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HOW TO GET YOUR BASEBALL CARDS PSA GRADED

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The first step is to select the cards you want to submit to PSA for grading. Make sure to choose high quality vintage or modern cards that could potentially earn high grades. Factor in the card’s condition, scarcity, and potential future value when deciding. It’s best to submit your best and most valuable cards to make the grading fees worth it.

Next, you’ll need to purchase PSA submission forms and shipping supplies. The PSA website has details on the supplies needed like submission forms, penny sleeves to protect cards, and shipping boxes. Make sure to carefully read the submission instructions and guidelines so your cards are packaged properly. Correctly filling out forms and sealing cards is important for a smooth process.

Once you have your cards picked out and supplies purchased, it’s time to carefully evaluate each individual card under good lighting conditions. Examine the front and back for any flaws, scratches, bends, discoloration or whitening around the edges that could impact the grade. Take photos of any flaws you notice for your records. At this stage, consider whether a card is even worthwhile to submit given its condition issues. Only the nicest examples are typically worthwhile getting professionally graded.

After inspecting all cards, it’s time to submit them to PSA. Place each card in a penny sleeve to protect it from fingerprints and then fill out a corresponding submission form with all requested details about the card. Secure the form to the penny sleeve with tape. Group cards going under the same service level together in the submission box according to PSA guidelines. Seal the box securely and attach the completed shipping form.

Now you’ll ship your cards to the PSA grading headquarters. You have the options of different service levels based on turnaround times and costs. Economy is the cheapest option taking 3-4 months currently while express is the fastest option taking around 10 business days but costing much more per card. Carefully track your package and make sure to insure it fully.

Once received, PSA experts will then carefully evaluate each card under stringent guidelines evaluating centering, corners, edges, surfaces and more. Any flaws will detract from the pristine 10 grade. Condition is key to achieving high grades. After grading, PSA will securely slab the card in protective plastic with the grade clearly displayed for easy resale or long-term storage.

At this point you simply wait for your cards to be graded and slabs sent back. You can check the status of your submission online through the consignment number provided. Once grading is complete, your slabs will be returned generally adhering to the estimated turnaround window for the service level selected, barring any unforeseen delays.

Upon receiving your cards back from PSA, take time to carefully inspect each graded slab. Ensure the cards and grades inside match your submission records. Contact PSA right away if you notice any discrepancies and they will work to resolve issues. Once verified as correct, you now have professionally certified cards that are worth considering reselling or holding long-term as valuable graded collectibles. By going through this process, you have protected the value and authenticity of your best cards for years to come. Proper PSA grading is truly an investment worth undertaking for valuable vintage and modern cards. I hope this detailed guide provides you everything needed to successfully get your cards certified by the leading card grader, PSA. Let me know if any part of the process needs further explanation.

HOW TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED BY PSA

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PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is considered the gold standard in third-party grading and authentication of sports cards and memorabilia. Getting cards professionally graded can significantly increase their value, especially for high-end valuable cards. Here is a comprehensive overview of the process:

Registration – You will first need to register for a PSA account on their website PSACard.com. This requires providing basic contact and payment information. Make sure to thoroughly read their submission guidelines and fee structure pages. PSA offers various membership tiers with different submission caps and benefits.

Prepare cards – Thoroughly inspect each card you want to submit and note any flaws. Clean them carefully without disturbing the surface. Place each card in a standard penny sleeve then toploader for protection during shipping. Double check for any existing autographs or inscriptions which need to be authenticated.

Select service level – PSA offers several grading tiers with different turnaround times and costs. Economy and Standard are the most common for regular submissions. Express is very fast but expensive, while Bulk is cheaper per card for large quantities. Choose the appropriate level based on your needs and card values.

Complete submission form – On your PSA account, generate a submission form listing all the cards you are sending along with their serial numbers. Note service level, value (for insurance), and special requests like subgrades. Print two copies of the form.

