The first step in getting baseball cards appraised is to determine the card grading company that will be providing the appraisal. The three main card grading companies that are widely accepted and trusted are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC). Each company has different grading standards and population reports, so choosing which company to use depends on factors like the age and condition of the cards as well as your intended use for the cards after getting them graded.
Once you’ve chosen a grading company, you’ll need to register for a submission either on the company’s website or by contacting their customer service department. As part of the registration process, you will need to provide personal details as the submission owner as well as pay any submission fees, which typically range from $10-$20 per card depending on the turnaround time desired. It’s also recommended that you research the submission guidelines and proper packing instructions for each company to ensure your cards are protected and follow all requirements.
When submitting cards for grading, it’s important to only send in your best candidates that stand the strongest chance of receiving the highest possible grades. Cards in near perfect mint condition have the most value, so avoid submitting any cards with flaws, discoloration, bent corners or edges. Also consider the card’s rarity, year and subject when determining what to submit. Rookie cards, popular Hall of Famers and vintage cards from the sport’s earliest years tend to carry premium value.
In the submission, you’ll want to provide as much identifying info on each card as possible like the player, year, brand/set, card number etc. This helps the graders attribute the right historical context and population statistics which impact the numerical grade. You should also document each card’s condition and note any flaws before shipping them off. This serves as a record in case any discrepancies arise later between your assessment and the official PSA, BGS or SGC grade.
Once received by the grading company, the cards will go through a multi-point inspection process by several trained graders using specialized lighting and magnification tools. They will examine fronts and backs for flaws, centering quality within the standard card dimensions as well as consider things like corners, edges and surface attributes. Numerical grades are typically on a 1-10 scale, with 10 representing a flawless “gem mint” specimen rarely seen in circulation.
Along with the grade, a written description of the card and notes on observed flaws/defects are also included on the holder with the graded card. Population reports show how a given card compares statistically to others of the same brand/set that have been professionally graded. This data combined with demand and scarcity status helps determine a card’s appropriate pricing in the current collectibles marketplace.
Once the grading is complete, you will be notified and can typically track shipment of the now encapsulated and certified graded cards back to you. Payment for grading fees is due up front, but you retain all ownership and can elect to keep the cards, consign them for auction, or list individually for direct sale yourself. PSA, BGS and SGC slabs add significant prestige and valuations versus raw uncertified cards due to their reputation and inclusion in pop reports recognized across the hobby.
For appraisal purposes, it’s common to either consult published price guides and recent auction/sales comps specific to the card’s graded status OR directly inquire with third party authenticators, graders, dealers or auction houses. They can provide informed professional opinions on estimated fair market values based on all relevant condition, scarcity and demand factors. Multiple opinions are best to reach an accurate consensus appraisal. Proper documentation throughout the entire grading and consultative appraisal process helps substantiate value for insurance coverage or potential future transactions.
Choosing a reputable grading service, carefully selecting candidates, meticulous submission prep and fully leveraging population data resources maximizes the chances for the highest potential grades and most accurate appraisals. Professional third party certification adds credibility and pricing transparency benefitting both collectors and buyers/sellers in the trading of these nostalgic sporting memorabilia investments. With comprehensive record keeping and informed specialists, the true value of a rare vintage baseball card collection can rightly be appreciated.
