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HOW TO HAVE YOUR BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The first step in getting your baseball cards graded is to choose a grading company. The three largest and most reputable companies are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corp). Each company has their own standards and population reports, so do some research to see which company specializes in the player, team, or era of the cards you are looking to grade.

Once you’ve selected a grading company, you’ll need to purchase the necessary cardboard holders and submission forms from them. PSA, BGS, and SGC all sell plastic holders and submission forms on their websites that are required to safely encapsulate and identify your cards during the grading process. The cost of the holders and forms varies depending on how many cards you are submitting.

When preparing your cards for submission, it is important that they are clean and in the best possible condition prior to grading. Gently wipe the front and back of each card with a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt, fingerprints, or other debris. Inspect each card closely under bright lighting for flaws, nicks, or imperfections that could affect the grade. Consider having professionally cleaned or pressing done by a third party service if there are serious creases, stains, or other problems with a card’s surface or edges.

Once clean, you’ll need to carefully place each card into the correct plastic holder for its size. Alignment is critical, as any tilt or offset could cause the card to receive a lower sub-grade. When inserting the card, use smooth, steady pressure to avoid fingerprints or additional damage. Don’t force the card if it doesn’t fit smoothly. The surface of the card must lay perfectly flat without tilting or angling when fully inserted into the holder.

After the card is securely in its holder, fill out a submission form for each item. The form needs to include your name, return shipping address, payment information, and a detailed description of the card and any identifying markings. On the back of each holder, write the corresponding form number to match it to the description. Take photos of any significant flaws, grade-affecting defects, or historical significance of the card and include them with the submission forms for the graders’ reference.

Once all your cards are in holders with filled out forms, you’ll need to pack them securely for shipping. Individually bubble wrap each holder and form together, being careful not to bend or damage the cardboard. Pack the items tightly together in a rigid shipping box with ample packing material like bubble wrap or air pillows on all sides. Seal and tape the box well and attach the prepaid shipping label from the grading company. Keep documentation of the submission process by taking photos of the packed boxes before shipping.

When the graders receive your submission, it will enter the queue to be inspected. Turnaround times vary greatly depending on workload but typically range from a few weeks to several months depending on service level. During grading, trained authenticators meticulously examine each card under high powered lighting and magnification for flaws, centering, corners, edges and surface quality. They will then determine a numerical grade on the widely recognized 1-10 point scale.

After grading, the card and holder are sonically sealed in plastic to preserve the condition. Your cards will then be returned along with a detailed individual grading report for each item. The reports note the assigned numerical grade as well as sub-grades for various aspects. You’ll receive your cards back securely packaged in their holders along with any other included items like photos or cards not eligible for grading. Review all items carefully upon return and contact the company promptly if anything is missing or incorrectly attributed.

The slabbing and records provided by third party grading adds validity, transparency and standardized evaluation that is valuable when determining value and for resale purposes. Properly researching submission procedures, carefully preparing cards, using reputable grader and precisely following instructions helps ensure a smooth grading experience. With some planning and care, collectors can have their prized vintage cards authenticated and encapsulated for preservation and to spotlight their true condition and quality.

HOW DO YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Getting baseball cards professionally graded involves sending your cards to one of the major third-party grading companies, like PSA, BGS, or SGC. These companies will carefully examine each card, assign it a grade based on its condition compared to mint examples, slab the card to protect it long-term, and authenticate it.

The first step is to carefully examine each card you want to grade and determine its approximate condition. Major flaws like bent corners, creases, scratches or damage will significantly lower a grade. Ideally, you want cards in as pristine condition as possible to achieve the highest potential grade. Most sought-after vintage cards in gem mint condition can be worth 10X or more than a lower graded version.

Next, you’ll need to purchase grading submission packages from the company you choose. They offer different tiers based on turnaround time and level of service. Standard bulk submissions are the most affordable option but can take months to be returned. Express services cost more but get cards back much quicker. You’ll need to read submission guidelines exactly as companies have strict rules on preparation.

The cards must then be packaged very carefully in protective holders like penny sleeves and toploaders. They cannot have any scratches or fingerprints which could affect the grade. Arrange cards neatly inside the shipping container with your submitted order form detailing each card. Seal and label the package clearly before sending it insured to the grading company.

Once received, thecards go through a multi-step process. Highly trained graders first examine each under bright lighting against standard reference samples to analyze for flaws visible to the naked eye under 10x magnification. They are then authenticated and the grade determined based on established numerical criteria factors like centering, corners, edges and surface.

