Sportscard Guarantee Company (SGC) History and Authentication Services
Founded in 2000, Sportscard Guarantee Company (SGC) emerged as a competitor to PSA/DNA in the sports card authentication and grading industry. Looking to shake up what was then a dual-monopoly market dominated by PSA and Beckett Grading, SGC set out to provide collectors with an independent third-party service focused on authentication, quality control, and customer service.
Over two decades later, SGC has grown into a leading authentication company and established itself as a respected name in the hobby, especially known for its expertise in vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s. In this in-depth guide, we’ll examine SGC’s history and growth, authentication and grading services, encapsulation methods, holder designs, turnaround times, special label variants, and more.
Early Years and Building Credibility (2000-2005)
In its early years, SGC took important steps to build credibility with collectors. The company launched with respected hobby leaders Danny “DWood” Wodara and Steve Grad on board along with co-founders Denny Baker and Larry Drake. A key differentiation was a new quality control process called “SGC Authentication” where cards underwent thorough visual inspection for signs of doctoring under high magnification before ever being considered for a numerical grade.
Another major advantage was competitive turnaround times, often completing orders within 2 weeks versus PSA’s routinely 6 month backlogs. Addressed labels were also a notable improvement over legacy black label holders. SGC had arrived on the scene aiming to compete through superior customer service and more transparent authentication practices. Early on, sports memorabilia also joined cards as acceptable submission items.
Rising Popularity and Market Share Gains (2005-2010)
In the mid-2000s, the sports card market entered a renaissance period powered by MTV-like YouTube breakers, message boards, and social media. SGC capitalized on this renewed interest, steadily gaining traction and market share as PSA and BGS struggled with throughput issues. Strong vintage card authentication and turnaround times continued to be strengths for SGC. Prominent grading contests, new regional offices, and website upgrades further boosted growth.
The company streamlined operations with more efficient submission processes, introduced new label colors/designs, and debuted modernization efforts like slab cutouts. SGC also expanded authentication services to comics, coins, and currency around this time. By 2010, SGC held about 25% of the authentication and grading market – cementing its status as a “Big 3” leader alongside long-established rivals PSA and BGS.
Rebranding and New Ownership (2010-2015)
Looking to update its look and positioning, SGC rolled out a slick new brand identity in 2010 complete with a redesigned logo, color scheme, and stylized fonts. A fresh website launched to support streamlined online submission portals. Additional physical upgrades were made to facilities and equipment as technology advanced.
Underneath the changes, SGC continued refining its stellar reputation in vintage cards while expanding authentication of modern collectibles released after 1980. A major milestone occurred in 2011 when Affinion Group, a global leader in loyalty and engagement services, assumed ownership of SGC to accelerate its growing authentication division. Resources from the new parent company helped take SGC’s operations and services to an even higher level.
Modern Era Innovation and Growth (2015-Present)
Entering its third decade, SGC remains focused on improving the collector experience through constant innovation. Notable recent developments include the launch of SGCpregraded auctions for raw vintage singles, new encapsulation techniques like diamond cut holders, and special labels recognizing star rookies or collection milestones.
Customer engagement has been markedly increased via social media communities and expanded presence at major card shows. Additional authentication capabilities were rolled out for autographs and memorabilia. To reduce turnaround times even further, SGC opened state-of-the-art facilities incorporating advanced automation technologies. Quality control procedures have also been refined and standardized across different sites.
In the digital era, SGC has enhanced its digital presence on platforms like YouTube and expanded crossover appeal to non-sports collectors through authentication of comics, gaming, and entertainment items alongside traditional sports cards. Existing overseas operations in Europe and Asia were supplemented by new satellite offices in key international markets like Australia.
Today, SGC remains focused on constant self-improvement while delivering unparalleled levels of trust, value, and expertise to the collector community. With more than two million cards authenticated since 2000, SGC is primed to lead the authentication industry into the future on the foundation of its sterling reputation earned over two transformational decades in the hobby.
