then individually encapsulate authenticated and assigned-grade cards with a label detailing the grade, company, and security features to prevent tampering. Slabbed cards are easier and safer to store, display and authenticate at resale without removing from the holder.
Online registry databases and certificates of authenticity are included to allow collectors, dealers and auction houses easily verify details. Holograms, special labeling and other security features deter counterfeiting.
Return shipping is arranged and collectors receive their newly slabbed and authenticated baseball card submissions with official grades. The process usually takes a few weeks to months depending on turnaround tier selected at submission.
When considering which service to use for an authentication submission, collectors should research many factors like each company’s reputation, pop reports, seller preference, and special services offered. PSA tends to be the most stringent with the largest population reports and biggest name recognition long-term, while BGS and SGC can sometimes offer competitive pricing and turnaround times.
For submissions of vintage cards that could grade high and fetch tens of thousands, using the authentication tier with the most rigorous examiners and strongest label protection is recommended. Also important is understanding each grading service’s population reports since rarer or higher grade versions of certain cards can have significantly higher values.
Even mid-grade copies of extremely rare cards from the early 20th century could be worth thousands authenticated and slabbed compared to raw/uncertified, so the costs are often worth it. Modern hits like rookie stars in pristine condition could reach five or even six figure prices long-term, increasing the returns on upfront certification investment.
Accuracy, trust and grade consistency over time are major factors for grading services as authentication experts and standards can change. Sometimes resubmitting older slabbed cards decades later has resulted in different grades as examination tools and population reports improved. While disappointing for decreased values, periodic re-grading can also uncover significant upgrades for fortunate collectors.
Large private or group card submission deals directly with major authenticators at collector shows or through broker services is another option for those with dozens or hundreds of cards. Economy bulk submission tiers help spread costs and maintain grading consistency for whole high-end collections together rather than piecemeal.
Certification is recommended not just for high-dollar items, but any personally meaningful cards collectors want officially preserved. Even common mid-grade examples maintain more secure verifiable value slabbed with authentication rather than raw, and can enable insured reselling or donations with confidence in proven authenticity and condition.
Using trusted third-party experts is the definitive way for baseball card collectors to verify authenticity, condition grades and long-term value protection – essential steps for high-stakes vintage rarities or star rookies that could appreciate vastly or be targeted for forgery over decades. Proper authentication upfront saves hassles and heartbreak further down the line.
