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HOW DO YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS PSA GRADED

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Getting baseball cards professionally graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is a multi-step process. PSA is considered the gold standard for third-party grading of trading cards due to their expertise and reputation for assigning accurate grades. Here are the basic steps to submit cards to PSA for grading:

First, you need to determine which cards you want to submit for grading. It’s recommended to only submit high-value cards that could potentially grade as gem mint (9 or 10 on the PSA grading scale) as there are costs associated with the grading process. Carefully examine each card under bright lighting and a loupe or jeweler’s loupe to inspect for any flaws, nicks, or corners that may lower the potential grade. Only cards that look pristine should be considered for submission.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you need to properly prepare them for shipping. Place each individual card in a standard penny sleeve protector with the front of the card facing outwards. Then place the sleeved card into a semi-rigid card holder made of plastic, plastic and cardboard, or plastic and acrylic. Card savers are the most commonly used card holders. The card holder should securely hold the card without any room for movement.

Afterward, log into your PSA account and initiate a new submission order. Or if it’s your first time, create a PSA account by providing basic contact and payment details. You will need to select your preferred grading service level – there are different tiers that balance turnaround times and costs. Standard service is the most affordable option but has 3-4 month wait times typically. Faster Express services are available for rush jobs.

With your submission order open, enter details for each individual card like the player, year, set, and any other relevant identifiers. You can submit cards in lots of 5, 10, or 25 to potentially save on fees. PSA also offers various special group tier submissions that are even more economical when submitting larger quantities. Carefully follow the online instructions for bundling and labeling your cards.

After entering your card specifics, you will need to pay the associated grading fees. PSA fees are based on declared card values and service levels. Plan to spend at least $10-15 per card on average between base grading prices and shipping/insurance costs. You can pay online with a credit card securely.

Once payment is received, you will receive shipping labels, bubble mailers, and instructions from PSA. Place each card holder into the correct spot on the submission form. Then carefully sandwich the form between two foam panels and securely tape it inside the PSA-approved bubble mailer. Don’t bend or damage the cards during packing. Ship your cards to PSA using a trackable service like USPS Priority Mail within the specified window.

After PSA receives your submission, the cards will undergo a multi-point inspection process. Graders will examine each front and back under bright lighting and powerful magnification for flaws and imperfections. Edges will be evaluated closely as will corners for sharpness and dings. Centering is also an important component of the grade. Card condition is subjectively assigned a grade on the 1-10 scale.

Typically 4-8 weeks later, PSA will have your cards graded and you will receive an email when your order is complete. You can then log into your PSA account and view photos of each card front/back along with the assigned numerical grade. Cards will be secured within plastic slabs imprinted with logos, IDs, and grades for easy verification of authenticity.

You would arrange shipment of your graded cards back to your home or designated shipping address. Comprehensive insurance is included, although additional handling fees may apply for special requests. Congrats, your cards are now officially certified and authenticated by the top third-party grading service. You can enjoy, display, or sell your new PSA-graded baseball card collection.

That covers the basic step-by-step process for submitting cards to PSA for professional authentication and grading. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions! Properly preparing cards and following PSA’s specific submission guidelines is important to getting accurate certified grades from the leaders in the trading card industry.

WHERE TO TAKE BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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The major professional sports card grading companies that people use to have their cards graded include Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC), and Hockey Card Grading (HCG). These companies employ teams of experienced graders who will thoroughly inspect each card and assign it a numeric grade based on its condition and appearance.

The first step is to decide which grading company to use. PSA and BGS tend to be the most respected and can potentially increase a card’s value the most, but they also tend to have the longest wait times and highest grading fees. SGC and HCG are usually cheaper and faster options. You’ll want to consider the current turnaround times, your budget, and who potential buyers might prefer.

Once you’ve chosen a company, you’ll need to register an account on their website if you don’t already have one. Then you can log in and start an order submission. Most companies allow you to submit cards either by individual card or in group bulk submission batches to save on costs. You’ll provide information about each card like the player, year, set, and any other relevant details.

Proper preparation of the cards is important for achieving the best possible grades. Use soft cotton gloves to carefully remove any card from its sleeve, toploader, or other protective holder. Inspect it under good lighting for any flaws, damages, or imperfections on the front or back. Gently wipe both sides with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or residue.

You’ll need to securely package each individual card in a protective sleeve before putting it into the submission slab or sheet provided by the grading company. This helps prevent damage or loss during shipping and handling. Double check that no part of the card is exposed or loose inside the sleeve.

