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WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH GETTING GRADED

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The most valuable baseball cards to consider grading are typically rookie cards or especially rare vintage cards that are in excellent condition. Grading helps validate the condition and authenticity of high-value cards. It’s important to note that grading is an expense, so cards need to have reasonable potential resale value to make the cost worthwhile.

Some specific types of baseball cards that commonly hold value and benefit greatly from professional grading include:

Rookie cards of Hall of Fame players and other top stars: Rookie cards for legends like Mickey Mantle, Mike Trout, Ken Griffey Jr., and others can gain huge increases in value with a high grade from PSA or BGS. Cards that received lower print runs also tend to benefit more from grading.

Unique vintage cards pre-1960s: Early vintage cards like the infamous 1909-11 T206 series, pre-war tobacco cards, and others become exponentially more valuable in high grades. Top graded examples of these rare antique cards can sell for six or even seven figures.

Lower print run inserts and parallels from the late 1980s-2000s: Insert sets like 1992 Bowman Chrome refractors and certain parallel cards with limited distributions hold appeal for modern graded card collectors. Toppers, 1/1s, and extremely rare printing variations are especially appealing graded.

Autograph and memorabilia cards: Autographed cards and relic cards with intact, well-centered signatures/patches are ideal candidates for authentication and grading to verify their authenticity. This increases confidence for collecting and resale. High-end 10/10 “black label” graded autos can be exceptionally valuable.

Complete vintage and modern sets: Putting together high-grade examples of entire sets, whether it’s the 1959 Topps set or a pristine 2011 Update set, takes significant effort and the slabs add prestige and security. It also protects condition over the long term for display or future sale purposes.

As for specific cards worth considering, here are some top examples organized by release decade:

1910s – T206 Honus Wagner, T206 High Numbers R340 Ed Manning

1920s – 1924 Baseball Gum 2B Max Carey, 1929 Langendorf Bakery Joe Judge

1930s – 1933 Goudey R310 Jimmie Foxx, 1934 Goudey R316 Mel Ott

1940s – 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio, 1941-42 Play Ball Denny Galehouse

1950s – 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle RC, 1959 Topps Bobby Richardson RC

1960s – 1965 Topps Sandy Koufax RC, 1968 Topps Johnny Bench RC

1970s – 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan RC, 1979 Donruss Tony Gwynn RC

1980s – 1981 Fleer Darryl Strawberry RC, 1984 Donruss Roger Clemens RC

1990s – 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC, 1992 Bowman’s Best Derek Jeter RC

2000s – 2000 Bowman Chrome prospects Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis RCs

2010s – 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout RC, 2012 Topps Update Bryce Harper RC

High-grade examples of star player rookie cards, especially popular Hall of Famers, as well as extremely rare vintage issues from the pre-war era through the 1950s offer the most upside potential when considered for professional third-party grading authentication and analysis of condition. But all valuable collectibles can benefit greatly from the increased confidence, preservation, and market value that grading provides.

WHAT DOES GRADED MEAN FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to collecting baseball cards, the term “graded” refers to a card that has been professionally analyzed and given a grade by one of the major third-party grading services. There are a few such companies that are considered the authorities when it comes to baseball card grading, including Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Hockey Card Grading (HCG).

These professional grading companies will analyze a card submitted to them and assign it a numerical grade based on its condition and quality of preservation. The highest grade a card can receive is gem mint (GM) or mint (MT) 10. A mint 10 designation means the card is in absolutely pristine condition with no flaws. As the grades go lower, they indicate slight flaws in the centering, edges, surface, or corners of the card. The lowest grade a card can get is poor (PR) 1, which would mean the card is damaged or in very rough shape.

Grading a card serves several important functions for serious collectors. First, it provides an objective analysis of a card’s condition from a trusted third party authority. This allows buyers and sellers to clearly understand the quality and value of a graded card. Without grading, condition issues like centering, edges or surface flaws might be subjectively described but hard to truly quantify. Grading eliminates ambiguity.

Grading also greatly enhances a card’s liquidity and value. By slabbing a card in a hard plastic holder with the grade clearly displayed, it makes the card much easier to sell or trade. Buyers can be confident in the assessed grade without having to closely inspect the raw card itself. This opens the potential market considerably. Studies have shown graded cards typically sell for a strong premium over raw, ungraded versions of the same card in similar condition.