Grades run from 1-10, with anything 6.5 and above considered “gem mint” condition suitable for long-term preservation and appreciation in value. Lower grades still preserve condition but suggest flaws. After grading, each card is then sealed inside a tamper-proof plastic slab with the grade clearly labeled for authentication and protection going forward.

Grading reports with pass-through authentication numbers are generated for each card and packaged with the now slabbed cards for return shipment. You’ll be notified once complete and can track packages online. Having cards authenticated and graded in this manner provides a standard of assessment future buyers can rely on should you ever want to resell. Professionally certified high grades command top dollar from serious collectors.

While there is a cost to the grading process, it makes sense for valuable vintage cards you want to preserve long-term or iconic modern rookies and stars likely to appreciate significantly with third-party certification of their condition over time. Just be sure to carefully research the major grading companies to determine which best aligns with your needs for trusted authentication and preservation of your baseball card collection’s condition and value.

DOES IT COST MONEY TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Yes, it does typically cost money to have baseball cards professionally graded by the major third-party grading companies. There are several large companies that provide grading services for collectibles like sports cards, including PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sports Grading Company), and HGA (Hobby Grading Access). Each of these companies charge submission fees for their services.

The costs to grade baseball cards can vary depending on a few factors like the specific grading company used, how many cards are being submitted at once, and the type of grading service selected. Usually a bulk regular submission is the most affordable option, while special express services or single card submissions tend to be more expensive. As a general overview, here are the typical costs you can expect from the major grading companies:

PSA is usually considered the gold standard of grading but also tends to be one of the more expensive options. Their basic regular submission service charges $10 per card with additional costs based on turnaround time. Bulk submissions of 50 cards or more get a lower $8 per card fee. They also offer various express and bulk discount programs. Turnaround times can range from a few months to over a year depending on the selected service level.

BGS offers similarly tiered submission options. A regular bulk service of 10 or more cards is $12 per card. Single card submissions are $18 each. Like PSA they have different fast-track options that are more costly per card. BGS turnaround is usually faster than PSA as well, ranging from a couple weeks to a few months depending on the service selected.

SGC provides the most economical grading options of the major companies. Their basic bulk submission of 10 or more cards is only $7.50 per card. Single card submissions are still affordable at $12 each. SGC aims for fast 2-4 week turnaround times across all their services. Some collectors consider SGC slabs to have less resale value than PSA or BGS graded cards, however.

Newer company HGA is also very competitively priced, charging $7.50 per card for bulk submissions of 10 cards or more with $10 for single cards. Their quoted turnaround is around 2-4 weeks as well. HGA uses different innovative slabbing compared to the other companies which some collectors enjoy or have concerns about.

Beyond just the per card grading fees, there are usually also shipping costs involved depending on how cards are submitted and returned. Most grading companies recommend using registered mail or other trackable shipping methods for submissions to ensure cards arrive safely. Return shipping is also usually additional. Insurance can provide peace of mind but also adds to costs.

The total money invested in grading baseball cards really depends on several factors. For a budget-conscious collector, SGC’s affordable bulk submissions of 10 or more cards for $7.50 each are probably the lowest cost option. But for cards expected to have strong resale value, PSA or BGS are still top choices even with their higher single card fees. Doing research, planning volume, and comparing services are recommended before committing cards to get the best grading value.

While it is possible to grade cards yourself or use less established services, all the major respected third party grading companies do require fees per card. Costs can range from as low as $7.50 each for bulk SGC submissions up to $18 or more for single card express PSA or BGS service levels. Factors like company, submission size, turnaround time, and total shipping costs are what determine the financial investment required to professionally authenticate and encapsulate sports cards for long-term preservation and potentially increased collectible value. Grading provides documentation that can help resell graded cards for higher prices, so the costs have to be weighed versus potential returns on investment. With planning and comparison shopping, most collectors should be able to find affordable grading options through one of the established leaders in the sports card authentication industry.

HOW MUCH TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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There are several companies that offer grading services for baseball cards, with PSA, BGS, SGC and HGA being some of the most popular. The cost to grade cards can vary depending on factors like turnaround time, value of the card, and number of cards being submitted.

One of the biggest factors that determines grading costs is which company you choose to use. PSA is generally considered the gold standard for baseball card grading but they also tend to be the most expensive. Their standard service takes around 6 months currently and costs $20 per card. Their Express service which takes about 30 days costs $100 per card. BGS is usually a bit cheaper than PSA with their standard service at $15 per card and their Rush service at $75 per card which takes 1-2 months.