Once all your cards are securely packaged, you can ship them to the grading company using their prepaid shipping label or your preferred carrier with insurance. Be sure to package well with ample padding to avoid any shifting or damages in transit. Tracking your shipment is also recommended.

After receiving, the grading company will meticulously inspect each card under strong lighting and magnification. Any flaws are closely examined and factored into the numerical grade from 1 to 10, with 10 being flawless gem mint. The graded card is then sealed in tamper-proof plastic holder with the grade clearly marked.

After grading is complete, the cards will be returned to you along with a detailed invoice and report of the assigned grades. Turnaround times can vary greatly depending on the company and service level selected, from a few weeks up to several months. Premium express services are available for rush submissions.

Once graded cards are returned, you can show off your collection, include high grades in a portfolio for potential sale, or list individually on auction sites. Grading increases confidence in a card’s condition and quality, which can significantly boost its value for serious collectors. Properly storing and insuring your investment graded cards is also recommended.

Using a reputable third-party grading service is the best way to objectively and permanently record the condition and authenticity of valuable sports cards. Taking the time for careful preparation and shipping ensures the best representation of each card being considered for an official professional grade. This process provides collectors and investors assurance and transparency for their prized memorabilia.

HOW DO YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED AND APPRAISED

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The first step in the process of getting baseball cards graded and appraised is to choose a grading company. The three largest and most reputable grading companies for sports cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC). Each company has its own grading scale and standards.

Once you’ve selected a company, you’ll need to package your cards securely for shipping. It’s recommended to put each card in a penny sleeve to avoid scratching, then place the sleeved cards inside cardboard holders or toploaders. Arrange the cards carefully in a box with plenty of padding around them. You’ll also need to fill out a submission form listing all the cards and services requested. Most companies allow you to submit cards online through their websites.

When submitting your cards, decide on the different grading service levels. All companies offer standard grading which just authenticates and grades the card’s condition. You can also choose more expensive express services for faster turnaround times. Another option is to just have cards authenticated without a numerical grade assigned. Be sure pricing includes the cost of return shipping as well.

The grading companies will then carefully inspect each card. Graders take into account factors like centering, edges, corners and surface to determine the card’s condition on their numeric scale. PSA and BGS both use a 1-10 scale while SGC uses a 1-9 scale. Cards are analyzed under strong lighting and magnification to detect even the slightest flaws. This grading process usually takes 4-6 months for standard submissions.

Once grading is complete, the qualified authenticators will encase qualifying cards in protective plastic slabs with the assigned grade label securely affixed. These slabs protect the valuable cards while also clearly communicating their condition to potential buyers. Sub-grades for individual aspects may also be noted. Cards that don’t meet a company’s standards for grading will be returned unslabbed.

You’ll then receive your graded cards back along with a detailed invoice listing the grading costs. Pricing is based on the number of cards submitted and requested services. For example, a standard PSA submission of 25 cards averages around $10-15 per card depending on turnaround time selected. High-end express services can go well over $100 per card.

Now that your cards are professionally graded, you have a better sense of their true conditions and market values. The assigned numerical grades provide standardized condition reports that are understood industry-wide. This enables easier pricing comparisons when potentially selling the cards or adding them to a collection. The protective slabs also preserve the condition assessed by the graders.

In order to get an accurate appraisal, you may need to research recently sold “comps” or comparable cards on the secondary marketplace. Sites like eBay allow you to search for the same graded card and see what it has sold for. Alternatively, you could work with an experienced card dealer or auction house who can examine the cards in-hand and provide professional appraisal letters detailing estimated fair market values. An auction guarantee of a minimum sell-through price is also sometimes possible.

Getting sports cards professionally graded is a crucial step for condition assessment, preservation and establishing reliable market values. Though it requires careful packaging, submission planning and patience while waiting for the process, certified grading greatly enhances the long-term value, liquidity and enjoyment of any collection. With some market research, collectors can feel confident in the appraisals of their graded cards.

WHERE CAN U GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – Considered one of the “Big 3” grading companies along with BGS and SGC. PSA is likely the most well known and has been grading cards the longest since they started in 2000. They receive hundreds of thousands of submissions each year from dealers and collectors looking to verify a card’s authenticity, condition and encapsulate it in a protective holder. Cards graded by PSA tend to carry a premium in terms of value when bought and sold compared to raw, ungraded cards.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – Another pioneer in the grading industry, BGS launched their service in 1991. They use a similar 10 point scale to PSA but also provide sub-grades for centering, corners, edges and surface which provides more detailed condition information. BGS slabs tend to have a more modern design than PSA which some collectors prefer. While they grade fewer cards per year than PSA, BGS remains an elite grader option.