Perhaps most importantly, grading helps preserve the card long-term. Once slabbed by the grading service, the card is protected from physical damage, fingerprints or accidental wear-and-tear that could diminish its condition over time. This allows serious collectors, especially of high-value vintage cards, to guarantee optimal preservation for decades into the future. Some of the most expensive baseball cards ever sold were graded mint specimens over 100 years old.

The grading process itself is exacting and standardized. Submitters pay a fee and shipping costs to send cards to the grading service. Multiple human graders will then carefully analyze each card under specialized lighting and magnification tools. They assess criteria like centering, corners, edges and surface quality against official photographic guides. Statistical data ensures grading consistency over time. Any restoration, alterations or damage factors into the final grade assigned.

Once graded, the card is encased within an inert polypropylene holder or slab branded with the grading company’s logo. The front of the slab prominently displays the card image along with its numerical grade. Information like the card’s year, set and sport are noted on the back along with unique alphanumeric certification codes. This makes a graded card instantly verifiable as authentic.

While bringing various benefits, the grading process does have some potential downsides that collectors should be aware of as well. The cost of submitting multiple cards can add up significantly over time. Resubmitting a card to try achieving a higher grade re-incurs submission fees. There is also possibility of human grading errors despite quality control efforts. And once slabbed, a card cannot be physically examined in the same way again.

The term “graded” when used in reference to baseball cards denotes a card that has undergone the rigorous authentication and condition assessment process of a professional third-party grading service. Receiving an official assigned grade helps validate a card’s quality, enhances its value in the marketplace, aids in long-term preservation, and removes ambiguity about its condition that is inherent with raw, ungraded cards. For serious vintage card collectors and investors, grading has become essentially indispensable to properly understand and establish value.

HOW TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The process of getting baseball cards professionally graded involves several key steps. The first step is to select the cards you want to submit for grading. Make sure to only submit high quality, mint condition cards that could potentially receive top grades. Worn, damaged, or low value cards are usually not worth the cost of submitting.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to register an account with one of the major third-party grading companies like PSA, BGS, or SGC. These companies set the industry standard for grading and authentication of sports cards. On their website, you can set up a profile, add your submission, and pay the grading fees. Standard submission fees range from around $10-$20 per card depending on the turnaround time and service level selected.

Next, you’ll need to properly package your cards for shipping. The grading companies have strict instructions on how cards must be packaged to arrive safely and intact. Typically this involves placing each card in a rigid holder or sleeve. Then grouping multiples of sleeved cards between cardboard or plastic panels. This whole package then gets placed in a shipping box with ample packing material like bubble wrap or air packs. Proper packaging is critical to avoid damage in transit which could affect the grade or cause rejection.

When assembling your submission, be sure to include any paperwork required like the submission form listing what’s being graded. You may need to note the turnaround service requested and provide a return shipping address as well. Carefully following all instructions will help ensure a smooth process. Once packaged correctly, simply ship your submission to the grading company using a tracked carrier like USPS, UPS, or FedEx.

After being received, the grading company will log in your submission and begin the multi-step grading process. Experienced grade members will first thoroughly inspect each card under high magnification lighting to examine for flaws, centering issues, corners, edges and surface quality. The actual grade is determined using the industry standard 1-10 point numerical scale which considers the card’s overall condition and quality retention relative to when it was originally packaged from the manufacturer.

Once graded, the card is then authenticated by verifying production details match factory records to avoid counterfeits. After authentication and grading is complete, the card is slabbed – which means it’s placed in a durable plastic holder that locks and seals the grade, description and identifying markers on the back. This slab protects the card and deters potential tampering or alterations to the official grade.

Slabbed cards are then quality checked before finally being packaged and shipped back to the customer together with any other submitted cards and a detailed grading certificate listing individual results. Turnaround times can range from a few weeks up to several months depending on volume and the service level. Expedited services are available for rush submissions.

Upon receiving back the graded cards, customers then have valuable collectibles with an official third-party certification of quality, condition and authenticity which can significantly impact their appraised market values. Professionally graded cards are essential for high value transactions whether buying, selling or consigning pieces in a dealer’s marketplace. This rigorous process helps both buyers and sellers transact with confidence in the hobby.