Prepare payment – Calculate total fees including shipping costs. Pay securely on the PSA site using credit card or cryptocurrency. Keep proof of payment for your records.

Package cards securely – Place cards securely between sturdy cardboard or foam to prevent damage or shifting during travel. Include both submission form copies, insurance form if needed. Seal the box securely with packaging tape.

Ship to PSA – Use a trackable carrier like USPS Priority or UPS for delivery to PSA. Insuring the package for the declared value is recommended. Contact support for international shipping instructions.

Grading process – PSA experts will carefully examine each card under magnification for centering, corners, edges and surface flaws. Attributes are assigned numerical grades on the widely followed 1-10 scale.

Receive graded cards – Within the estimated turnaround timeframe, PSA will ship your cards back in individual plastic holders labeled with the grade, your customer ID and other details. Carefully inspect each one upon receipt.

Report problems – Contact PSA immediately if any cards appear damaged or unlabeled upon return. They will investigate and work to resolve errors or re-grade as needed free of charge within a time window.

Once you receive back your professionally graded cards from PSA locked safely in their protective holders along with the accompanying certificate of authenticity, their value on the secondary market usually increases compared to raw ungraded cards. Properly following the submission process and guidelines is important to have a smooth experience with the leading company in the hobby.

HOW TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED IN PERSON

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The three largest and most reputable professional sports card grading companies are Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), and Hit Parade Grading (HPG). All three companies have physical locations where you can drop off your cards to be graded in person, though submitting by mail is more common for most collectors.

The first step is to select the cards you want to submit for grading. Make sure each card is encased in a standard cardboard holder or plastic case to protect it. Cards must be in pristine condition with no creases, bends, damage, or wear to receive the highest grades. Choose your best vintage and modern cards to potentially increase their value.

Next, you’ll need to register for a user account on the grading company’s website. This allows you to submit orders, track turnaround times, and view completed grades online. Be prepared to provide personal details like your name, address, payment method, and shipping info. Most websites have tutorials to help with account setup.

Once registered, you can start assembling card submission orders. Carefully list each individual card along with its identifying details like the year, sport, player, and any special parallel variations. Be very accurate, as mistakes could delay the grading process. Companies have order maximums typically ranging from 10-100 cards.

Payment is required upfront for all ordered submissions. You’ll select the specific grading service level, which determines turnaround speed and cost. The most basic economy service is around $10-$15 per card, while express options under a week cost $20-$30. Expedited 1-2 day service pushes $50 or more per card. Always check for membership discounts too.

Now you’re ready to package everything up neatly and securely for transport. Most companies require cards be shipped in a hard plastic holder or rigid case to prevent bending. Surround cards with soft material like paper or foam to avoid damage. Don’t overload submissions either. Clearly label the outside of each shipment with your order/account details.

From here, you have two transport options – mail it in or submit in person. Mailing is simpler but risks travel damage or delays. To hand-deliver, schedule an appointment on the company website and visit their grading center during business hours. Arrive with your pre-paid, pre-registered order exactly as specified.

At both mail-in and in-person drop offs, staff will inspect shipments against paperwork for accuracy. They’ll issue a receipt as cards enter the grading process. From this stage, turnaround times vary depending on the selected service level. Busy periods may extend waits by a few extra days.

When grading is complete, the company notifies you to retrieve the shipment or provides a mail-back tracking number. Now you can finally view the graded results! Cards earn numerical designations from 1-10 based on centering, corners, edges and surface quality compared to pristine samples. Holders clearly display the grade, your user ID and a tamper-proof hologram for verification of authenticity.

Lastly, go online to see how the assigned grades impact each card’s estimated market value. High numbers of 8, 9 or 10 can multiply prices ten times over or more for the right vintage rookies or rare inserts. Carefully store new slabs in a temperature controlled showcase for long-term preservation and potential future resale. The in-person grading experience, while demanding more logistical effort, allows submitting collectors the personal touch of directly interacting with representatives and ensuring proper handling of their valuable collectibles throughout the process. With insurance for replacement value, hand-delivery remains a secure grading option for especially pricey cards.