Sportscard Guarantee Company (SGC) – Seen as more of the “people’s grader” compared to the high-end labels of PSA and BGS. SGC is a bit more affordable for standard submissions and turnaround times tend to be faster than their larger competitors. They have developed a strong reputation for honesty and quality work over their 20+ year history. While a SGC slab may not carry quite as high of a price premium as a PSA 10 or BGS Gem Mint 9, it provides a professional grade from a trusted company.

There are also some smaller, niche graders like HGA, Slabbed and CSG that attract certain collectors but don’t have the mainstream recognition that PSA, BGS and SGC enjoy. Overall those “Big 3” represent the top choices for most people looking to get cards graded.

The process for submitting cards is similar across graders. Collectors will need to package protected cards in submission slabs or toploaders/card savers. Details like desired turnaround service level and a completed submission form listing the cards are required. Standard/economy submissions may take several months to be graded and returned while express/rush options can get cards back in as little as a few weeks but cost substantially more per card.

After the grading process, authenticated andEncapsulated cards are then securely sealed in protective plastic slabs with the assigned grade, identifier codes and other relevant information clearly printed for future verification purposes. These slabs have essentially become the standard in the hobby for verifying a card’s eligibility in certain collectible markets or entry into registry sets which often require a minimum grade from a recognized third party authentication service.

In terms of costs, PSA, BGS, and SGC all have published price guides on their websites that list standard submission fees per card depending on service level selected. For a normal PSA or BGS Express order, the cost to grade a single basic sports card usually ranges between $10-$20 total when shipping and insurance are factored in. Larger or more valuable submissions like entire complete sets or rare vintage cards tend to cost more per card.

Collectors have the option to submit directly through the grading company websites or work with official submitter partners. These are independent businesses that specialize in consolidation submission orders on behalf of multiple customers to get volume discounts. Submitters also offer services like photography, researching population reports and facilitating resale of cards post-grade.

As the trading card collecting hobby and vintage sports memorabilia markets have rapidly grown in recent decades, third party authentication and grading has become a near necessity to ensure transparent transactions occur. Getting cards professionally certified preserves condition history and lends credibility in determining values whether for personal collecting enjoyment or potential future resale. The process adds an extra layer of trust between buyers and sellers through verified authenticity and assigned quality assessments. With some planning and understanding of costs, any collector can take advantage of the benefits of submitting their prized cards to the trusted leaders in the card grading industry.

HOW TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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There are several major professional sports card grading companies that offer grading services for baseball cards. The two most popular companies are Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Both companies charge fees to grade cards and also provide slabs to protect the cards once they are graded.

To submit cards to either BGS or PSA, you will first need to create an account on their website if you do not already have one. Once logged in, click the “Submit Cards” or “Submit Grading Order” link. You will then be prompted to provide details about the cards you want to submit such as the sport, year, brand, and whether you want Express or Standard grading turnaround times.

Standard grading takes longer but costs less per card, while Express is more expensive but returns the graded cards to you much faster. Typical Express grading turnaround is 1-2 weeks while Standard can take 1-3 months depending on volumes. Consider your preferences when selecting a service level.

Next, you need to prepare your cards for submission. Both BGS and PSA require cards to be housed in semi-rigid holders or toploaders to prevent bending or damage during transit. Accepted holders include BGS/PSA approved plastic sleeves, toploaders, or rigid plastic holders. Make sure the barcodes on the sleeves or holders are clearly visible.

You also need to fill out one physical label or barcode sticker for each individual card you are submitting. The labels need your customer account number and the details entered online about each specific card such as the sport, year, brand, and which service level you chose. Stick one label on the back plastic or paper of each holder.

Once your cards are properly protected and labeled, you need to package them securely for shipping. Place cards in a rigid plastic shipper box or use a bubble mailer with adequate padding on all sides. Include a physical copy of your online submission form that lists all the cards.

You will also need to select and purchase a shipping method. Both BGS and PSA provide prepaid shipping labels you can print, or you can use your preferred carrier like FedEx or USPS. Be sure to get insurance in case of damage or loss in transit.

When sending cards for grading, it’s important to set realistic expectations on potential grades. Brand new near-mint cards usually grade 8-10, while very well-preserved used cards may score 6-8 depending on wear. Heavily played cards typically grade 1-5. Understand grading is subjective and condition issues may lower scores.