Grading involves selecting cards to submit, registering with a company, proper packaging, shipping to the grader, an extensive examination process, encapsulation, quality control, and return shipment with certificates. Following all instructions closely ensures smooth submissions and reliable, trusted grading reports that benefit collectors and the larger sports card marketplace. With valuable cards, it’s always recommended to use experienced, reputable third-party experts to objectively assess condition.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The cost to grade baseball cards depends on a few key factors – the specific grading company you choose, how quickly you want the cards returned, and the number of cards being submitted. Let’s break this down factor by factor:

Grading Company – There are several professional card grading companies that authenticate and assign grades to baseball cards. The three main companies are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Garantee Company). PSA is generally the most expensive option, while SGC tends to be the most affordable. BGS falls in the middle price-wise.

PSA has a basic membership fee of $100 per year, which allows you to submit up to 50 cards for grading at once. After that initial membership fee, their costs break down as follows:

Standard turnaround (10-12 weeks) – $10 per card
Economy (14-16 weeks) – $8 per card
Express (3-5 weeks) – $15 per card
Ultra Modern (1-2 weeks) – $20 per card

BGS charges similar pricing but without a membership fee. Their regular turnaround is $8-$10 per card depending on volume. Expedited service is $12-$15 per card. SGC offers even better value at $6-$8 per card regularly and $10-$12 expedited.

Turnaround Time – As you can see from the PSA pricing above, choosing a faster turnaround time increases the per card cost. Standard and economy speeds tend to be the best value, while express and ultra modern are more expensive options if you need cards back quickly. It’s important to factor in your desired timetable when budgeting for grading costs.

Number of Cards – The total dollar amount scales up significantly based on submission size. Most grading companies offer volume discount tiers starting around 50 cards. For example, PSA drops the per card cost to $9 each for submissions of 50-99 cards. BGS and SGC have similar volume discounts as well. So submitting in larger batches is generally better for your wallet.

In addition to per card charges, most companies also assess a small shipping fee to send the cards to and from their facilities. Typically $10-15 each way depending on package weight and dimensions. Insured shipping is recommended, adding a bit more cost.

Accounting for all these variables, here are some examples of total grading costs:

25 cards to PSA at standard speed:

25 cards at $10 each = $250
$15 roundtrip shipping = $265 total

100 cards to BGS at regular turnaround:

100 cards at $8 each = $800
$25 roundtrip shipping with discount = $825 total

200 cards to SGC in 3 bulk submissions of 50 each at expedited speed:

150 cards at $8 each = $1200
50 cards at $10 each for expedited = $500
$45 shipping each way for 3 subs = $270
Total = $1200 + $500 + $270 = $1970

As you can see, grading costs can range from a few hundred dollars up to well over $1000 depending on the specific parameters. Taking the time to carefully consider those key factors like company, speed, and submission size is important for getting the best value when sending cards to be authenticated and assigned a grade. Let me know if any part of the process needs further explanation.

HOW BASEBALL CARDS ARE GRADED

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Baseball cards are professionally graded on their condition and quality by expert grading services. There are several companies that provide this service, with the three largest and most well-known being PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation).

To have cards graded, collectors will send their cards to one of these grading services protected in specially designed submission holders. The cards are then analyzed under strong lighting by experienced graders using specialized magnification equipment. Every aspect of the card’s condition and appearance is inspected, including the centering, corners, edges and surface/print quality of both the front and back of the card. Natural variations in the card stock are also taken into consideration.

After thoroughly examining each card, the grader will determine a numerical grade on the widely used 1-10 scale to describe the card’s condition and establish its relative quality and value compared to others within its issue and set. A grade of 1 would represents a nearly worthless card in very poor condition, while a 10 is flawless, fresh and in pristine mint condition right out of its original factory packaging. The majority of graded cards fall somewhere in the middle at 5-8 on this scale.

In addition to the numerical grade, further notation may be included. For example, designating a card as “Mint” at a 9 level indicates it is in exceptional condition with only very slight signs of wear, while a 5 that is called “Good” shows more noticeable flaws and defects versus an “average” 5. Sub-grades from 1-9 are also sometimes given to each specific area inspected like centering, corners etc. allowing for even finer analysis.

Once grading is complete, qualified cards will then be professionally sealed inside a tamper-proof grading holder branded with the authenticating service’s logo. Information like the card description, year, set, and all details of the assigned grade are printed or included within this holder labeling it clearly for collectors. Sealed holders provide verification of authenticity and grading validity, allowing buyers confidence in the condition analysis.

With graded cards, condition becomes standardized and comparable. This revolutionized the collecting hobby by creating measurable collectible values based on grade that can be tracked over time. Rarer or more coveted cards within certain sets may carry premiums above their numerical grade indicates depending on fan appeal or historical significance. Cards that receive top grades of Gem Mint 10s are considered the finest known examples.