WHAT IS GRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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When a card is submitted to one of these grading services, a trained card grader will inspect the card under a specialized magnifying glass light table and grading scale. They will examine several factors of the card’s condition and appearance such as the centering of the image within the border, any blemishes, scratches or damage to the surface of the card, and the overall crispness and quality of the image and colours. Based on standardized criteria, the grader assigns a numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being a gem mint condition card that shows no flaws or imperfections.

Once graded, the card is then sealed tightly in a tamper-proof, clear plasticholder labelled with the assigned numeric grade, as well as details about the card and its issuer. This protects the card and also clearly identifies its authenticity and quality level for potential buyers. Slabbed graded cards are tremendously popular with serious baseball card collectors seeking certified cards in pristine condition for their collections or as longterm investments. The grading process helps collectors accurately assess the inherent value of older vintage cards that might otherwise be impossible to truly gauge the condition of due to wear over decades.

For modern mint condition cards right out of packs, a high numerical grade can greatly enhance the value compared to ungraded versions. Popular modern rookies cards or cards of star players that receive a PSA or BGS gem mint 10 grade frequently command prices into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars due to their certified quality and preservation long-term. Similarly, vintage cards dating back to the early 20th century that maintain excellent eye appeal and surface quality despite their age can realize auction prices approaching six or even seven figures when graded and authenticated by the leading services.

While not infallible, third-party grading substantially reduces risks for buyers by certifying condition and authenticity. It creates standardized benchmarks that bring much needed transparency and trust to the subjective marketplace of vintage sports cards. The slab also protects cards during shipping and storage. Some argue the practice of grading can also enable artificially inflated prices by overemphasizing mint condition rather than historical significance or iconic players. There is a lack of regulation of grading standards between companies that leaves room for inconsistency. Despite this, graded baseball cards remain dominantly popular with collectors seeking certified investment-quality pieces for their portfolios.

Top rare graded cards that have achieved legendary prices include the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, considered the “Mona Lisa” of cards valued around $6.6 million PSA GEM-MT 10; a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA MINT 9 that sold for over $2.8 million in 2021; and the iconic 1975 Sandy Koufax starring in a rare PSA GEM-MT 10 that exceeded $1 million at auction. But graded modern stars are also shattering records, such as a 2013 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout autograph PSA GEM MT 10 that brought $922,500. In today’s thriving market, graded vintage and modern baseball cards represent blue-chip collectibles that are broadly recognized and enable collectors to properly assess condition, history, and ultimately value.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH GETTING GRADED

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Getting a baseball card professionally graded provides a level of authentication and establishes the condition of the card. This can significantly impact the value, especially for high-end vintage or modern rookies. The grading process comes at a cost, both in fees paid to the grading service and potentially in lost value if the grade comes back lower than hoped. Investors need to weigh these factors carefully to determine if grading makes financial sense for their specific cards.

The major third-party grading services for baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation). Fees vary depending on the expected value of the card and turnaround times, but plan on spending at minimum $10-20 per card on average. Higher end cards being submitted for auction might cost $50+ to grade. These fees can add up rapidly for collectors submitting large collections. The cost must be justified by an anticipated increase in the card’s value sufficient to offset that fee.

Getting a card professionally graded provides several benefits. First, it establishes the condition and grade, which provides a baseline standard for comparison in the marketplace. Potential buyers can be confident what condition they are getting rather than relying solely on a seller’s own assessment. Secondly, the third party authentication deters fakes and counterfeits from entering the marketplace. This is particularly important for expensive vintage cards. A graded card also has long term protection, enclosed in a hard plastic holder that protects it from wear compared to a raw card.

