The first step to getting your baseball cards graded by PSA is to determine which cards you want to submit. Only send in your best conditioned, most valuable cards as PSA charges a fee per card. Carefully examine each card for any flaws, wrinkles, scratches or other damage that could negatively impact the grade. Make sure the card is clean as dirt or grime could also hurt the grade.
Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to purchase shipping supplies from PSA. They offer various submission package options depending on how many cards you plan to submit. Be sure to use the rigid holders and toploaders they provide to prevent damage during transit. You’ll also need to complete a submission form listing details for each card. PSA offers online and PDF versions of this form.
When preparing your cards, gently wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or debris. Avoid getting the edges wet. Then place each card in the rigid PSA holder with the front facing the correct direction. The submission form has diagrams showing how to load each card properly. Seal the holder tightly so the card cannot shift during shipping.
Package your completed submission forms along with payment and your cards in the box PSA provided. Make sure everything is secured well so nothing shifts during transport. You can send your package to PSA either normally through your postal carrier or opt for expedited shipping if wanting a quicker turnaround. Make sure the package is fully insured in case of loss or damage in transit.
Once PSA receives your submission, they will carefully remove each card from its holder and examine it under powerful microscopic lighting against strict grading standards. Factors like centering, corners, edges and surface/eye appeal are all considered. Any flaws can potentially lower the grade. The grading process is done “blind” without knowing specifics to avoid bias.
In 2-6 weeks depending on the service level selected, PSA will have evaluated and assigned numeral grades of 1-10 to each card submitted. They will then securely repackage the cards along with certificates describing the assigned grades. PSA will also notify you by email when your submission is complete and ready for shipment back to you.
Upon receiving the shipment back from PSA, verify that the number of cards and grades match what was submitted and notified. Carefully open each card holder to find the newly encapsulated card with its plastic holder and attached PSA grading certificate. The additional protection of the encapsulation helps preserve the condition certified by PSA.
As a now certified collectible, a PSA graded card can potentially have a much higher resale value than an raw, ungraded card – sometimes as much as 10 times higher depending on the specific card and grade. Certification provides an independent, trusted verification of the condition adding confidence for potential buyers. Many major auction houses now require cards to have been professionally graded.
Before listing any PSA cards for sale, make sure to research recent “sold” prices online and through price guide resources to understand the normal market value range for that card in that numeric grade. This helps determine a fair asking price. Major online marketplaces and showroom conventions are good spots to potentially find collectors interested in your certified cards.
With careful card selection, proper submission preparation and storage of the certified cards upon return, the PSA grading process provides a trusted way to independently verify condition and add potential value to your noteworthy baseball cards. Following their guidelines ensures your cards get evaluated accurately by the most recognized authority in the hobby of sports card grading.