While a charge is assessed by the grading companies, using their expert service became essential for high-end collectors and dealers looking to confidently value, collect and invest in vintage cardboard. Top graded vintage rookie cards and iconic players can sell for thousands or even hundreds of thousands based on demand among serious investors and fans hoping to land collectable pieces of baseball history in as perfect a state as possible. The grading process standardized a vital collectibles industry and helped take a childhood pastime mainstream.

Professional third party grading transformed the baseball card hobby into a sophisticated collecting market where condition is objectively and consistently analyzed according to an accepted authoritative standard. This allows collectors to easily verify a card’s quality, track value changes over decades, and build sets with uniformity and grading consistency previously impossible without these expert authentication and condition census services.

WHERE CAN I GET MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED NEAR ME

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There are several reputable companies that offer baseball card grading services with locations across the United States. The three largest and most well-known companies are Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), and Hit Parade Grading (HPG). All three companies have detailed authentication and grading processes to assess the condition and authenticity of your cards.

BGS and PSA are likely the two largest and most recognizable names in the grading industry. BGS has main grading facilities in Dallas, Texas while also partnering with local comic and card shops across the country to accept submissions. They can be found by searching “BGS drop off locations near me” on Google. PSA is headquartered in Encino, California but also has authorized resubmission centers in several major cities. You can view PSA drop off locations by visiting PSAcard.com and clicking on the “Submit Cards” tab. They list authorized dealers, card shops, and collectible stores where you can drop off your cards for grading.

Hit Parade Grading is a smaller but growing operation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While they don’t have as extensive of a dealer network as the larger companies, they do partner with select local card shops to intake submissions. You can search “HPG drop off locations” or contact their customer service to inquire about authorized submitters closest to your location. All three grading services also offer shipping options directly to their facilities if needed.

Once you’ve located an authorized submitter near you, the process generally involves the following basic steps:

You’ll need to register an account on the grading company’s website if you don’t already have one. This allows you to track the status of your submission.

Prepare your cards for grading by carefully packaging them in rigid holders or sleeves. Include your completed submission form listing the cards.

Take or ship your packaged cards to the authorized submitters drop off location during their listed business hours. Most dealers charge a small fee per card to intake the submission on your behalf.

The cards will then be shipped or delivered to the main grading company facilities by the authorized dealer. Turnaround times vary but are usually 2-6 weeks depending on volume and service level selected.

After grading, the cards will be encapsulated or holdered protecting the assigned numerical grade. They are then shipped back to the original authorized dealer for pickup or directly to you if shipped in originally.

You can now proudly display your authenticated and graded baseball cards, knowing their condition and authenticity has been verified which can greatly impact their future value if sold or traded.

Therefore in summary, with a bit of searching online you should be able to locate an authorized submitter for one of the major grading companies like BGS, PSA, or HPG within reasonable driving distance. Working through a local dealer simplifies the submission process compared to shipping directly while supporting your nearby collectibles businesses. With the proper packaging and paperwork, getting cards professionally authenticated and assigned condition grades is very straightforward.

HOW TO HAVE BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The first step is to select a grading company to use. There are several reputable third-party grading companies that provide authentication and grading services for baseball cards such as PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Company), and HGA (Hobby Grade Access). Each company has its own brand recognition and following within the hobby.

Once you’ve selected a grading company, you’ll need to gather the cards you wish to have graded. Take care in handling the cards so as not to damage them further prior to submission. It’s recommended to store valuable cards in protective holders like toploaders, penny sleeves, or magnetic boxes until you’re ready to submit.

Next, you need to properly prepare your cards for submission. This involves securely packing the cards for shipping in order to prevent bending, scratches or other damage during transit. Rigid card holders or sheets of cardboard are often used along with packing material like bubble wrap or air packets. Cards should be packed one per holder for protection.

Each grading company has detailed submission instructions and guidelines on their website which you need to review and follow closely regarding packing, submission forms, pricing tiers, and service level options. You’ll need to fill out a submission form providing details on the cards, desired turnaround time and payment. Forms can usually be filled out online.

Once properly prepared, you’ll ship your cards to the grading company using a tracked shipping method for security. Delivery confirmation is important in case any cards get lost in transit which could absolve you of responsibility. Insurance is also recommended in case of damage or loss during shipping.

