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HOW DO I GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major companies that professionally grade baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), and HGA (Hollywood Card Co.). They assign cards numerical grades based on factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface to indicate the card’s condition and preservation.

To submit cards for grading, you will need to register an account with the grading company’s website. Most allow you to submit cards online and get a shipping label to send them in. It’s important to follow all of their submission guidelines which include how many cards can be sent at once, how they need to be packaged securely, and required paperwork.

Once received, the grading company will first authenticate that the card is real. They may use technologies like ultraviolet light, microscope examination and watermarks to verify authenticity. Then, trained graders will thoroughly inspect the card under bright lighting against fixed standards to determine the grade.

The entire grading process from submission to receipt of the graded card can take several months depending on the company and their current workload. Companies offer different service levels with faster turnaround times but higher costs. The basic bulk service is usually the cheapest option but may have a months-long wait.

After careful examination, numerical grades are assigned on a scale such as 1-10 for PSA/BGS or 1-70 for SGC (higher is better). Factors considered include centering (how perfectly centered the image is within the border), corners (are they sharp or rounded/blemished), edges (are they clean and crisp or worn/damaged) and surface (is it smooth and mark/print free or scratched/dented).

Semi-rigid plastic slabs with the assigned grade, company label and other identifiers will then encapsulate and protect the graded card. The entire process is intended to authenticate, preserve and standardized the condition assessment of the collectible. This allows buyers and sellers to easily compare graded cards apples-to-apples.

Once graded cards are returned, you can consider various options. You may keep them for your personal collection display. Or you can consign or directly list them for sale on the grading company’s marketplace, eBay, or third party seller sites. Having the professionally assigned grade helps establish the fair market value.

Some key tips when submitting cards – only select your absolute best examples as grading is an added cost. Choose iconic cards that will hold long-term value or ones you PC (personal collection). Make sure to insure shipments fully in case of damage or loss in transit. And understand grading is not a guarantee – while grades aim to be objective, there is still human element so reasonable resubmissions can be done.

Getting baseball cards professionally graded is an important process for serious collectors and investors looking to authenticate, preserve condition and establish value. Though it requires patience and costs are involved, the certified grade assigned by the major companies provides a standardized and respected assessment of your collectibles that is recognized globally within the hobby. With care at each step, it allows you to confidently show off your best cards or potentially profit from future resale.

WHERE CAN I GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED LOCALLY

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There are a few different options for getting your baseball cards graded locally depending on where you live. The top two most accessible grading services with local submission centers are PSA and BGS/SGC.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is considered the gold standard in the card grading industry and commands the highest prices for highly graded cards. They have numerous authorized local dealers that can accept submissions on your behalf to send to PSA’s headquarters. To find an authorized PSA dealer near you, go to PSAcard.com and enter your zip code into their dealer locator tool. The dealer will have submission forms and guidelines on their various service levels from economy to express. You can work directly with the local dealer to prepare your cards for submission, which generally involves enclosing each card in a plastic holder with the submission form. The dealer then batches submissions from various customers and sends them off to PSA periodically. Turnaround times vary but economy bulk submissions usually take 4-6 months to be graded and returned to the dealer, where you can pick up your cards. Express services are much faster but more expensive.

Another more localized option is BGS/SGC, which stands for Beckett Grading Services and Sportscard Guarantee Company. BGS specializes more in vintage cards while SGC handles modern issues. They have authorized submission centers across the U.S. where you can take your cards directly for same-day grading review and turnaround. To locate a BGS/SGC submission center, go to Gradingcard.com and search their center map and listings. You would bring your cards enclosed in sealable holders along with completed submission forms to a center during business hours. A grader would then review each card, assign a numeric grade on the BGS 1-10 or SGC 1-4 scale, and usually have the cards labeled and returned to you within 48-72 hours. Same-day service is available at most centers for an additional fee.