While adding value, grading is not always guaranteed to raise a card’s price. There is inherent risk that the grade comes back lower than expected, which could actually reduce its price compared to just leaving it raw. Mint condition cards have the most to gain, while heavily played or damaged cards may see little benefit. The cost of grading also must be justified by an appropriate increase in estimated after-grading value to make financial sense. Cards that were expected be high grades like PSA 10 but grade lower could end up selling for less than just raw.

The cost-benefit analysis of getting a baseball card graded depends immensely on the individual card. High value vintage cards like valuable rookies, stars or rare sets have the most to gain from authentication and established condition. They are often the main targets for submission to the major grading services. Modern rookie cards or stars currently on the rise likewise benefit strongly. For lesser value vintage commons or modern base cards, the grading costs may exceed any realistic boost to the final sales price. In those cases, it is usually best to just sell or hold cards raw.

It also depends on planned timelines. If looking to immediately flip a card, the costs and time spent grading may outweigh benefits compared to a quicker raw sale. But for long term investment holdings, the added value and protection of a slabbed graded card is often worthwhile. Similarly, cards intended for auction have the most to gain as graded cards usually sell for premiums in that environment versus raw sales between individuals. The grading fees and timelines must again be considered against potential returns.

There is no single universally correct answer for all collectors – whether grading baseball cards provides a net benefit depends immensely on the individual card, its expected condition and rarity, planned timelines, and sales environment. Understanding the costs involved and doing thorough research on comps of similar graded vs raw cards will help determine if submitting any given card for professional authentication and grading makes financial sense or not. The increased value, protection and confidence for buyers must be balanced against fees paid and risk of lower grades for most collectors. Proper cost-benefit assessment on a card-by-card basis is required.

HOW TO GET MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The first step in the process of getting your baseball cards graded is to identify which grading company you want to use. The three major third-party grading companies for sports cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Hockey Card Grading (HCG). Each company has its own submission process and grading scale, so it’s important to review their services and guidelines to determine which company is the best fit for your cards.

Once you’ve chosen the grading company, you’ll need to set up an account on their website if you don’t already have one. From there, you can learn more about submission tiers, special group submission discounts if applicable, shipping procedures, estimated turnaround times, and payment options. Most companies offer different tiers based on how fast you want the cards graded – economy being the slowest and cheapest and express being the fastest but most expensive option.

With your account set up, you’re ready to submit your cards. You’ll want to carefully inspect each card under good lighting to assess the condition before submitting. Look for issues like centering, corners, edges and surfaces to gauge the potential grade. Take clear photos of any flaws. This homework helps ensure you submit only cards that have potential for a grade that makes financial sense. It also allows you to accurately describe each card’s condition in the submission form for the graders.

When submitting, you’ll need to precisely follow the company’s packaging and labeling guidelines. The cards must be sent in the designated holders or sleeves to avoid damage in transit. Include a completed submission form listing each card along with the condition notes. Careful preparation here can avoid potential issues or delays once received. Payment for the grading fees is also typically due at time of shipment.

Once received, the grading company will process and sort submissions based on tier. Card(s) are then handed off to a team of experienced graders who will thoroughly inspect each one under high-powered lighting and magnification. They will analyze for imperfections and assign a numerical grade on the established scale (e.g. 1-10 for BGS).

During the grading process, slabs or holders are prepared for the assigned grades. The card is then securely encapsulated to preserve and display the grade. Authentication and registry numbers unique to that card/grade combo are applied prior to QA checks.

After grading is complete, the slabs undergo final quality control inspections before shipping/delivery notifications are sent to customers. Turnaround times can vary widely depending on the submission volume and tier chosen but generally 8-12 weeks is average for economy submissions. Credentials and grading reports accessible via the company website provide full transparency into the process.

Upon receipt, you can immediately see the assigned numerical grade clearly protected inside the slab. Cards that achieved higher grades than anticipated can see realized value increases when resold or held long term. Those with lower grades than hoped can still retain collector value as part of a subset or player collection. Either way, the third party authentication and grade adds validity and preserves the card condition long term.

