The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is considered the industry standard when it comes to third-party grading of sports cards and other memorabilia. Obtaining a PSA rating involves sending your cards to them to be professionally evaluated on several factors and assigned a numerical grade.

The first step is to register for a PSA account either online or by phone. You will need to provide some basic contact and billing information. Most collectors choose to submit cards for standard grading which takes 4-6 months on average to complete. You can opt for faster express service timelines but it costs significantly more per card.

Once registered, you will need submission forms that describe the service level and list each individual card. PSA provides digital and printable forms. Carefully insert each card in a hard plastic holder. Write the corresponding number from the submission form on the back of the holder in pencil. This associates the physical card to its listing.

Prepare your cards and forms for shipping in accordance with PSA’s container and packing guidelines. The cards must be securely packaged to avoid any potential transit damage. You are responsible for insuring the shipment in case of loss or damage during transport. Ship your submission package to PSA using a traceable carrier like USPS registered mail or UPS.

When PSA receives your cards they will be checked against the submission form for accuracy. The grading process involves visually inspecting each card under strong lighting for any flaws, defects, or signs of tampering that may impact the final grade. Graders consider centering, corners, edges and surface quality and assign a numerical score from 1 to 10 based on established standards.

A 1 indicates a poor/damaged card while a 10 is pristine “gem mint” condition. Most common mainstream sports cards from the 1980s-1990s fall in the 3-7 range. A designation of authenticity is also provided to verify the card is real and hasn’t been doctored or counterfeited. The assigned grade is professionally slabbed or encased in a tamper proof plastic holder with labels.

Once grading is complete, you will be notified via your PSA account online or by mail. You can then track the status, view digital images of each graded card and make payment/shipping arrangements for their return. Approximately 2-4 weeks after completion is typical but may vary. Return shipping costs are additional unless a flat rate option was selected.

The PSA rating serves as an impartial, industry accepted evaluation of a card’s condition that helps establish its fair market value. Well cared for, high graded cards from scarce sets or featuring famous stars are more valuable to collectors. The rating gives buyers confidence they are purchasing a card that has been authentically verified and its condition accurately assessed. It creates standardization and trust benefitting both sellers and buyers.

The multi-step PSA grading process involves securely preparing your cards, submitting them through your account, having them carefully evaluated on standard criteria, professionally encasing the assigned grade, and finally receiving the now officially appraised cards back with informative labels – providing collectors a trusted, liquid marketplace benchmark. With care, most collector grade cards can achieve designation adding value down the road.

The first step to get a PSA rating on your baseball cards is to select the cards you want to submit. Make sure to choose high quality vintage or rare cards that would be worthy of a PSA rating. Common base cards may not be worth the cost of grading. Carefully examine each card under good lighting and make sure there are no flaws, creases, corners cuts or other defects that would negatively impact the grade.

After selecting the cards, you’ll need to purchase supplies from PSA such as submission forms, sleeves and holders to safely package your cards. Print out the proper submission form and fill it out with the required details such as your name, address, email and payment information. Place each card in its own protective penny sleeve and then toploader or magnetic holder depending on the card value. Write the corresponding number from the submission form on the holder with a marker so cards don’t get mixed up.

Package the individually sleeved and identified cards securely in a cardboard mailer or box with ample padding to prevent shifting during transit. Seal the package and fill out the prepaid shipping label. PSA offers various submission service levels ranging from economy to express depending on turnaround timeline needed. Economy bulk submissions are cheaper per card but have the longest wait whereas express submissions are graded faster but cost more per card. Select the appropriate service level and include payment.

Once received, PSA graders will remove each card from its holder and carefully examine it under high powered lighting and magnification looking at centering, corners, edges and surface for any defects, abnormalities or signs of alteration. The cards are then assigned numeric grades on the iconic 1-10 scale used in the industry with 10 being a flawless gem mint card. Various authentication technologies such as black light and precision measurement tools are used during the process.

After grading, the cards are sorted and the holders are sent through a customization line where the assigned numeric grade is applied directly onto the holder with a special foil process making it permanently attached and protected under a clear coating. Security labels and other identifiers are also added during this step to deter potential alteration after grading. The now certified holders with the encapsulated cards are quality checked before being packaged for return to the customer.

