Getting your baseball card collection appraised is an important step if you are considering selling cards or just want to know the value of what you have. But how does one go about getting cards professionally appraised? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
The first step is to compile all the cards you want appraised together in one place. Go through your collection and pull out any cards you think could potentially have significant value. Organize them neatly in solid fitting card holders or sleeves to protect the cards during transport and the appraisal process. Make sure all cards are facing the same direction and are easy to flip through one by one.
Now you need to research reputable card grading and authenticating companies like PSA, BGS, or SGC that offer appraisal services. Reputable professional companies use industry-standard grading scales to accurately assess condition and factors like centering, corners and edges that all affect a card’s value. You want an expert examination to authenticate that cards are real, not altered or counterfeit in any way which is crucial especially for high value vintage cards.
Most grading companies require you to enroll as a member and set up an account before sending cards to be appraised. Carefully read each company’s appraisal service policies as requirements differ – some have minimum card values, others charge setup or per card fees. PSA, for example, charges $15 per modern card (1988 and later) or $30 per vintage card (pre-1988) for an online digital-only population report.
Once you’ve picked a grading service, you need to properly package your cards very securely for shipment. It’s recommended to send cards registered mail with tracking for maximum protection during transit. Most use rigid card savers and toploaders inside a thick cardboard mailer or rigid case. Make sure to fill out a very detailed submission form listing every card with the best description possible of players, sets and estimated grades if known. Keep thorough records in case any cards get lost or damaged in shipping.
Be prepared for a wait time of 4-6 months on average for turnaround depending on company backlogs especially during peak baseball card seasons. But the appraisal process itself takes about 15-30 days on average once received. Experts will carefully examine each card under bright lighting and high powered loupes taking notes on every observed flaw or positive attribute compared to population report guidelines.
After the grading process is complete, you will receive a full population report listing with pictures online or mailed back with your cards. Included will be condition grades on the scale of each company (ex. PSA 1-10), estimated fair market values at those grades, and census data on how many comparable graded examples exist. This thorough professional examination is crucial for authenticating value and getting accurate price guidance to make informed decisions on your collection.
Armed with professional appraisal population reports in hand, you now have credible documentation to potentially sell cards yourself online through auction sites, collectible marketplaces or directly to dealers and experienced collectors. Make sure to disclose all info upfront and let the graded condition assigned by experts speak to a card’s quality and projected value. Reputable dealers may also make purchase offers sight unseen based on appraised data, which can save you listing/selling fees.
Getting your most prized baseball cards professionally graded and appraised through a respected third party authentication company is truly the only way to confidently establish real value backed by industry standard analysis. The process takes patience but provides invaluable insight and record keeping that exceeds DIY methods alone. With trustworthy condition assessments and comparable market data in hand, you are fully equipped to make educated choices for your treasured card collection.