Some other potential local options include sending cards to a large local hobby shop that may periodically batch submit to PSA or going to larger card shows and conventions that sometimes have on-site express PSA/BGS/SGC grading offered. You could also check Facebook marketplace or meetup groups in your area to find any local collectors or hobbyists that may periodically make group submissions and allow you to piggyback your cards onto the batch.

The two most easily accessible and established companies for local baseball card grading are PSA through an authorized dealer or BGS/SGC directly at one of their submission centers. Checking their websites dealer/center locators is the best way to find options near you for getting cards graded through authorized and trusted grading authentication services. With some research, you should be able to find a convenient solution to professionally grade any cards in your collection within your local area. Let me know if any part of the process needs further explanation after reviewing the detailed overview provided.

HOW DO BASEBALL CARDS GET GRADED

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There are a few major companies that professionally grade baseball cards to determine their condition and quality. The two largest and most well-known graders are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). To get a card graded, collectors first submit their card to one of these companies along with a fee, usually around $10-20 per card depending on turnaround time.

When the graders receive the submission, the first step is for a trained card grader to carefully inspect the card under bright lighting to analyze its condition. They will examine every aspect of the card including the centering, corners, edges and surface for any flaws, defects, or wear and tear. Centering refers to how perfectly centered the image on the front of the card is within the borders. Corners are checked for any bends, chips or rounded edges. Edges are looked at for any nicks, dings or flaws along the perimeter. And the surface is analyzed for any scratches, marks, stains or other imperfections on the face of the card that could detract from its appearance.

The grader assigns a numerical grade to each of these factors to determine the card’s overall condition. For centering, a 10 represents perfect centering while lower numbers indicate being off-center. Corners are ranked on a 1-10 scale based on their shape and presence of flaws. Edges are also graded 1-10. And the surface receives a 1-GEM (Gem Mint) grade where 1 has serious flaws and GEM represents near pristine quality with no discernible defects. Each factor is averaged together to arrive at a final numeric grade on the Scale of 1-10.

In addition to the numeric grade, BGS also provides descriptive Population Report (POP) labels to further classify a card’s condition. These include labels like “Mint”, “Gem Mint”, “Black Label” and more based on how an example compares to others within its grade range. PSA uses descriptive terms like “Poor”, “Good”, “Near Mint” and “Mint” to complement the numeric grade. Once graded, the card is then stamped, labeled and inserted into a protective plastic holder along with the assigned grade.

There are additional specialty services graders offer as well. BGS uses their exclusive “DNA” fingerprint technology to verify autographs and memorabilia are authentic. Both companies will authenticate and encase autographed cards. And high-end submissions can be sent for further enhancements like getting the back sealed to preserve a valuable autograph. A card’s grade greatly impacts its value, with higher grades naturally demanding a premium price in the collecting marketplace. Having cards professionally graded provides a consistent and reliable assessment of condition that both buyers and sellers trust. It transforms a common sports card into a cherished, certified collectible for years to enjoy.

Professional third party grading transforms raw baseball cards into certified, investment-worthy collectibles by carefully inspecting them under exacting standards to determine their condition and quality through detailed analysis of centering, corners, edges and surface attributes. The assigned numerical grade and designation summarizes a card’s preserved state for collectors and helps establish fair market value. It has become the expected method for authenticating high-end cards and maintaining confidence in the high-stakes world of baseball memorabilia investing.

HOW TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED FOR FREE

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While most grading companies charge a fee to professionally grade trading cards, there are some options available to get cards graded for free or at a significantly reduced cost. It’s important to note that free grading options may have some limitations or tradeoffs compared to paid services from the major third-party graders.

One option is to submit cards for free grading through membership discount programs run by the larger graders like PSA and BGS. Both companies offer membership levels that provide card submission credits or discounts on card submissions as a benefit. For example, PSA offers a “Hobby” membership for $25 per year that provides $10 in submission credits each year to use towards cards. BGS has a “Basic” membership for $40 annually that includes one free submission of up to 10 cards per year. So these memberships pay for themselves if submitting multiple cards and can make single submissions effectively free. Membership fees are still required upfront and submissions are subject to the normal turnaround times of the larger companies.

