Getting baseball cards professionally graded involves sending your cards to one of the major third-party grading companies, like PSA, BGS, or SGC. These companies will carefully examine each card, assign it a grade based on its condition compared to mint examples, slab the card to protect it long-term, and authenticate it.

The first step is to carefully examine each card you want to grade and determine its approximate condition. Major flaws like bent corners, creases, scratches or damage will significantly lower a grade. Ideally, you want cards in as pristine condition as possible to achieve the highest potential grade. Most sought-after vintage cards in gem mint condition can be worth 10X or more than a lower graded version.

Next, you’ll need to purchase grading submission packages from the company you choose. They offer different tiers based on turnaround time and level of service. Standard bulk submissions are the most affordable option but can take months to be returned. Express services cost more but get cards back much quicker. You’ll need to read submission guidelines exactly as companies have strict rules on preparation.

The cards must then be packaged very carefully in protective holders like penny sleeves and toploaders. They cannot have any scratches or fingerprints which could affect the grade. Arrange cards neatly inside the shipping container with your submitted order form detailing each card. Seal and label the package clearly before sending it insured to the grading company.

Once received, thecards go through a multi-step process. Highly trained graders first examine each under bright lighting against standard reference samples to analyze for flaws visible to the naked eye under 10x magnification. They are then authenticated and the grade determined based on established numerical criteria factors like centering, corners, edges and surface.

Grades run from 1-10, with anything 6.5 and above considered “gem mint” condition suitable for long-term preservation and appreciation in value. Lower grades still preserve condition but suggest flaws. After grading, each card is then sealed inside a tamper-proof plastic slab with the grade clearly labeled for authentication and protection going forward.

Grading reports with pass-through authentication numbers are generated for each card and packaged with the now slabbed cards for return shipment. You’ll be notified once complete and can track packages online. Having cards authenticated and graded in this manner provides a standard of assessment future buyers can rely on should you ever want to resell. Professionally certified high grades command top dollar from serious collectors.

While there is a cost to the grading process, it makes sense for valuable vintage cards you want to preserve long-term or iconic modern rookies and stars likely to appreciate significantly with third-party certification of their condition over time. Just be sure to carefully research the major grading companies to determine which best aligns with your needs for trusted authentication and preservation of your baseball card collection’s condition and value.