So in summary – choose a grading company, set up an account, carefully inspect/describe cards, precisely package/submit, wait patiently during the multi-step grading process, and finally receive the authenticated and protected slabs back to enjoy your valuable graded baseball cards! With accurate homework and care taken, the grading process yields verified collectible pieces that can appreciate significantly over time.

WHERE CAN I GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major professional sports card grading companies that most collectors use to grade their valuable baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp), and HGA (Hobby GradingAuthority). All of these companies employ expert graders who will thoroughly examine your cards and assign them a numerical grade based on factors like centering, corners, edges and surfaces. The top grade is PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label which indicates a flawless and pristine card.

With PSA, you have a few submission options. For regular service which takes several months, you can submit cards online yourself through PSA’s website or use a PSA authorized dealer. For bulk submissions of 50 cards or more, you would want to use one of their large submission programs which offer volume discounts. For much faster turnaround times of just a few weeks but at a higher price, PSA also offers a variety of express grading services. No matter which service you use, PSA will slab your cards in their black label holders after grading to protect and authenticate them.

With BGS, the submission process is very similar. You can submit cards directly through their website or use one of their authorized dealers for assistance. BGS offers several tiers of service times and prices from their lowest cost standard service to much faster expedited options. Like PSA, BGS will encase your graded cards in plastic holders branded with their logo and holograms after completion.

SGC is usually a bit more affordable for collectors on a budget compared to PSA or BGS. Their website allows you to easily submit cards online yourself. Turnaround times are shorter at just a few weeks. SGC also offers different pricing tiers depending on how fast you need the cards back. The slabs they use to encapsulate cards after grading feature their distinct green label design and security features.

A relative newcomer compared to the others is HGA. They have been gaining popularity due to offering cutting edge grading techniques and a modern sleek black design for their protective slabs. HGA accepts submissions on their website. You can choose between several service levels with the fastest HGA Express option providing a turnaround time of just a few business days. All graded HGA cards are encased in tamper-evident holders clearly marked with their branding and security features.

No matter which grading company you use, be sure to carefully package your cards with ample protection to prevent any potential shipping damage. It’s also a good idea to purchase grading insurance in case anything were to happen to your cards in transit. Most major companies now even accept submission of video or picture proofs of your cards for instant online verification and quotes prior to shipping physical items. Once graded, your certified and authenticated baseball cards can gain significant collector value, especially top grades of PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label. Proper grading is essential for high end collections and cards you may look to sell at auction. With some research on pricing and turnaround times, you’ll be able to select the best grading service provider to fit your needs and budget. Regularly checking the websites of PSA, BGS, SGC and HGA is recommended to stay on top of any policy or service changes they may implement over time. With a bit of planning, certified graded baseball cards can truly enhance your collection.

IS IT WORTH GETTING BASEBALL CARDS PSA GRADED

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Whether or not it is worth getting baseball cards professionally graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) depends on several factors. PSA is considered the gold standard in third-party card grading, but their services do come at a cost. There are submission fees, grading fees per card, and shipping costs to consider. The question really comes down to whether increased value from a high PSA grade outweighs these expenses.

One of the key reasons collectors seek PSA grading is because it provides an impartial, third-party assessment of a card’s condition and authenticity. This helps establish market value and gives buyers confidence in the grade/condition. While raw ungraded cards do still sell online and at auction, PSA slabs have become the norm for valuable vintage and modern rookie cards. A PSA credential is seen to guarantee authenticity and provide standardized condition grades that allow for fair price comparisons.

Some key advantages of PSA grading include:

Standardized condition assessments and numeric grades make it easy to compare similar cards across sales listings. This is important when establishing a fair price. Raw cards leave much more ambiguity around condition.