Free grading may also be offered periodically through group submission promotions. Companies like PWCC, DaCardWorld and others that facilitate group submissions will occasionally run promotions where the submission fee is waived if a certain number of collectors participate. These come along infrequently though and still require you to coordinate getting your cards into the submission when it occurs.

Grading forums like Sports Card Forum and Blowout Cards Forum allow users to post pictures of their cards and get free verbal grade estimates from other experienced collectors. While not an official numerical grade, it can provide a consensus on the card’s relative condition and value. Just be aware verbal estimates may differ some from an actual professional grade.

Finding a local card shop that offers in-house grading is another option. Many independent stores provide this service using Canadian grading company SGC which has more affordable pricing than the “Big 3” graders. Turnaround times tend to be faster through local shops too since they submit in batches. However, SGC arguably has less brand recognition and appeal to serious collectors compared to PSA, BGS or CGC.

Professional membership websites maintain internal member forums where experienced graders provide free verbal estimates too. Both Blowout Cards and Sportscardforum verify members’ grading experience, so estimates may carry more credibility. But again, it’s just an estimate without the official numbered certification.

Occasionally at large card shows, some grading companies will set up booths and do same-day turnaround free verbal estimates. This allows you to get real-time feedback from graders versus sending cards away. But it’s also dependent on finding shows the graders are attending.

There are also various online forums and Facebook groups dedicated just to trading baseball cards where you can occasionally find collectors offering free grading estimates in exchange for the trading card once graded. The overall condition assessment is still valuable feedback, and if graded highly it becomes a potential trading chip. Keep in mind unscrupulous members could lowball estimates though to acquires cards cheaper.

While true free grading requires some legwork and alternatives, options do exist through memberships, local shops, show specials and verification within hobby communities. For serious collectors, paid services provide more credibility. But casual fans can still benefit from condition assessments without costs in many cases. With some digging, it is possible to get baseball card grading opinions and insight at no direct financial expense.

WHERE TO GO TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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There are several reputable third-party grading companies that baseball card collectors can choose from to have their cards professionally graded. The three largest and most well-known grading companies for sports cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp). Each company has its own established grading standards and procedures that collectors should understand before submitting cards.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is generally regarded as the gold standard for third-party grading in the hobby. They were the first company to offer grading services when they started back in the late 1980s. PSA pioneered the concept of encapsulating cards in protective plastic holders with the assigned numerical grade visible. They receive millions of cards for grading each year and use a rigorous 70-point inspection process with high-powered magnification to examine every aspect of each card. Their 9-10 grading scale is the most widely accepted in the industry for determining the value of graded cards. Recent scandals around damaged cards slipping through quality control at PSA have eroded some faith in the brand, but they still handle the most submissions by far.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services) was launched in 1999 as a division of Beckett Media, known for publishing price guides and magazines related to collectibles. BGS uses a similar 100-point grading scale as PSA but takes a slightly different approach in some areas like surfaces. Their black label holder design stands out compared to PSA’s classic white label. BGS had a smaller market share for many years but has gained popularity recently with a focus on customer service and faster turnaround times. Pricing is usually higher to submit cards to BGS compared to PSA.

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp) launched in 2000 and offers a lower-cost alternative to PSA and BGS with competitive grading and simpler slabs. SGC’s grading is considered slightly more lenient compared to the other two major companies. While SGC slabs lack the brand cachet of PSA or BGS currently, they continue to grow in acceptance each year. In recent times, SGC has made quality control and consistency of their assigned grades a top priority.

Additional smaller grading companies include CSG (Collectible Graders Service), HGA (Hours & Hours Grading Accessories), and others. But PSA, BGS, and SGC dominate around 95% of the third-party card grading market between them.