SGC tends to offer some of the most affordable options. Their Bulk submission service which allows you to submit up to 100 cards at once costs just $10 per card but can take 4-6 months to complete. Their Express service is $25 per card and takes 1-2 months. Finally, HGA is one of the newer players but they aim to be very cost efficient. Their base service is only $5 per card and takes around 2 months currently. They also have an Express option for $15 per card that is completed within 3 weeks.

In addition to the per card grading fees, most companies also charge shipping/handling and authentication fees. PSA charges $20 for the first order return shipping plus $10 for each additional card. BGS charges $15 for the first card and $5 for each additional. SGC has a flat $15 returned shipping fee. HGA just charges $9 for return shipping on orders of 10 or less cards.

When submitting larger bulk orders, grading costs per card can be reduced significantly. PSA offers the most substantial volume discounts, reducing costs by as much as 75% if 500 cards or more are submitted at once. BGS and SGC also offer volume discounts but they are not as steep as PSA’s. The tradeoff is bulk submissions from any company will take much longer to be graded since they are done in large batches.

Card value also comes into play for some companies. PSA and BGS have higher “declared value” fees for cards expected to grade as gems worth $500 or more. PSA charges $75 extra declared value fee per card while BGS is $50. SGC and HGA do not have declared value added costs. Special services like cross-over grading (getting the same card graded by multiple companies) will increase costs further.

For a single modern baseball card submitted individually, expect to pay between $15-25 for a standard 2-4 month turnaround depending on the grading company selected. Faster Express services are $50-100 per card usually. Larger bulk submissions offer cost savings per card but much longer wait times. Card value and special services increase costs as well. Proper research into turnaround needs and each company’s policies is important to determine the best option.

HOW DO YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED FOR FREE

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While most major third-party grading companies like PSA, BGS, and SGC charge a fee to grade and encapsulate baseball cards, there are some options to potentially get cards graded for free. It’s important to note that free grading usually comes with some limitations or caveats compared to paid services.

One of the best options for free grading is to utilize membership or incentives programs offered by some grading companies. For example, PSA and SGC both offer membership levels where you pay an annual fee but receive a certain number of free submissions each year as part of your membership. The PSA Gold membership is $99 per year and comes with 5 free standard submissions while the PSA Platinum membership is $299 per year and includes 15 free standard submissions. Similarly, SGC offers an Annual Membership for $99 that includes 5 free standard submissions per year. So if you plan to submit multiple cards for grading each year, these membership levels can save you money long-term versus just paying submission fees individually. You’ll need to do the math based on your submission plans to see if a membership pays off.

Some online grading forums and Facebook groups also run occasional group submission programs where a coordinator will collect cards from multiple members, send them in to the grading company together to maximize the bulk order discounts, then distribute the graded cards back once completed. These group submissions often charge significantly less per card to grade than individual submissions. For example, a group submission may charge $10-15 per card versus the standard $20-30 individual fee. Occasionally, some group coordinators may offer free spots where they absorb the cost of certain cards in the group order for promotional purposes. Keep an eye out for these opportunities in hobby communities you’re a part of.

Another potential avenue for free grading is targeting baseball card shows, conventions, and local card shop promotions. Major grading companies regularly attend and set up booths at large card shows and will sometimes run special submission deals exclusively for show attendees. You may get one or two cards graded for free or at a steep discount by submitting them on-site during the event. Local card shops that have grading service partnerships may also offer occasional free grading promotions for loyal customers too. Ask your shop about any upcoming contests.

There’s also the very long shot possibility of essentially “winning the grading lottery” by pulling a truly rare and valuable card from a pack or box that’s worthy of a nine or ten grade. In those ultra-rare cases, the grading company may waive the submission fee since encapsulating and authenticating such a high-value card provides great publicity and promotional value for them. Don’t count on hitting pay dirt like that anytime soon!

For the most hardcore collectors, another option is bulk submitting very inexpensive common cards that have a realistic chance at a high grade to potentially earn free submission credits from the grading companies. PSA and SGC both have reward programs where earning a certain number of points from paid submissions unlocks free grading opportunities. Points are awarded based on the value of the card – so submitting 50 common cards worth $1-2 each could earn enough points for one free higher value submission down the road. But this approach requires a major time commitment andgrading common cards solely for the theoretical future free submission isn’t practical or profitable for most collectors.