After arriving at the grading company, your cards will undergo a multi-point inspection where trained graders analyze factors like centering, corners, edges and surfaces under heavy magnification. The entire grading process usually takes the time stated for the service level you selected unless volumes require longer timeframes that grading companies announce on their websites or via email.

Once grading is finished, your group of cards will be returned to you sealed individually in protective plastic slabs with the assigned numeric grade and your account holder name prominently displayed. Coinslabbed cards maintain their grades and are protected against further wear, damage, or alteration, increasing their collectability and value.

Properly submitted, prepared, packaged and insured cards should arrive safely and be processed without issue. Both PSA and BGS have customer service representatives available online or by phone if you have any other questions during the submission or return process to ensure a smooth grading experience. The detailed steps outlined here provide a straightforward path to get hobby cards authenticated and encapsulated to enhance collections.

HOW CAN I GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major companies that provide grading services for baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sports Grading Company), and HGA (HQGrading). Each company uses their own grading scale to assign a grade to the card’s condition and aesthetics.

The first step is to select the cards you want to have graded. It’s best to submit higher value vintage or modern cards from the 1950s-present as lower value cards may not be worth the cost of grading. Inspect each card closely under good lighting for any flaws, fingerprints, scratches, corners/edges damaged, or centering issues off to determine its potential grade.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to send them to the grading company. Most companies offer different submission tiers based on turnaround times and levels of service. Generally the higher tiers cost more but provide faster return times. Standard bulk submissions can take months to return. You’ll need to research each company’s submission guidelines and use the proper card holders/submission forms.

Proper packaging is important to ensure the cards arrive safely. It’s best to use thick cardboard or plastic holders to sandwich the cards and provide solid protection. Avoid using common envelope mailers as cards can get bent or damaged in transit. Trackable shipping with insurance is strongly recommended in case anything happens in transit. Most companies have specific packaging requirements so be sure to follow their guidelines.

At this stage you’ll also need to select your submission tier and pay the corresponding grading fees. Pricing varies between companies but typical bulk submission fees are around $10-15 per card. Higher tier express services can range from $20-50+ per card depending on turnaround time. Additional shipping costs to and from the company also need to be factored in. Some grading companies offer membership programs for volume submitters to reduce costs per card.

Once received, the card grading process takes careful examination under high magnification cameras and lighting booths by experienced graders. They analyze factors like centering, corners, edges, surface for any flaws, and note attribute details. The card is then sealed in the iconic plastic holder labeled with the card details and assigned numerical grade.

After grading, the company performs quality control checks before packaging and returning all the submitted cards. From this point, turnaround times vary depending on the selected submission tier but can range from a few weeks up to several months for bulk submissions. Companies provide order tracking online to monitor progress.

Upon receiving thegraded cards back, you’ll want to inspect the holders and make sure all your cards were received in the condition sent. Sometimes resubmissions are needed if flaws were missed or a card received further damage. Now you’ll have professionally certified impartial analysis of the cards’ condition that can be trusted in the marketplace. Graded vintage cards especially have seen their values multiply over raw ungraded cards.

The grading process ensures preservation of the cards in protective holders that maintain their condition over long periods of time compared to loose raw cards subject to damage. While there are costs involved, grading provides authentication, protection, and quantification of condition that adds value – especially for high end vintage cards being considered for significant financial transactions. Following the proper procedures outlined above will result in a successful submission and grading experience.

HOW ARE VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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After being submitted by a collector, each vintage baseball card will undergo a rigorous grading process by trained card graders at the authentication and grading company. The grader will first examine the card under bright lighting using magnification to inspect for any flaws or defects. They will look at things like centering, corners, edges and surfaces. Centering refers to how evenly the image is centered within the card borders – off-center cards grade lower. Corners will be checked for bumps, chips or rounding. Edges are inspected for bends, creases or damage. And the surface is analyzed for anything like scratches, stains, dirt or gloss problems.

Graders use a numerical scale, typically from 1 to 10, to assess the condition of each area examined. A perfect gem mint 10 card would be in pristine condition with no handling, wear or flaws evident under scrutiny. As damage, creases, staining or other imperfections are found, the grade will decrease accordingly. Additional notations may also be added to describe certain flaws in more detail. For example, a grade of 8 could indicate light whitening on the corners but no other issues found.