There are some key factors collectors should consider when deciding which company to use:

Turnaround Times – PSA is often the slowest at 6-12+ months currently due to high volume. BGS aims for 30 days or less. SGC is usually the quickest at around 2 weeks.

Pricing Structure – PSA uses a tiered price scale based on declared value. BGS costs tend to be slightly higher. SGC offers the most affordable per-card fees.

Grading Philosophy – PSA is the strictest and most conservative. BGS is in the middle. SGC is viewed as the most lenient major grader.

Resale/Tracking History – PSA slabs have decades of records and drive the pricing/populations databases. BGS a strong #2. SGC gaining acceptance each year.

Customer Service – Recent reports suggest BGS provides the best submitter/customer support experience nowadays.

Collectors should research each company’s standards and strengths to decide which fits the specific cards being graded and long-term goals for a collection. For maximum resale value or census tracking, PSA remains the gold standard choice, though higher prices and longer waits are common drawbacks today versus alternatives like BGS or SGC. Properly researching third-party grading options is important before making a submission.

HOW MUCH IS IT TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The cost to grade baseball cards depends on several factors, including which third-party grading company you use, how quickly you need the cards returned (turnaround time), and how many cards you are submitting.

The three largest and most well-known companies that provide third-party grading for baseball cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Hawaii Graded Collectibles (HGC). Each company has different pricing tiers based on factors like turnaround time and number of cards submitted.

Let’s break down the pricing for each company in more detail:

PSA is likely the most well-known grading company. Their standard grading service typically takes 4-6 months to complete and has the following pricing structure: $10 per card for submissions of 1-9 cards, $8 per card for 10-49 cards, and $7 per card for 50+ cards. For express services with faster turnaround times, pricing starts at $15 per card for a 30-day turnaround up to $100+ per card for same day or next day service. PSA also offers bulk submission discounts on large collections.

BGS also has different pricing tiers based on turnaround time. Their standard service called Tier 1 takes approximately 12 weeks to complete cards and costs $12 per card for submissions of 1-9 cards. The price drops to $10 per card for submissions of 10 cards or more. For faster 7-day and 14-day turnaround express services, BGS charges $30 and $20 per card respectively. They also have same day and next day grading options that range from $75-150 per card.

HGC focuses primarily on modern sports card grading. Their standard service called Fast Action takes around 4 weeks and costs $10 per card for submissions of 1-9 cards. The price drops to $8 per card for submissions of 10 or more cards. For a quicker 5 business day turnaround, HGC charges $15 per card. They also offer 1-3 day grading options starting at $35 per card.

In addition to the per card fees, each company also charges submission or shipping/handling fees. PSA charges a $25 minimum submission fee plus return shipping costs. BGS charges a minimum $25 submission fee but includes return shipping. HGC charges a flat $25 submission fee that covers return shipping as well.

Some additional factors that influence grading costs are special holder/label requests, insurance for valuable submissions, and membership levels/repeat submission discounts some companies offer. Cards requiring extended research may also have added fees. Reholdering an existing graded card into a new slab also has associated costs.

Once grading fees, submission/shipping costs, and special requests are accounted for, the typical costs to grade a modern baseball card in the standard 4-6 month range breaks down as follows:

PSA: $10-15 per card plus $25 submission fee and return shipping
BGS: $10-12 per card plus $25 submission fee (includes return shipping)
HGC: $8-10 per card plus $25 flat submission fee (includes return shipping)