As you can see, there are no true easy or guaranteed ways to get cards graded completely free, especially through the major third party authenticators. Any “free” options still require some form of membership investment, coordination/luck through group submissions, or long-term gaming of reward point systems. For most collectors, paying the individual submission fees – or utilizing one of the member or group discount approaches – remains the most practical path. But keeping an eye out for occasional show specials or local shop promotions may provide a rare chance at free slabbing from time to time. With some research and waiting for the right opportunities, free baseball card grading is possible, just not widely available. Reliable information and planning is required to maximize any chances of avoiding costs.

HOW TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED NEAR ME

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The first step to getting baseball cards professionally graded is to choose a grading company. The three most prominent companies are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation). Each company has their own standards and population reports, so it’s a good idea to research each one to determine which best fits your needs.

Once you’ve chosen a grading company, you will need to purchase the appropriate submission service for sending your cards in to be graded. Typically the submission options are bulk, standard, and express service levels depending on the turnaround time desired. Be sure to check the company website for their most up to date submission guidelines, fees, and service level options. It’s also a good idea to contact the company directly if you have any questions about the submission process.

Next, you will need to properly package your cards to ensure they are adequately protected during shipping and handling. Most grading companies provide free submission holders/bags/boxes that are specifically designed for their process. At a minimum, your cards should be places in hard plastic or penny sleeves before being placed inside a top loader or other rigid case. Soft sleeves alone are not sufficient. The graded cards will be returned to you in the submission holder.

When preparing your cards to submit, it is essential that you thoroughly clean them first. Even minor dirt, fingerprints or debris could negatively impact the assigned grade. Professional grading standards demand pristine surfaces. Use a microfiber cloth or specialty card cleaning solution/fluid and carefully wipe both sides of each card. Allow them to fully dry before packaging for submission.

You will also need to fill out a detailed submission form listing all the cards you are sending along with their identifying information like the player, year, set, and card number. The form should match the exact contents of your submission package. Clearly writing small details like this is important for accurate matching upon return. Photocopying the completed form for your records is also advised.

Assemble your submission package following all the guidelines provided by the grading company. You want it to be a professional, organized presentation that clearly displays your cards and matches your submitted form. Use the provided boxes/baggies and include payment (options like check, money order or PayPal usually exist). Trackable insured shipping is highly recommended, especially for valuable submissions.

Once received, the grading process can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months depending on the selected service level. Companies work to expedite turnaround times, but hobby demand fluctuations can impact estimated return dates. You will be notified by email when your graded cards are ready to ship back to you. Typical quality assurance checks are also in place throughout the grading process.

Upon return, inspect your freshly slabbed cards for any signs of damage during transit. Hold them up to a light to ensure there are no smudges or debris visible between the plastic slabs. Contact the grading company promptly about any issues. Log your new certified graded baseball cards with photographs and detailed descriptions in your collection database for future reference of the assigned numerical grade.

With some planning and care, getting your valuable cards professionally graded by one of the leading authentication/grading services can both protect and significantly increase their value long term as verified and certified collectibles. Following all submission guidelines closely will help ensure your experience goes as smoothly as possible from start to finish. With a bit of patience, your prized cards can now be enjoyed and displayed with the respected grading label.

WHERE TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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The major third-party grading companies for baseball cards include PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), and HGA (HG Sports). Each company has their own specialization and reputation within the hobby.

PSA is generally considered the most stringent grader and the gold standard, as they have been grading cards the longest since the mid-1980s. They also tend to have the longest wait times, sometimes over a year for regular service levels. BGS is also well respected and was the first major competitor to PSA. SGC has grown in popularity in recent years for their somewhat faster turnaround times compared to PSA/BGS. HGA is the newest major grader but aims to be the fastest option.

In terms of the grading process, it usually begins by selecting the cards you wish to grade and researching the set and print run to understand how rare different grades might be. This will help manage expectations for the final grades. The cards should then be placed in hard plastic holders to send for protection.

Most grading companies recommend at a minimum using toploaders, which are thin hard plastic sleeves that cards can be securely placed in to avoid potential damage from being touched or rubbed during shipping and processing. Many people use laminated holders that are much more durable and secure than regular toploaders. Laminated holders usually cost $1-2 each but provide extra protection that may be worth it for valuable cards.

After selecting cards and putting them in holders, you will need to register an account on the grading company’s website. Most major graders offer different submission service levels ranging from economy bulk submissions up to higher tiers with express turnaround times and other bonuses. Make sure to research the various service level options and prices so you select the best fit.