Once all areas of the card have been thoroughly examined and individual grades determined, the card is then assigned an overall composite grade. This takes into account the individual area grades as well as other considerations like the severity of flaws present. Typically the lowest individual area grade becomes the strongest factor in deciding the overall grade. So a card with otherwise strong marks but a corner with a deep crease would grade lower than a similar card with only light edge wear.

In addition to the numeric grade, cards may receive special designations. These include but are not limited to:

Gem Mint (GM) – Reserved for cards grading above a 9 with no notable flaws
Near Mint (NM) – Grades from 8 to 8.9, generally crisp and bright
Excellent (EX) – From 7 to 7.9, may have some minor defects
Very Good (VG) – Grades of 6 to 6.9, definite signs of usage
Good (G) – 5 to 5.9, becoming quite worn but still intact
Fair (FR) – Grades 4 to 4.9, heavily played with flaws
Poor (PR) – 3 to 3.9, very low grade usually with damage

Once grading is finalized, the designation and grade are clearly encapsulated with the card inside a tamper-proof slab label by the authentication company for certification and resale. These certified holders provide collectors assurance of the card’s condition, authenticity and originality. They also protect the card surfaces from further wear during subsequent exchange between collectors.

Vintage baseball card grading is a meticulous process conducted by trained professionals to determine a card’s condition, assign it a relative grade on a numerical scale, and clearly authenticate this evaluation for future collectors in a certified holder. This certification adds considerable value by providing a reliable, consistent and transparent assessment of quality sought after by serious vintage baseball card investors and enthusiasts.

WHERE CAN I GET MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED IN PERSON

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Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – Considered the industry leader in third-party grading of trading cards including baseball cards, PSA has several locations around the country where you can get cards graded in person. Their busiest locations include their headquarters in Long Beach, California as well as offices in Orlando, Florida, Marietta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas. At each site, you can meet with a PSA representative and submit your cards for grading. They will assess factors like centering, corners, edges and surfaces to authenticate the card and assign a numerical grade from 1 to 10 based on its condition compared to mint status. Turnaround time for in-person submission is usually 4-6 weeks.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – Another top grading service, BGS has offices in Dallas, Texas and Hackensack, New Jersey where you can drop off your baseball cards for in-person grading. Similar to PSA, BGS representatives will inspect each card under strong lighting and magnification to examine for flaws before assigning a grade. In addition to a numerical grade from 1-10, BGS also utilizes a “gem scale” labeling of standard, pristine, gem mint and black label for near-perfect cards. In-person grading turnaround is generally 4-6 weeks as well.

Comprehensive Grading Services (CGS) – While smaller than PSA and BGS, CGS is a well-regarded third-party grader with locations in Seattle, Washington and Englewood, Colorado. Their staff includes experienced authenticators and graders who can evaluate your baseball cards onsite. CGS uses a 1-10 grading scale and labels like “superb” and “pristine” to describe high grade cards. In-person submissions are processed within 4-6 weeks.

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) – In addition to coins, PCGS also offers trading card authentication and grading services. They have many affiliate offices nationwide including major sites in Newport Beach, California and Santa Ana, California where cards can be dropped off. PCGS’ strict standards mean their assigned grades may be slightly tougher compared to other services. Expect a 4-6 week turnaround for in-person submissions as well.

Sportscard Guaranty (SGC) – Another certified third-party grading company, SGC is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois where you can visit their facility to hand over your baseball cards. They utilize a 1-10 numerical grade scale and additional designations indicating near-mint or gem quality. SGC typically requires 4-6 weeks to grade in-person submissions.

The leading authenticators for getting valuable baseball cards evaluated and encapsulated with an official grade in-person are PSA, BGS, CGS, PCGS and SGC. While shipping cards is convenient, the benefit of in-person submission is being able to work directly with company representatives plus possibly reduced turnaround times. Be prepared for a 4-6 week grading processing timeframe at minimum however. With proper research into the different services, submitting cards in-person can help maximize their value and attract serious potential buyers.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS SHOULD YOU GET GRADED

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Grade and centering are very important attributes that can significantly impact a card’s value. Ideally, you’ll want to grade cards that you believe could realistically achieve a grade of Excellent-Mint (EX-MT) or higher. Anything graded below a EX is unlikely to gain much value from the grading process after factoring in costs. Proper centering is also critical, as off-center cards may be docked one or more letter grades. Take a close look at potential cards to grade and only submit those that appear to be sharp and well-centered copies.