For a standard bulk submission of 50+ cards to be graded with the major companies, total costs will typically range between $400-600 before potentially added fees. Faster turnaround express services can double or triple the per card costs. Proper research into company policies and pricing structures is important to determine the best option based on individual needs and budget. Regular monitoring of special promotions can also help save on grading expenses over time. That covers the basics of how much it costs to get baseball cards graded through the major third party authentication and grading companies. Let me know if any part of the answer needs further explanation or expansion.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – Often considered the gold standard, PSA is the largest and most well-known card grading service. Founded in 2000, they have graded hundreds of millions of cards over the years. To submit cards for grading to PSA, you will first need to create an account on their website. Then you can login, select a submission service level (there are different tiers that vary by turnaround time and cost), and enter details about each individual card you are sending in such as the year, sport, player, and card number. They provide submission packages you can use to securely ship your cards to their facility. Once graded, the cards are analyzed on variables like centering, corners, edges, and surface for each individual attribute on a scale from 1 to 10. Cards that grade high enough overall will receive one of PSA’s slabs with the grade securely encapsulating the card for protection. Turnaround times range from a few weeks up to a few months depending on the service level selected. PSA also offers bulk submission discounts for customers submitting dozens or hundreds of cards at once.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – Founded in 1985, BGS is another prominent grading service that uses a similar 10-point scaling system as PSA. The main differences are their labeling and slabbing design compared to PSA. Like PSA, BGS has an online submission process where collectors create accounts to enter card details and select a turnaround service level. With BGS, cards are analyzed on the same attributes as PSA for individual numerical scores which are combined into an overall grade. BGS is trusted by collectors worldwide and also offers bulk submission discounts. Turnaround times are generally comparable to PSA depending on the tier of service chosen.

Hi-Tek Authenticators – While slightly smaller than the “Big Two”, Hi-Tek has still graded millions of collectibles over the last 15+ years in operation. They utilize a similar process as PSA and BGS where collectors create online submission profiles and select a service level. However, Hi-Tek aims to provide more budget-friendly options for collectors on a tighter budget. Their turnaround times and cost per card are often lower than PSA or BGS. Hi-Tek assign individual attribute grades and an overall grade like the larger companies. While not quite as widely recognized as PSA or BGS yet, Hi-Tek is still trusted by card collectors.

In addition to these well-established services, there are a few other smaller grading companies that collectors may consider as well such as SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), CGC (Certified Guaranty Company), and GMA (Grading and Authentication Solutions). All of these companies have online submission portals and provide similar grading and encapsulation services to determine a card’s condition and protect it long term. Ultimately, most experienced collectors will ultimately submit their highest valued vintage or rare cards to PSA or BGS for grading since they have the strongest brand recognition. But the other companies listed here also do excellent work for all types of cards at varying price points.

Professional third party grading through a reputable service like PSA, BGS, Hi-Tek, or others provides collectors with an impartial assessment of a card’s condition above and beyond someone’s self-grading. The slab also protects the card long term and may increase its resale value depending on the assigned grade. Taking the steps to properly submit cards and understand turnaround times is worthwhile for anyone seriously collecting or investing in baseball cards. I hope this detailed overview provided helpful information on the major companies that collectors can rely on for this service.

HOW ARE BASEBALL TRADING CARDS GRADED

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Baseball trading cards are professionally graded on their condition and appearance by authoritative third-party companies. There are a few major companies that handle grading for the valuable vintage and modern card market, with PSA, BGS, SGC, and HGA being the most prominent.

Cards submitted to these companies for grading are examined under bright lighting by experienced graders using desktop magnifiers and specialized equipment. Every aspect of the card’s condition is meticulously analyzed, including the centering (how perfectly centered the image is within the borders), corners (looking for any bends, softness, or chips), edges (checking for whitening or damage), surface ( inspecting for scratches, nicks, or other flaws to the appearance), and overall gloss and eye appeal.

For vintage cards from the 1880s to 1980s that are often worth hundreds or thousands in top grades, even minor flaws can significantly downgrade a card’s value. Modern printing and tougher cardstock has made issues less common today, but top investors still demand pristine mint samples. After a thorough inspection, the card is assigned a numerical grade on a scale from 1 to 10 based on its condition, encapsulated in a tamper-proof plastic holder with the grade clearly marked, and returned to the customer.