The slab protects the card from handling damage. Cards that have already been graded and encapsulated in hard plastic slabs require no additional protection during shipping or display. This preserves condition long-term.

Authenticated holograms/certificates of authenticity make it harder to fake a graded card. PSA’s reputation deters unscrupulous sellers from attempting to pass off reprints or altered cards.

Graded pop reports provide data on print run scarcity and how condition impacts value. Knowing precisely how many PSA 9 Ken Griffey Jr. rookies exist, for example, conveys important rarity information to buyers and sellers.

High PSA grades command dramatic premiums over comparable ungraded raw cards depending on the card. Elite vintage rookies in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition can appreciate exponentially versus even high-grade raw copies.

Slabs increase portability and resale convenience versus raw cards that require individual authentication and condition assessments each time they trade hands. PSA grades stay with the card.

The question then becomes whether the potential financial upside of a strong PSA grade covers the costs of submitting the card for authentication and grading. Important factors to consider are:

Card value – Low/mid-value cards often don’t justify the submission fee if sold raw versus graded. Cards under $100 raw usually don’t make financial sense to grade unless rare/key vintage pieces. Mid-value vintage cards $100-500 can potentially see a worthwhile boost. High-end cards $500+ usually grade well.

Expected grade – Cards in questionable/damaged condition have lower odds of a high grade. The costs often outweigh potential returns versus selling raw for parts/display. Cards needing restoration should usually stay raw versus risking a poor PSA grade. Predictably strong eyes-appeal cards have the best odds of higher grades.

Intended use – Cards intended for long-term PC collection and potential future resale grade well to preserve condition. Short-term flips where card stays in holder don’t require grading. Cards being sent to a population census service like PSA’s could potentially improve with census/registry data inclusion over time as well.

Turnaround times – Standard PSA grading has lengthy waits, so flipping a card quickly usually means selling raw. Express services costs far more but provide results in weeks versus 6+ months standard. Fast individual card authentication usually isn’t cost-effective either.

Multiple submissions – Bulk submission discounts at PSA offset costs for large collections, authentications of whole sets/team lots, or group submissions with others. Submitting cards in small batches is less efficient.

In summary – high value vintage singles $500+, key modern/rookie cards destined for long term holds, full PC collections, and bulky team/set submissions are the best candidates for PSA grading on average. Predictably strong condition mid-value cards can also make sense. But speculative low/mid-tier items, marginal condition cards, quick speculative flips, and single cards usually stay raw to avoid authentication costs outweighing potential returns. Careful consideration of grades likelihood, market, intended use and turnaround needs balances the value proposition of third-party authentication. While the PSA slab remains the gold standard in the hobby, not every card grades out as a financial winner in their holders. Discerning which cards stand the best chance provides the surest ROI from professional authentications.

WHERE TO HAVE BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major companies that offer grading services for baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), and HGA (Hierarchy Grading). Each company has their own standard for grading on different criteria like centering, corners, edges and surface to give each card an overall grade.

The first step is to select which card you want to grade. Make sure to choose high quality, valuable cards that are worthy of the grading process. Damaged or worn cards are unlikely to grade well. You’ll also want to make sure the card is authentic and not forged or altered in any way. Grading companies can sometimes detect forged cards.

Once you’ve selected the card, you’ll need to prepare it for shipment. It’s important to package the card securely to avoid any possible damage in transit. The recommended method is to put the card in a standard thin penny sleeve and toploader. Then place that inside a team bag for additional protection.

You can then fill out the submission form which requires details like your name, address, phone number, email and a full description of each card you’re submitting including the year, sport, player, set and any identifying marks. You’ll also select the turnaround tier which determines how quickly the card will be graded – options range from economy to expedited service.

Payment is required upfront and is based on the tiers, number of cards and additional services. Basic grading costs range from around $15-$30 per card depending on company and tier selected. Shipping to and from the grading company is additional. Once payment is processed, you can ship your cards to the company.

