Getting your baseball cards professionally graded is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. There are advantages and disadvantages to consider, so it is important to understand the grading process and how it can impact the value and preservation of your collection.
One of the main reasons collectors consider grading is to verify the condition and authenticity of valuable cards. A professional grading company will examine the card under high-powered magnification and assign it a grade on the industry-standard 1-10 scale. This gives buyers confidence in exactly what kind of shape the card is in without having to inspect it themselves. Receiving a high grade from a reputable service like PSA or BGS can significantly boost a card’s worth, especially for rare and iconic cards that are in pristine condition.
The grading process itself comes at a cost. Major companies charge fees of $10-20 per card on average, with express or bulk order options that may lower that amount slightly. For a collector with dozens or hundreds of cards, those fees can add up quite quickly. There is also the risk that a card you believe is in mint condition could come back with a grade of 8 or lower. This means the card’s value may not increase as much as anticipated to justify the cost of submitting it.
Another factor to weigh is how a graded card’s value changes over time compared to raw, ungraded cards. High-end vintage cards have historically held their value well or increased if they receive top Gem Mint 10 grades from services like PSA. But for modern cards, there is no guarantee a PSA 10 will command a premium over a raw near-mint copy in 5-10 years as the bubble could burst on certain players or sets. The market is always shifting, so grading is not a sure-fire path to future profits.
Protecting the condition of valuable cards long-term is a key selling point for grading advocates. Snap-fits holders and stamped certification help deter tampering and authenticate the card years later. Raw cards are at much higher risk of damage from handling, moisture, heat exposure, and accidental alterations. But acrylic cases can also potentially damage cards over decades if they develop cracks or lose a perfect seal around the edges. Outer boxes, binders, and custom storage methods offer graded-level protection without grading fees.
For collectors grading only their true prize possessions, like rare vintage rookies, the cost is often worth the verification and preservation benefits. But for teams sets, modern parallels, and cards in average overall condition, raw storage in custom binders and fitting sleeves may suffice. As a general guideline, most experts say to only submit cards valued at $100 or more raw to grading unless authenticity or condition assurance is paramount. Below that, the fees are often not worthwhile for the average collector.
The exploding popularity of graded cards on the secondary market has also led to a new issue – the potential of “regraded” cards. Unscrupulous dealers may submit the same card to multiple grading services, hoping for a single high grade that can then be marketed as though it came directly from the grading company. Legitimate collectors often prefer cards that still have originalSubmission Authentication stickers intact to prevent regraded deception. Grading services are aware of the issue and implement anti-tamperingfeatures, but buyers still need to do diligence.
Card grading makes the most sense when the potential upgrade in value clearly outweighs fees for high-dollar cards, prized rookies, or collectibles being sold long-term. But for team sets, modern parallels, and average quality vintage, raw storage remains a prudent alternative. Collectors should carefully weigh the pros and cons based on their individual needs around condition verification, value increases, and preservation before deciding to submit prized pieces to the grading process. An educated approach is required to maximize returns in this evolving marketplace segment.
