Getting valuable baseball cards professionally graded and certified helps validate their authenticity and condition, which can significantly increase their value. There are several third party authentication and grading companies that provide this service, with the two largest and most well-known being Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Here is an in-depth look at the certification process through PSA:
The first step is to select the cards you want to submit and decide on the appropriate grading service tier based on turnaround times and cost. PSA offers several tiers from economy to ultra-modern to expedited services. They recommend selecting cards in mid-range conditions (2.5-8.5 on their 1-10 grading scale) to yield the best returns. Very low grade cards may not be worth the cost and high grade gems are best sent to PSA’s most advanced graders.
Once you determine the cards and tier, you’ll need to properly package the cards for shipping. It’s important they are well protected to avoid damage in transit. PSA provides packing instructions on their website along with shipping labels. Cards should be placed in rigid cardboard holders, then surrounded by bubble wrap or padding before sealing in a box. Always insure the package in case of loss or damage during shipping.
Upon receipt at the PSA headquarters in Santa Ana, California, the submission undergoes an initial review where customer information is checked against the submitted items. Any issues like missing paperwork or improper packaging result in the submission being returned. If all is order, cards then enter the multi-step certification process.
First, PSA authenticators thoroughly examine each card under high powered magnification to confirm it is a genuine original production issue and not a forgery or counterfeit. Variable printing techniques, cardboard stock, centering, and other identifiable markers are compared to examples in their extensive reference archives. Any cards deemed inauthentic are marked and pulled from the process.
Next is the grading portion where the condition and overall physical state is given a numerical grade. PSA uses a detailed condition scale of 1-10 based on factors like centering, corners, edges and surface. Even small defects can potentially lower the grade. experienced graders evaluate cards under controlled lighting using specialized tools. A consensus between at least two graders is needed before a grade is assigned.
Once authenticated and assigned a condition grade, the now certified card is then sealed in a tamper proof plastic holder which also displays the grade. Modern items use PSA’s frosted holders while vintage receives clear plastic cases. A unique alphanumeric PSA authentication sticker is applied before final packaging and tracking information is associated with the digital record in their data systems.
After the process, certified cards are returned to customers along with a certification letter and POP (Point of Purchase/Proof of Purchase) backup in case the holder ever needs to be cracked open for resubmission or resale. turnaround times can range from a couple weeks to a few months depending on the chosen service tier. Customer service is available to track order status and address any issues.
Certification through PSA greatly enhances the appeal and value of collectible baseball cards to buyers, especially for pricier rare and higher graded items. The authentication, condition grading, and tamper proof display help validate authenticity and reassure purchasers they are investing in a quality asset. While costs range from less than $10 per card up to over $100 for special services, certification is almost always financially worthwhile for sports cards likely to appreciate significantly over time as investments.
Getting baseball cards professionally certified through a respected company like PSA establishes trust and value in the collectibles marketplace. Their rigorous multi-step process authenticates cards and provides crucial condition data preferred by serious investors and collectors worldwide. The added certification enhances long term appreciation potential and makes reselling certified items much simpler down the road.
