There are several third-party grading companies that can professionally grade and authenticate baseball cards. The two largest and most trusted companies are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). No matter which company you choose, the basic submission process is similar.
The first step is to register for a submission account on the grading company’s website if you do not already have one. You will need to provide your contact details and preferred shipping address. Most companies require a minimum submission value, usually $100-200 worth of cards, to justify the submission fees.
Once registered, you can login to your account and start adding your cards to the submission order. Carefully inspect each card under bright lighting to check for any defects prior to submitting.Take clear photos of the front and back of each card and upload them during the order process. This allows the graders to inspect the cards remotely before receiving the physical submission.
You will then need to choose a turnaround service level and pay the appropriate grading fees. Standard submissions are usually $10-15 per card but can be much higher for express or concierge services with faster return times. The submission process may also require shipping insurance on the value declared.
Properly package each card in a top loader or sleeve to protect it during transit. If submitting dozens of cards, it’s a good idea to further organize them in a card sheet, team bag, or submission box to keep everything together. Be sure none of the packaging materials can damage the cards.
Print and include a submission form listing all the cards being graded along with your account details. Also pack any other required forms, photos, and payment for shipping and fees. Seal the package securely for mailing.
The grading company will log the receipt of your submission and cards into their system. Highly trained graders will then carefully evaluate each card under magnification on several attributes including centering, corners, edges and surface. They will assign a numerical grade on the widely recognized 1-10 point scale.
After grading is complete, which can take 4-12 weeks depending on the service level, the slabs containing the encapsulated cards will be returned to you. Tracking information is provided throughout the process. You can then enjoy your newly graded baseball cards, with authentication and assigned grade adding provenance and potentially increased value.
Submission is an important process to have vintage or valuable baseball cards protected, authenticated and professionally graded. Following the submission company’s guidelines closely will help ensure a smooth experience from start to getting your historical pieces of sports history back in your collection. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