The submission process usually involves logging into your account, creating a new order, and entering details for each individual card like the year, sport, player name, and any other relevant identifiers. You can also include notes to request special autograph authentication or other specialty services. Most companies charge a flat fee per card graded, usually $10-20 depending on factors like turnaround time and value of the cards.

Once all the card details are entered and you have selected a service level, you generate shipping labels and pack the cards securely in a ship-ready order. Most important is using a durable box, thick bubble wrap layers, and avoiding excess movement inside. The graded cards will be returned in the same box. You pay and ship off the order to the grading company.

From there, the cards will undergo the rigorous multi-point examination process where trained graders assess factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface for any flaws under high-powered lighting. They will also verify authenticity and assign numerical grades on the widely used 1-10 scale. Once graded, the cards are then encapsulated in protective slabs with the grades clearly labeled.

The biggest thing to monitor during the grading process is tracking your order status online. Most companies provide estimated turnaround dates upfront and updates as your order progresses through receipt, grading, and shipping back out. When complete, you will receive an email notification that your graded cards have been returned. Carefully open and inspect for any potential shipping damage issues before accepting the order.

Thoroughly photograph and document the graded cards for your records, as this helps if any issues arise down the road. From there, you can proudly display your new encapsulated vintage or modern baseball cards, or potentially consider reselling through online auction sites like eBay. Taking the time for the detailed grading process helps preserve card conditions and brings authentic third-party verification that is highly valued by serious collectors.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRADED AND UNGRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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Graded and ungraded baseball cards differ in several important ways. Graded cards have been professionally assessed and assigned a grade by one of the major third-party grading companies, such as PSA, BGS, or SGC. These companies examine the card closely under special lighting and magnification to analyze the condition and assign it a numerical grade on their respective grading scales from 1 to 10. Cards that receive higher numerical grades, such as 9s and 10s, are typically in near mint to mint condition with few to no defects. Lower graded cards, such as 5s and 6s, will show more visible signs of wear.

Ungraded cards, on the other hand, have not been professionally analyzed or assigned a grade. The condition of ungraded cards can vary widely from mint to poor. When buying and selling ungraded cards, there is far more uncertainty about the true condition and visual appeal of the card compared to a graded card. Buyers and sellers have to rely on detailed photos and verbal condition descriptions to evaluate ungraded cards. Issues like centering, corners, edges and surface defects are harder to discern without professional grading.

Grading a card provides a consistent and standardized assessment of its condition that gives buyers more confidence. The slab and grade label from the grading company serve to clearly communicate the card’s condition to potential buyers. This allows graded cards, especially higher grades, to sell more easily to a wider collector base and often demand significant premiums compared to raw, ungraded versions of the same card. Cards that may otherwise be overlooked or discounted due to minor condition issues can receive a desirable grade that increases demand.

The grading process itself comes at a cost that is passed on to buyers and sellers. Major grading companies charge submission fees that can range from around $10-20 per card for bulk order discounts on economy tiers, to $20-40 per card or more for express services and top-graded card bonuses. Once graded, cards will need protective holders which also have associated costs. As a result, graded cards usually sell for higher prices to account for the initial and ongoing costs of the grading process over time.

Ungraded cards avoid these upfront grading fees and encapsulation costs. For buyers on a budget or collectors only interested in dealing with raw cards, large collections can still be acquired relatively inexpensively in ungraded form compared to graded equivalents. As mentioned earlier, condition and visual appeal are harder to discern without professional grading certification. There is also the risk that cards believed to be in a certain condition could grade lower if submitted, resulting in a loss of perceived value to the buyer or seller.

Graded baseball cards provide a consistent and standardized condition assessment to give buyers higher confidence through a recognized numerical grading scale. This standardized communication of quality has allowed modern graded sports cards to become a mainstream alternative asset class. The grading process itself introduces initial and recurring costs that are reflected in higher prices compared to ungraded versions. Both graded and ungraded cards have their place in the hobby depending on a collector’s interests, budget and how they prefer to collect and trade cards.

WHERE TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major companies that professionally grade baseball cards are PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Standard Grading Company). These companies assign cards numeric grades on a scale, usually 1-10, to indicate their condition and quality. Getting cards professionally graded can greatly increase their value for serious collectors and resellers.

