The decision of whether to grade baseball cards depends on several factors and considerations. Let’s examine the pros and cons in depth:
One potential benefit of getting cards graded is that it can increase their value. Receiving a high grade from a reputable service like PSA or BGS validates the condition and quality of the card. This gives buyers more confidence in the card’s condition when purchasing. A 10 grade gem mint PSA card, for example, could be worth significantly more than the same card raw and ungraded, assuming the grade holds up if ever resubmitted for re-grading. Increased value depends on the specific card and market demand – rare and valuable cards see more benefit than common cards.
Grading can also make cards easier to sell by providing a standard and trusted measure of condition. Especially with raw cards, condition often comes down to the seller’s subjective description, leaving doubts in buyers’ minds. A grade removes that ambiguity and allows for apples-to-apples comparison of graded cards on the secondary market. This standardization makes condition clearer up front and can help move cards more quickly. Buyers simply need to decide if the graded price is worth it based on the assigned grade.
Another consideration is preservation and authentication. The protective cases and slabs that cards come back in after grading help maintain their condition over time. This can be beneficial for cards intended to be held long-term and passed down. The slab also acts as a guarantee that the card has not been tampered with or altered, giving buyers peace of mind. Counterfeiting is a real issue in collectibles, so having a graded card adds an extra layer of authentic verification.
On the other hand, grading is not without significant costs that must be weighed against potential benefits. Submitting cards takes time and shipping fees, but the actual grading costs are often the most substantial expense – usually a minimum of $10-20 per card depending on the service and turnaround time selected. This can add up quickly depending on how many cards are submitted.
Another factor is the risk of grade deductions. While reputable services generally try to assign accurate grades, it is somewhat subjective and there is potential for human error in the process. Anticipated strong grades are not guaranteed, and even minor ding reductions could wipe out any increased market value from grading. If the grade ends up too low, it may be better to have kept the card raw so its true condition was left open to the buyer’s individual assessment.
Not all cards benefit from grading to the same degree. Low-value common cards do not see proportionate increases in price to justify grading costs unless submitted in bulk. Valuable vintage cards, on the other hand, can significantly boost in price based on top grades. Submitters need to evaluate costs versus anticipated graded value increases on a case-by-case basis.
Grading also means giving up possession of cards for weeks or months, during which time prices could rise or fall in the overall market. Raw cards kept in-hand provide more flexibility if an unexpected offer comes in the interim. Once submitted, graded cards are placed in protective cases that require being cracked open to resell raw, possibly altering future condition assessments.
Whether grading baseball cards is worthwhile depends on balancing grading costs versus potential increased value, preservation benefits, and authentication needs according to the specific card or collection involved. High-end vintage cards, rare rookies, and cards intended as long-term investments often see the largest rewards from professional evaluation. But for common modern cards, the costs rarely outweigh benefits unless submitted in bulk deals. An analysis of individual needs, collection priorities, and expected returns is required to determine if grading makes financial sense.
