Introduction to SGC Grading Baseball Cards
The Sports Collectibles Guaranty LLC, more commonly known as SGC, is a leading third-party authentication and grading service for collectibles such as sports cards, comic books, and memorabilia. Founded in 2000, SGC has rapidly grown to become one of the top authentication companies in the collectibles industry alongside leaders PSA and BGS. This article will provide an in-depth look at SGC and their services for grading baseball cards, including history, grading process, turnaround times, holder designs, and more.
History and Background of SGC
SGC began authenticating and grading collectibles in 2000 with a focus on vintage cards from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s that were in higher grades. They aimed to be more affordable and provide faster turnaround than the established PSA and BGS services. Over the past two decades, SGC has expanded their services to include modern sports cards from the 90s onward as well as other collectibles. By 2007, they had overtaken BGS to become the third largest grading company behind only PSA.
Today SGC operates out of facilities in Illinois and Florida with over 20 full-time employees dedicated to authentication, grading, customer service, and quality control. They have graded millions of collectibles and remain focused on providing an affordable alternative to the “big two” grading companies. Some key events in SGC’s history include opening international fulfillment centers in 2014, unveiling ultra-modern “SGC Elite” holders in 2016, and releasing new encased “Black Label” holders in 2021.
The SGC Grading Process
Like other authentication companies, SGC has a multi-step process for properly grading collectibles:
Submission – Customers package items and submit order forms/fees to SGC. Shipping/insurance is the customer’s responsibility.
Authentication – SGC authenticators inspect items under high-power loupes to verify authenticity. Replicas/fakes are rejected ungraded.
Grading – Graders examine the item, considering factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface. Using the established 1-10 point scale, a numeric grade is assigned.
Holdering – Authenticated and graded items are then sealed in tamper-proof SGC holders with the assigned grade, ID number, and other info.
Shipping – Once holdered, items are returned to the customer along with a printed grading details sheet within their estimated turnaround timeframe.
This thorough process ensures consistent, impartial grading while detecting counterfeits. Customers can track order status online throughout the entire process.
SGC Baseball Card Grading Scale
Like PSA and BGS, SGC uses the established 1-10 point numerical scale to grade the condition and quality of baseball cards:
1 (Poor): Cards in very rough shape with heavy wear
2-4 (Poor-Good): Significant wear, flaws present
5 (Excellent): Noticeable wear but still solid condition
6 (Near Mint): Light wear, small flaws may be present
7 (Mint): Very minimal wear, edges/corners remain sharp
8 (Gem Mint): No discernible flaws, near pristine
9 (Mint): Pristine, eligible for finest registries
10 (Gem Mint Black Label): Flawless, best of the best cards
Beyond the numerical grade, SGC also assigns descriptive labels to grades like “Ex” for 5.5 and terms like “Gem” for exceptionally high grades. Their population reports provide statistics on how often each grade is assigned as a benchmark for condition rarity.
SGC Holder Designs
One of SGC’s strengths is their aesthetically pleasing yet practical holder designs:
Standard Holders: Black with silver SGC logo for most vintage/modern cards graded 1-8.
“Elite” Holders: Modern clear holder with diagonal SGC banner for higher value 9-10 cards.
“Black Label” Holders: Encapsulated in a clear encased box with gold banner for true virtuosic Gem Mint 10 cards.
“Slab” Holders: Larger protective holders for valuable vintage cards, stamps, autographs, etc.
All SGC holders have tamper-proof sealing, grade designation, issue date/details printed directly on the holder surface for clear viewing without opening. This not only authenticates but displays graded cards beautifully for collection/resale purposes.
Turnaround Times and Service Options
Standard SGC card grading takes approximately 3-6 weeks once received depending on volume. Express/rush services are available for an additional fee with timelines like:
Express – 3 business days post-delivery
10 Day Service – 10 calendar days post-delivery
3 Week Service – 3 calendar weeks post-delivery
Larger bulk/dealer submissions may be subject to different rates and timelines. Customers can also add value-added services like authenticating encased unopened wax packs/boxes from the 80s/90s vintage era.
Reputable resubmission policies allow cards to potentially upgrade in grade with no penalty. Most major card dealers/distributors offer SGC grading submission/consignment programs as well. Overall their turnarounds and various offerings make SGC accessible for collectors of any budget.
The Market Acceptance of SGC Graded Cards
While still not quite on par with the golden standard of PSA for value, SGC graded cards enjoy strong demand and marketplace acceptance thanks to their reputation as a trusted third-party authenticator:
Modern sports cards – Graded SGC rookies/stars of the 90s/2000s achieve 95-98% value compared to PSA.
Vintage cards – High grade vintage SGC slabs command 80-90% value vs. PSA due to limited population reports proving rarity.
Auction houses – Major online auction platforms like eBay and Heritage accept SGC holders on par with PSA/BGS.
Private/dealer sales – Savvy collectors recognize SGC as a respected brand, allowing cards to sell near PSA prices in many cases.
As SGC continues to refine processes and holder designs, their mainstream collector acceptance will only increase over time as a formidable alternative to pricier grading services. Overall grading with SGC provides both authentication assurance and strong resale/trade value.
Conclusion
The Sports Collectibles Guaranty has grown into an elite third-party authenticator and grader over 20 years focused on affordability, customer service, and developing an outstanding reputation with collectors and dealers. Their tried and true grading process paired with attractive holders have certified millions of sports and other collectibles, including some of the most valuable vintage and modern baseball cards. While still often a value option compared to the top two, SGC graded items enjoy near universal acceptance and command top dollar based on their assigned numerical grades. Collectors can feel secure in SGC’s abilities to properly authenticate, appraise condition, and encapsulate their prized cards.
