Have you recently found your childhood baseball card collection in the attic or basement? Perhaps you’ve started collecting again and want to get your new cards professionally graded. Getting cards graded is important to preserve their condition and increase value. It can be difficult to know where to get started with the authentication and grading process. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your baseball cards graded near you, including the top grading companies, factors that affect value, submitting to grading services, and finding local shops that can help.
The Major Grading Companies
When it comes to getting baseball cards graded, there are three companies that dominate the market – PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation). All three authenticate cards and assign them a numeric grade between 1-10 based on the condition of the fronts and backs. A “10” is a perfect gem mint card, while anything below a “5” is usually not worth grading. Each company has a different reputation and can affect the resale value slightly.
PSA is generally considered the gold standard, especially for vintage cards. PSA slabs hold the highest premiums at resale. However, PSA also has lengthy turnaround times, sometimes over a year for regular service.
BGS is known for their more detailed inspections and attention to centering and corners. The black labels “pop” more than PSA’s classic white. BGS turnaround is usually a couple months.
SGC is the least expensive option and has quick turnaround times, often just a couple weeks. However, SGC slabs typically fetch a lower premium compared to PSA or BGS on the secondary market.
These three companies also have various membership tiers that provide different submission options, discounts, and perks. It’s important to understand your options based on the cards you have.
Factors That Affect Card Value
When determining if your cards are worth the grading fees, you need to evaluate several condition-related factors:
Centering – How perfectly centered the image is within the borders of the card. Off-center cards are more common for older issues.
Corners – Look for bends, folds, or rounded edges that degrade sharp corners. Corners frequently get damaged over time.
Edges – Inspect for whitening, dings, or problems along the edges of the cardboard.
Surface – Check for scratches, dents, stains, or other flaws on the face of the card that weren’t caused during the printing process.
Focus/Sharpeness – Vintage issues can have slightly blurred images compared to modern cards.
Age – Older cards are worth more but condition is harder to maintain in uncirculated form over many decades.
Understanding these condition factors is key before deciding if a card is grading-worthy versus a common/damaged card. Top grades fetch the biggest price boosts upon resale.
Submitting to Grading Services
Once you’ve selected cards to pursue grading, the next step is submitting them to the grading company. All three major graders provide mailing in options as well as the ability to drop cards off in-person if visiting their headquarters. The submission process usually involves:
Filling out an online or paper application form with details on each card. Estimate grades when submitting.
Safely enclosing cards in approved holders like stiffies or Toploaders to avoid further damage.
Packing securely in a shipping box with insurance for mail-in.
Paying grading fees upfront which typically range $10-20 per standard card depending on service chosen.
Waiting patiently as slabs are inspected, graded, and returned within the stated turnaround window.
Proper submission is important because any flaws introduced during transit can negatively impact assigned grades. Always follow company guidelines closely.
Local Card Shops for Grading Assistance
If you don’t feel comfortable handling the intricacies of the grading process on your own, local card shops can provide valuable assistance near you:
Shop owners are experts who can evaluate cards, recommend graders, and estimate potential grades. Their opinion is worth paying for.
Many shops serve as submitter agents where they bulk submit customer cards to graders for lower per-card rates than individuals could get.
Cards can be hand-delivered to shops instead of shipping which provides peace of mind your investments are securely in trusted hands.
After grading returns, shops can also organize resale of professionally graded cards through consignment or participating in local/regional card shows and auctions.
Finding a reputable baseball card or memorabilia specialty shop in your area is highly recommended for grading guidance. Look up businesses online, ask collector friends, or check reviews. Their services can take the stress out of the process.
Professionally grading valuable baseball cards is important for authentication, preservation, and maximizing resale value down the line. With a little research on the top graders, factors affecting condition, proper submission procedures, and help from your local card shop, you can start increasing the value of your collection. Just make sure any cards submitted for grading are actually worth the cost before moving forward.