PSA is considered the “Gold Standard” in the industry due to its reputation of consistency and transparency. It uses a more rigorous 70-point scale for vintage issues that examines every possible imperfection in incredible detail compared to the simpler 1-10 system. Cards appreciate exponentially in value as they approach and reach the coveted PSA Gem Mint 10 or BGS/SGC Gem Mint label. Even a small downgrade can be very costly. Slabbed and graded vintage specimens in 9/10 condition can sell for five figures, while true pristine specimens graded Gem Mint 10 have reached well over $100,000 at public auction.

The grading process encompasses much more than a casual once-over. Graders undergo intensive training and must pass regular quality control checks to ensure standards are maintained. Companies continue developing new technological innovations like higher resolution cameras, loupes, lighting, and pixel measuring tools to allow for ever more precise evaluations down to a single one-hundredth of a millimeter. Third party authentication and a demonstrated public record of impartial, consistent analysis provide collectors assurance that a coin’s grade accurately reflect its condition.

While subjectivity can never fully be removed, the major firms have earned strong credibility through decades of experience, transparent population reporting on the rarity of each numerical grade for different issues, and financial bonding to guarantee fair treatment of consignments. Any questionable cards may also be re-holdered or re-graded for a fee if the owner remains unsatisfied. The whole structured system has been crucial in developing the modern collectibles marketplace by establishing an objective, trusted currency that allows vintage cards to be easily appraised, insured, and traded nationally or internationally based on their authenticated grade.

Baseball trading cards undergo rigorous professional inspection and analysis at companies like PSA, BGS, SGC or HGA that examine every aspect of a card’s condition and appearance under high-powered magnifiers, assign a grade on an established numerical scale based on their findings, and encapsulate/slab the sample in protective graded holders with the grade clearly marked – establishing an impartial evaluation that significantly impacts the card’s perceived value in the marketplace. It is a critical process for assuring integrity in the multimillion-dollar world of rare vintage sports memorabilia investing.

IS IT WORTH GETTING MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The decision of whether to grade baseball cards is a complex one that depends on several factors. Below is an in-depth analysis of the grading process and factors to consider to determine if grading is worthwhile for your card collection.

One of the primary reasons collectors choose to grade cards is to establish the condition and authenticity of the card. Grading provides a standardized condition assessment from reputable third-party grading services like PSA, BGS, SGC, etc. This gives buyers certainty about exactly what they are purchasing. Without grading, buyers have to rely solely on a seller’s description of condition which is more subjective. Establishing a grade allows you to accurately portray the value of the card to potential buyers.

Another key consideration is how grading could impact the value of the card. Higher graded cards from the major services command a premium in the collectibles marketplace. Mint condition cards that grade gem mint (GM/MT) 10 often sell for significantly more than raw, ungraded copies. The degree to which grading increases value depends a lot on the specific card and current market conditions. Older, premium vintage cards tend to benefit more from grading in terms of percentage value boost compared to modern commons. It’s important to carefully research recent sale comps of graded vs ungraded copies to get an accurate picture of potential return on investment.

Along with potentially boosting resale value, grading also gives collectors the satisfaction of owning a professionally certified collectible. Some view graded cards as superior display pieces worthy of elaborate encasing. This is a non-monetary value factor to consider. The cost of grading must also be taken into account. Major services charge fees of $10-$20 per card which can add up quickly for large submissions. There is also the risk that after paying to grade, the card could come back with a lower unanticipated grade that actually decreases its value from an ungraded state. Submission insurance is available but adds to costs.

In addition to expenses, the time commitment of the grading process may not make sense for all collectors. Standard turnaround times are currently 3-6 months due to high volumes. Express services are available for faster 1-2 week turnaround but at 2-4x the cost. This lengthy wait and potential for lost value from damaged shipments need consideration. The effort of carefully packaging, documenting, and shipping each card also factors in. The time and money spent grading only becomes worthwhile if the graded card holdings are intended for long term investment appreciation or eventual resale.