The grading process takes several weeks on average depending again on the tier paid for. Companies like PSA and BGS have detailed standards they use to examine each card under strong lighting across 10 different areas like centering, corners, edges and surfaces. Numerical grades are given on a scale, usually 1-10, with 10 being flawless mint condition.

After grading, the card will be encapsulated or “slabbed” in a tamper-proof plastic holder that displays the card along with its numeric grade. Higher mint grades of 8, 9 or 10 have considerable market value premiums compared to lower grades. You’ll then be notified via email when grading is complete and your shipped back.

Upon receipt, you can check the assigned grades to see how well each card fared in the process. Graded cards hold much greater value than raw ungraded cards and provide authentication and protection in the holder. They are easy to spotlight in a collection or resell to other collectors confident in the integrity and impartiality of the third-party grading service used.

Having baseball cards professionally graded provides documentation of a card’s condition, which is invaluable for collectors and investors alike. While there is some cost involved, top graded examples can see multi-fold increases in value and secure authentication that raw cards lack. With proper preparation and selection of the right grading company, submitters can feel confident their vintage and modern cards are being evaluated fairly and consistently. This helps maintain integrity and transparency for the entire hobby.

HOW TO GET BASEBALL CARDS PSA GRADED

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The first step is to select the cards you want to grade. Make sure to choose high quality vintage or modern cards that are in the best possible condition. Grading will not increase the value of heavily worn or damaged cards. It’s best to focus on high value rookie cards, autographs, rare parallels, and vintage Hall of Famers.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to prepare them for submission. Remove the cards from any sleeves, toploaders, or other holders. Gently wipe the surface of the card with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or residue. Make sure the card is clean on both the front and back. Carefully inspect the card under good lighting for any flaws, nicks, or wear that could affect the grade. Document any flaws you notice for the submission form.

Now you need to submit your cards to PSA. Go to PSAcard.com and create an account if you don’t already have one. Then navigate to the “Submit Cards” section. Here you’ll choose your submission service level, fill out the online submission form, and generate shipping labels. Be sure to accurately describe the condition of each card including any flaws or flaws you found during inspection.

There are several submission service levels to choose from, with different turnaround times and costs. The most basic is the Value service, which is best suited for commonly available modern cards and offers a 30-day approximate turnaround. For more valuable vintage cards, you may opt for the Express service with a 7-10 day turnaround. Just be sure the declared value of the cards matches the service level purchased for insurance purposes.

Once your submission form is completed online, it’s time to package the cards carefully for shipping. Place each card in a soft, acidic-free sleeve to avoid scratches or fingerprints. You can purchase submission cards/sleeves directly from PSA. Then organize the cards in numerical order according to the sequence on your form. Secure the sleeves together neatly with a small piece of tape.

Also include a printed copy of your completed online submission form. Place the form along with the packaged cards inside the prepaid shipping label PSA provided you. Seal the box securely with packing tape. For very valuable submissions over $500 in declared value, you may want to consider using registered mail for security. Just drop the sealed, labeled box in any USPS mailbox or collection box.

After being received by PSA, your cards will go through the rigorous multi-point inspection process. Graders will examine each card front and back under heated lighting tables and high power magnification equipment. They will meticulously analyze factors like centering, corners, edges, surface, and consider the grade criteria for the specific card issue/year.

You can track the status of your submission online through your PSA account. Typically grading takes 4-6 weeks for Value submissions depending on current volumes, but Express levels are much faster. Once grading is completed, PSA will encapsulate qualifying cards in tamper-evident holders with the assigned numerical grade.

PSA will then mail your graded cards back to the address provided. Be sure to check for any extras like autographed label requests. Review the official PSA graded labels and modern slabs for accuracy. If satisfied, consider having qualifying vintage cards crossed over to higher tier holders for added preservation and value later. And that concludes the detailed process for submitting cards to PSA for professional third-party authentication and grading. Let me know if any part of the process needs further explanation!