Grading companies receive high volumes of submissions daily so turnaround times will vary based on the service level selected but often range from a few weeks to months depending on volume. You can track the progress of your submission online once it’s received.

The grading process involves expert card authentication and condition analysis under special lighting and high magnification equipment. Graders will examine various aspects of each card such as centering, corners, edges and surface for flaws that could negatively impact the numerical grade assigned.

Once graded, the card is inserted into a protective plastic holder or slab engraved with the assigned grade. Slabbed cards are then securely packaged and shipped back to you. Lower graded cards may sometimes be returned raw in toploaders. Final prices will include grading fees plus shipping costs.

Higher graded rookie cards or especially valuable vintage cards often experience significant appreciation in value post-grading due to third party certification of authenticity and condition which collectors desire for high-dollar transactions. Lower graded examples may see lesser value increase or remain fairly static depending on demand factors.

As you can see, the baseball card grading process involves careful preparation, following submission guidelines precisely, waiting for return, and then enjoying protecting and potentially appreciating your now certified collectibles long-term as important aspects of your collection or potential investment portfolio. With care at each step, this can help maximize a card’s protection and recognized value within the collecting community.

HOW DO YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED FROM PSA

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PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is considered the premier third-party grading service for sports cards. They have graded billions of cards over the past 30+ years and helped establish the modern sports collecting industry. Here are the basic steps to send cards in to PSA for grading:

Set up a PSA account. You will need to create a user profile on the PSA website where you can track submissions, check status, view grades, and more. This is also where you will submit order details.

Decide on a service level. PSA offers several service levels that determine turnaround times and costs. Most common options are economy (2-4 months), standard (1-2 months), and express (2-3 weeks). Always check the website for up-to-date timelines as they can fluctuate.

Inventory and prepare your cards. You’ll want to closely examine each card under good lighting for any flaws, fingerprints, etc. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe down surfaces. Consider sending in batches of 5-10 cards to save on submission costs that have per card fees.

Secure cards with toploaders or sleeves. Place each card into a penny sleeve or ultra-pro toploader for protection during transit and handling. Make sure barcodes, labels, or identifying marks are not covering surface areas.

Assign grades (optional). For higher tier service levels you can provide a grade estimate, but this is not required. Leaving the grade unestimated is fine too and is how most economy submissions are handled.

Complete order and pay online. Follow submission wizard to enter card/player details, service level chosen, and payment info. Most use credit cards. PSA also accepts bulk order files for larger submissions.

Package cards carefully and ship. Secure cards together in aTeam bag or similar. Add padding to reduce movement. Ship in a rigid mailer or box through tracked carrier like USPS Priority or UPS. Insured shipping recommended over $500 declared value.

Wait for the grade return! You’ll receive email notifications as cards progress through photo imaging, grading, QC processes. Check status on PSA website with your account login. Return shipping is included in submission fee.

Receive back your graded cards! Each one will be encapsulated in a tamper-proof plastic holder displaying the grade, unique ID number. Cards can immediately be resold or stored long-term in their new protective case.

There is a bit more complexity if sending rare, valuable cards that require special handling or signature verification services. But the bulk of mainstream sports card submissions follow the basic process above. Proper packaging and prep is key to avoiding damage in transit. Be sure to check PSA guidelines specific to your submission type and declared value. Most standard modern cards take 2-4 months to grade using economy or standard service levels once received.

Some additional tips – consider submitting cards from the same set together to potentially receive a set grade bonus. Cards must be in absolute gem mint condition to achieve the elusive PSA 10 grade. Be prepared for potential grade disputes – PSA is usually very consistent but resubmit option exists if you truly disagree. And research “swap” services from some third party companies if wanting a different holder design like one touch magnetic cases.

Properly submitting your cards to the experienced grader at PSA is the best way to professionally authenticate, attribute and encapsulate and cards in your collection. Their population report data provides invaluable insights into rarity and increases the value and liquidity of your graded sportscards long term. With some planning and care in packaging, the PSA grading process is straightforward and worth it for serious collectors and investors in the industry.