For modern cards printed within the last several decades, focus on rookies and star players from the biggest trading card manufacturers – Topps, Upper Deck, etc. Cards of star players from their rookie seasons almost always have strong long-term potential. Examples could include Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams rookie cards from the 1950s, or Tom Brady and LeBron James rookies from the late 1990s/2000s. Autograph and memorabilia cards of current stars also typically carry the highest premiums.

For older vintage cards prior to the 1950s, look at classic T206 tobacco cards, iconic stars, and full sets you may want to grade and preserve long-term. Examples of top individual vintage cards to consider include Honus Wagner T206, Babe Ruth 1914 Baltimore News, 1954 Topps Mickey Mantle, and Joe DiMaggio 1951 Bowman. Full vintage sets in high grade like 1909-11 T206 could gain huge value intact and preserved long-term. Autographs and game-used equipment on vintage cards are also highly desirable.

Current events should also factor in. If a player just won an award, reached a milestone, or generated plenty of positive media coverage – that will increase demand and values of their vintage cards in the short term. Similarly, submitting cards around the start of baseball season in April when interest is peaking can be advantageous.

Always inspect cards very closely under bright lighting for any flaws, imperfections, or issues that could negatively impact the grading. Make sure to carefully read submission guidelines to pick the appropriate grading service, value tier, and turnaround time based on your budget and objectives. You’ll also want to consider encapsulation options like slabs versus holders to protect long-term preservation and resale value.

Researching population reports is another great way to identify strong opportunities. Look at the number of high-grade examples known to currently exist – fewer of a rare card in top condition means greater demand and potential for price appreciation over time. Solid eye appeal and photographic quality are also important attributes grading companies consider.

It’s smart to have at least a basic understanding of the card’s history and any notable sales or auction prices. Knowing estimated values at various grade levels can help determine break-even points and whether investing in grading makes financial sense. Careful planning goes a long way to choosing baseball cards that stand the best chances for long-term gains in value from third-party certification and encapsulation. Let me know if any part of the process requires additional clarification or advice.

HOW TO GET OLD BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The first step to getting old baseball cards graded is to select which cards you want to submit for grading. Carefully review each card to ensure it is in gradable condition without any creases, holes or other damaging defects. Make sure to select your best conditioned vintage cards.

Next, you’ll need to choose a professional third-party grading company to use. The two largest and most reputable companies in the hobby are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both companies have extensive experience grading vintage cards and provide tamper-evident packaging to maintain the integrity of the certified grade.

Once you’ve selected a grading company, you’ll need to register an account on their website if you do not already have one. This involves providing some basic contact and billing information. Both PSA and BGS offer various submission service levels with different turnaround times and price points depending on how quickly you need the cards back.

With your account set up, it’s time to carefully prepare your cards to submit for grading. Use soft cotton gloves to handle the cards to avoid getting fingerprints or other residue on them. Individually place each card in a standard card saver or acrylic holder made for the chosen grading company. Be sure not to bend or damage the edges of the cards during this process.

Next, fill out a detailed submission form listing information for each card. This involves providing details like the card brand, year, photo, player name and any other relevant identifiers. Properly filling out this form is crucial, as the assigned grade will be matched to the information provided here. Incomplete or inaccurate forms can delay the grading process.

Once all your cards are secured in holders or savers and the submission form is complete, you’ll need to carefully package your cards for shipment. It’s best to use a rigid card board box or other sturdy container rather than just an envelope to prevent damage during transit. Cover the boxes on all sides with padding like bubble wrap or air bags to protect the cards.

Include a printed copy of your completed submission form and any other required documentation like payment inside the package. Seal it securely for mailing and ship it to the grading company via a trackable carrier like UPS or FedEx. Be sure not to declare an extremely high value for insurance purposes, as some companies have limits.

After receipt, the grading company will carefully examine each card under tight quality control standards before assigning it a numerical grade on their established scale, usually from 1-10. They’ll then securely encapsulate the graded card in a clear holder with the assigned grade prominently displayed for protection and authentication of the evaluation.

Within the expected turnaround timeframe, your packaged cards will be shipped back to you. Carefully open and inspect for any potential shipping damage before enjoying your newly certified vintage baseball cards. With third party grading, you now have professional authentication to confidently showcase or potentially sell your collectibles in the marketplace.

By following these detailed steps, collectors of any experience level can feel comfortable having their treasured old baseball cards certified by the top companies in the hobby. Third party grading adds validation and preservation that enhances value for generations to enjoy these pieces of sports history. With patience and care during the process, you’re sure to be delighted with the experience.