The first step is to carefully evaluate the condition of each card and determine if grading is worthwhile. Only gems in near perfect condition have potential to receive the elite grades of 9 or 10 that bring the highest prices. Cards with flaws, dull surfaces, bent corners or edges are unlikely to grade very high. It’s best to focus on rookie cards and other key cards in your collection that show minimal to no signs of wear.

Next, you’ll need to register an account on the grading company’s website and read their submission guidelines closely. They clearly outline requirements like the number of cards per submission, payment methods, turnaround times and packaging instructions. Submissions usually have tiers based on the number of cards – the more cards, the lower the per card cost but it may take longer to get them back.

All major companies require cardboard holders for each card to be graded. These plastic cases protect the cards during the grading process. You can purchase single card holders online or in card shop supply stores. Make sure to thoroughly clean any dust or particles off the card surfaces before sealing them in the holders.

Once you have all the cards in individual holders, it’s time to package them securely for shipping. You’ll need a shipping box sturdy enough to withstand being tossed around in transit. Bubble wrap or other cushioning material should surround and separate each individual holder within the larger box. Also include a completed submission form listing details of each card.

Most companies offer mailing labels you can print directly from your online account. Be sure to choose the appropriate service level and pay for shipping insurance. Time in transit and protection from damage or loss is critical. Once received, the company will log in your submission and cards will enter the grading queue.

After several weeks usually, you’ll be notified grading is complete. Login again to view full images and descriptions of each card along with its numerical grade. Cards are then packaged and returned similarly to how you sent them in. Now you’ve got professionally certified gems to proudly display or potentially sell for top dollar to serious collectors!

Be sure to store properly graded cards in semi-rigid holders or high-quality binder pages that don’t risk harming the assigned grades over time. Periodically checking conditions and re-submitting top cards that risk grade reduction is wise. Third party certification adds credibility and value that benefits both collectors and potential buyers down the road. With careful planning and attention to submission details, the grading process can truly enhance your baseball card collection.

WHERE CAN YOU GET YOUR BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – PSA is widely considered the leading authority for sport card authentication and grading. They have been in business since 1991 and have graded hundreds of millions of cards over the years. To submit cards for grading with PSA, cardholders first need to register for a PSA member account on their website. They can then purchase shipping labels to send their cards in for grading. It’s recommended to carefully research PSA’s submission guidelines and pick the appropriate grading service level depending on turnaround time and cost. Cards submitted will be thoroughly inspected and assigned a grade on a scale of 1 to 10 based on several factors like centering, corners, edges and surface. The assigned grade greatly impacts the value of the card. Once graded, the cards are then heat sealed in protective plastic holders with the grade clearly labeled, making them easily identifiable for potential buyers.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – Founded in 1992, BGS is another highly respected name in the card grading industry. Like PSA, they have precise standards used by expert graders to assess cards. BGS made some enhancements to their traditional 10-point scale by introducing plus (+) and minus (-) qualifiers after certain numbers, allowing for a greater degree of separation between grades. For example, an 8.5 would be higher than an 8 but lower than a 9. Their online submission process and guidelines are straightforward. BGS also offers special service packages for bulk submissions. The turnaround times can vary from economical 30-day options to rushed 5-day express services.

Hobby Certification Services, LLC (HCS) – While not as large as PSA or BGS, HCS has still graded millions of cards since 1996. They use a similar 10-point scale for consistency. HCS prices are often more affordable compared to the big two. The cards do not carry the same pedigree and may attract lower prices from collectors. They are still a decent option for common/uncommon cards not worth the premium grading fees from PSA/BGS but needing authentication in a holder. HCS offers quick turnaround budget choices as well as higher-end elite verification packages.

Sportscard Guaranty, LLC (SGC) – Launched in 2000, SGC has steadily grown by targeting collectors who want an alternative to the higher costs of PSA/BGS submissions. They charge reasonable pricing and strive to match those companies’ standards. SGC holders adequately preserve cards in multi-panel black holders displaying the numeric grade up front. While resale values may not be quite as high as with PSA or BGS currently, SGC certainly provides a solid option for cost-conscious collectors.

There are a few other smaller grading services available too, but the above four are among the biggest names most trusted by the collectibles community. Ideally, cards intended for long-term preserving and potentially resale should be submitted to PSA or BGS, as their certification holds strong value recognition. But the others can still nicely serve the purpose of authentication in protective slabs for cards of lesser rarity and condition without breaking the bank on grading fees. Doing research to understand the submission processes, pricing structures, turnaround times and relative pedigree of each company is prudent before deciding where to get valuable baseball cards professionally graded.