Card conditions also play a key role in determining if grading is advisable. MintNever-Played NearMint (NM/MT) 8 or higher cards usually benefit the most since they stand the greatest chance at gem mint grades that drive the highest premiums. Heavily played or damaged cards are unlikely to grade highly and could see their value decrease once encapsulated at a low grade level. It’s typically not worth the gamble of grading cards that are already clearly worn or flawed upon close inspection. The grade outcome must be carefully weighed against potential returns based on the card’s present condition.

For collectors focused purely on set building or personal enjoyment rather than investment potential, grading may not offer as much value either. In these cases, the aesthetics and protective qualities of a slabbed card have lower priority than simply acquiring the piece. While grading brings authenticity and standardization, it can remove some charm from raw vintage cardboard. Many collectors enjoy the fun of examining cards outside of rigid plastic cases as well. Balancing collecting objectives with monetary goals is important to make the right choice.

Whether grading baseball cards is worthwhile depends greatly on individual circumstances and goals. For cards of key vintage stars in pristine condition aimed for long term appreciation, grading can absolutely pay off. But for most modern commons or cards with evident flaws, the costs seldom outweigh benefits. Thorough research of past prices and condition assessment is needed case by case. While grading provides standardization that aids serious investors, a love for raw cardboard can also be its own valid reward that makes financial returns secondary to enjoyment of the hobby itself. Weighing these tradeoffs will lead collectors to the option that suits them best.

WHAT IS THE COST TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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There are several professional third-party companies that offer grading services for collectibles like baseball cards. The two most prominent and respected grading companies are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both companies charge submission fees to grade and authenticate cards, and their prices vary depending on the turnaround time and specific grading service selected.

For PSA, their standard service is called PSA/DNA. For cards valued under $500, the basic submission fee is $20 per card with an average turnaround time of 6-8 weeks. For cards valued over $500, the fee is $30 per card. Expedited service options are available that can cut the wait time down to 1-2 weeks but cost significantly more – $50-$100+ per card depending on exact turnaround time selected. PSA also offers an economy budget service called PSA/PSA Economy that is $12 per card but has lower authentication standards and a longer 10-12 week turnaround.

BGS offers several service levels as well. Their basic Hobby Service has a $15 per card fee for a 6-8 week turnaround time. Their Express Service is $30 per card for a 3-4 week turnaround. For high-end vintage and expensive cards valued over $2,000, BGS offers a Premium Service for $100 per card for a guaranteed 1-2 week turnaround. Just like PSA, BGS also provides various expedited options for faster grading that can cost up to $250+ per card depending on turnaround time selected.

In addition to the per card grading fees, both PSA and BGS charge shipping/handling and fulfillment costs for the submission process. PSA charges $15 per order for shipping supplies and labels regardless of the number of cards, while BGS charges $5 per order plus $1 per card shipped. There may also be return shipping costs to pay to have the graded cards sent back once grading is complete. International customers also face additional duties and tariffs from both companies that can significantly drive up costs as well.

Most experienced collectors recommend submitting cards in bulk to help offset the per card costs. The minimum submission amount is typically 10 cards for most services. Submitting larger 50+ card orders allows the fixed costs like shipping to be distributed across more cards, lowering the average cost per card graded. Group submissions amongst friends is another way to achieve bulk submission discounts when smaller individual collections don’t meet the minimum.

In addition to the mainstream PSA and BGS third party grading options, there are also several smaller independent grading companies that provide alternative services often at more affordable per card rates. The grading standards and authenticity guarantees may not be as robust. And the assigned numerical grade from smaller companies typically doesn’t carry the same cachet and increase cards value as strongly as a PSA or BGS label would.

For modern sports cards valued under $500, expect to pay around $20-$30 per card to get them professionally graded by PSA or BGS using their standard services. Factoring in shipping costs, submitting larger 50+ card bulk orders can get the average cost down closer to $15-$25 per card graded depending on turnaround time selected. For high-end vintage cards valued over $2,000, premium services are available but will cost $100 or more per card graded. With some planning and effort to reach bulk submission minimums, third party grading remains an important option for serious collectors looking to independently verify condition and authenticity.