Getting vintage baseball cards professionally graded is a big decision that requires careful consideration. On one hand, grading can significantly increase the value of high quality vintage cards by providing a verified assessment of condition. The grading process itself poses risks like damage and costs money in fees. Let’s take a deeper look at the pros and cons of grading to help you determine if it makes sense for your collection.
One major benefit of having cards professionally graded is that it establishes an impartial validation of the card’s condition. Grading services like PSA, BGS, SGC analyze cards under stringent guidelines and assign them numeric condition grades on a consistent scale from 1 to 10. This provides transparency that wasn’t previously possible with raw cards. Buyers look to the grade as an objective measure of quality, so cards that grade highly are proportionally more valuable in the marketplace.
For the most desirable vintage cards in pristine condition, grading can yield huge returns. A Mickey Mantle rookie that grades a PSA 10 could sell for hundreds of thousands compared to just a few thousand for the same card raw. Even common cards can see significant boosts, like a 1960 Topps Roberto Clemente that might sell for $50 ungraded fetching $200+ in PSA 8-9 condition. The grading essentially acts as third party insurance that the card is exactly as presented without surprises, giving buyers confidence to pay top dollar.
Not only does a high grade increase demand, but it also attracts more serious collectors and dealers. Cards that crack the elite PSA 10 or BGS Black Label category enter a completely different stratosphere, transacting only between the deepest of hobby pockets. For a true condition sensitive vintage gem in your collection, the exponential value increase from a perfect grade could far outweigh the costs of submitting.
Another major plus is that by encapsulating cards in tamper-proof plastic holders, third party grading provides protection that raw cards lack. Card savers and one-touches leave cards susceptible to damage from fingerprints, accidental creases or waves from being shuffled in boxes. Once certified, graded cards are safely sealed and the case itself acts as a permanent record of the card’s original condition. This preservation of condition is important not just for value, but for collectors who want lifelong enjoyment from their vintage cards.
There are also real potential downsides to consider before submitting cards for grading. First and foremost is the risk that the grading service damages or loses the card in the authentication process. Mistakes do happen, like minor edge nicks or creases inadvertently added during the handling required for close examination. Some unlucky collectors have even had cards completely destroyed by grading mishaps. While reputable services have insurance policies, no amount of compensation makes up for losing an irreplaceable piece of history.
Another cost is simply the fees charged, which have risen substantially in recent years due to increased demand. Getting a single card graded by PSA, BGS or SGC usually starts around $20-30 per card for regular tier service, and climbs from there depending on how fast you want the turnaround. Add in the shipping costs both ways and it’s not unusual for the authentication of one card to cost $50 or more before even considering any potential value increase. For larger bulk submissions, the total bill can easily run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars – a major investment simply to validate condition.
The lengthy waiting periods involved to have cards graded also detract for many collectors. Standard service levels routinely take 3-6 months or longer these days due to crushing backlogs industry-wide. Some feel the long delays diminish the joy of collecting in the short-term. And there is always a risk that economic or hobby conditions could change unfavorably by the time cards are eventually returned, decreasing their worth.
Not every card necessarily demands grading approval to retain or maximize value. Common issues of iconic stars like Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth may remain profitable raw pieces even with minor flaws, as nostalgia trumps surface imperfections for many collectors and fans. And esoteric vintage cards with dubious origins could actually receive lower “authenticity” grades that diminish resale demand compared to being left raw and untouched. In these cases, the grading costs may outweigh any incremental sale price increase from a numerical condition assessment.
Before submitting your cards for authentication there are several key factors to weigh carefully: the specific cards involved, their projected grade, current market conditions, and your own personal collection and investment goals. Take time to do thorough research on comps of similar graded cards to realistically forecast potential returns. It’s generally accepted that only the highest quality gems benefit most from professional validation, while lesser condition or more common cards are best left raw. With care and selectivity, third party grading has the power to significantly appreciate your prized pieces of baseball history. But it’s not right for each and every card – so choose submissions wisely after fully understanding the pros and cons.