WHERE CAN YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – This is generally considered the gold standard in third-party grading for collectibles like sports cards. They have graded billions of cards over 30+ years and use a rigorous grading process to analyze factors like centering, corners, edges and surface quality and give each card a grade from 1 to 10 based on its condition compared to what a “pristine” example would look like. PSA also offers various levels of service depending on turnaround times needed, from economical bulk submissions that can take months to get back, to their express service that grades cards in a matter of days but is more expensive. Many collectors prefer PSA graded cards when reselling because their slabs are so widely recognized and help establish confidence in a fair grade.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – Formed in the 1990s, BGS is also a major player in the grading of collectibles. They use a similar detail-oriented approach and a 1-10 numerical grade scale. However, BGS also provides an additional 0-5 sub-grade for each attribute (centering, corners, edges, surface) to give collectors even more transparency into the card’s condition. They have several submission service levels too ranging from bulk to express return options. BGS slabs tend to be more design-oriented with aesthetics focused collectors.

Comprehensive Grading Service (CGS) – A relative newcomer formed in 2015, CGS has been steadily gaining marketshare through competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. They also employ multi-point inspection and a numerical 1-10 overall grade with additional sub-grades. However, CGS is still building brand recognition compared to the more established PSA and BGS. Some collectors also prefer the classic look of the older two’s slabs for consistency in a collection.

There are also some smaller, regional grading companies but the big three of PSA, BGS and CGS receive the vast majority of submissions. Generally speaking, the process works like this – Collectors will submit their cards to the grading service they prefer in specially protected submission holders. The cards are then analyzed up close by experienced graders under high-intensity lighting and low-powered magnification if needed. Any flaws, defects, or issues are carefully scrutinized against population reports for similar examples. After determining a grade, the card is then sealed up tight in a tamper-resistant acrylic slab with the grade clearly labeled for authentication and protection.

Fees vary depending on volume and turnaround speed selected, but typical costs are in the $10-20 range per card for bulk submissions going economy. Express services of 1-2 week turnaround usually run $20-50 per card. Collectors must also pay shipping both ways, secure packaging costs, and insurance if desired. While an added cost, grading provides impartial 3rd party certification that establishes an official assessed condition and grade for high value collectibles. For expensive vintage cards especially, a professional grade helps ensure fair market value when the time comes to resell. Grading also qualifies rare finds for prestigious population reports by the services that aid in discovery of the rarest graded examples uncovered so far.

Professional third party grading has become an invaluable service for collectors and dealers to evaluate, authenticate and encapsulate their prized baseball cards. The major companies each bring slightly different heritage, innovations and turnaround options. But collectively, they provide collectors a way to independently assess condition, remove uncertainty in transactions and add significant future resale value potential – especially for high grade vintage and investment tier modern cards. Whether just for personal collection archiving and showcase or an intentional long term hold, professional grading creates provenance that fuels passion and connection to the rich history of the hobby.

HOW TO GET MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED BY PSA

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PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is considered the gold standard for grading and authenticating trading cards, including baseball cards. Getting cards professionally graded can increase their value, especially for valuable vintage cards. The PSA grading process does require some planning and preparation.

The first step is to choose which cards you want to submit to PSA for grading. Ensure the cards are in the best possible condition with no creasing, water damage or other flaws. PSA has strict grading standards, so cards need to be in near mint condition or better to receive a grade of 8, 9 or 10 which adds the most value. Carefully inspect each card under good lighting before submitting.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to register for a PSA account on their website at PSAcard.com. This allows you to track the status of your submissions. Make sure to verify your identity and check for any account restrictions like submission limits that may apply to your collecting level.

Next is preparing the actual submission. PSA has guidelines on how cards must be packaged and labeled for grading. Cards should be placed in rigid toploaders or other approved holders to prevent bending or damage during transit. Write your PSA member number on the toploader with a sharpie. Air-tighly seal the cards between cardboard or in a security envelope.

For standard grading services, you can submit up to 50 cards together with no need to break them into separate orders. Over 50 cards and it’s best to split into multiple batches to avoid longer wait times. When submitting do not use paper clips, staples or any loose inserts as these can damage cards during machine sorting.

Once packaged correctly, you’ll go to the PSA website and create a physical submission using your member account. During submission setup provide your contact details and desired turnaround service level – economy takes months while express can take just a few weeks but costs more per card. Pay for the order using a credit card.

Then send your sealed submission package to the PSA grading center using a tracked method like USPS Priority Mail. Include a printed copy of the confirmation order details for processing. Now it’s time to wait as PSA authenticates and grades your cards.

You can monitor progress on the website. Once complete, graded cards will be returned securely in a new holder displaying the numerical grade along with any special designations. Unsuccessful grades may also be returned with details. And that covers the basic process for getting valuable baseball cards authenticated and graded by the experts at PSA! Let me know if any part of the process needs more explanation.