Customers can track their submissions online through the PSA tracking system and be alerted by email once grading is complete. Cards are then shipped back usually within a few weeks for bulk submissions up to just days for express. Upon receipt, customers can admire their newly certified vintage and rare cards now protected in the clear holders with the authoritative PSA imprint and numeric grade clearly displayed through the plastic. Certified PSA holders add significant value and authentication that allows for easy resale whenever the collector decides to sell.

The grading process provides permanent certification and authentication that gives collectors confidence in the condition and genuine authenticity of their valuable vintage cards. The assigned numeric grades also provide a universal standard for comparing similar cards and determining relative condition, scarcity and corresponding value. While there is a cost to the service, the protection, certification and added value far outweigh the grading fees, making PSA the undisputed gold standard for vintage sportscard grading worldwide. Taking the steps to submit cards to PSA allows collectors to truly show off their best pieces and gives added credibility to their valuable vintage card collections.

To get a PSA rating on baseball cards, the process involves carefully selecting worthy cards to submit, preparing the submission forms and holders, shipping to PSA, awaiting grading and encapsulation into the certified protective plastic slabs, then receiving back the now certified cards complete with the iconic grading scale number for easy comparison and added collectibility. The professional authentication and permanent record boosts confidence and value far above raw ungraded cards.

PSA Grading Scale for Baseball Cards

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is widely considered the gold standard when it comes to third-party grading of sports cards and other collectibles. Their rigorous authentication and grading process has made PSA slabs a familiar sight to anyone actively involved in the hobby. But what do those numeric grades actually mean when it comes to the condition and value of a graded baseball card? Let’s take a deeper look at PSA’s 10-point grading scale.

mint (Gem Mint) 10

A perfect 10 grade from PSA is the holy grail for any collector. To achieve this top rating, a card must be in pristine, factory-fresh condition with no flaws whatsoever that are visible to the naked eye under a 10x loupe. Corners must be razor sharp, surfaces must be flawlessly clean with no printing defects or white spots, and the card must be perfectly cut and centered. Cards graded a PSA 10 are considered the best condition examples known to exist. Given how picky graders are, true PSA 10s are exceedingly rare for even the most common modern issues. In terms of value, PSA 10s command enormous premiums over lower grades.

mint 9

A PSA 9 grade signifies a virtually flawless card. The primary differences between a 9 and 10 are that a 9 may have very minor flaws that are not easily discernible without careful examination through a loupe. Things like one or two very faint and tiny white specs, a hairline surface print line, or corners just barely less than razor sharp keep a card from achieving the perfect 10 status. To the naked eye a 9 looks pristine. This grade still represents exceptional preservation and highly desirable condition. PSA 9s retain a big portion of the added value afforded to true mint 10s.

mint 8

PSA 8 is considered true Near Mint or grade. At this level flaws become just discernible with a loupe. An 8 grade card may have significantly less than razor sharp corners, a handful of faint printing or surface blemishes, and be ever so slightly off-center. Things a grader can pick up on but an average collector may not notice without direct comparison. Corners may be rounded to an extent. An 8 grade example still looks extremely clean and very presentable in a holder. Minor imperfections are all that separates this grade from a 9. Value remains strong relative to lower grades while still representing exceptional preservation for the issue.

Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) 7.5

A 7.5 grade indicates a card that is right on the cusp of Near Mint and Mint status. There may be some very minor corner wear or print lines that are noticeable with a loupe but not readily apparent. Surfaces will still be bright and clean overall. A 7.5 represents a card that is still exceptionally well-preserved for the issue but has some small distinguishing wear that precludes a true Mint designation. This middle “in-between” grade retains solid value albeit less than a true Near Mint 8.

Near Mint (NM) 7

A PSA 7 signifies a Near Mint grade card. At this level flaws become readily apparent even without magnification. Corners may be noticeably rounded but still sharp. The card will have some minor wear lines, spots, or print defects visible across the surface under direct loupe examination. Very light edge wear may also be apparent. A true NM 7 still looks incredibly nice for its age and would get an impressive grade from most average collectors. Graders now have surface/corner attributes they can identify to differentiate it from a higher grade.

EX-MT 6.5

A PSA 6.5 bridges the gap between EX and Near Mint condition. This grade implies corners will show noticeable rounding and attribute wear but no actual creasing. The card will have several small print lines, spots or edge nicks detectable with a loupe. Overall brightness is still decent but flaws can be easily seen. A 6.5 remains presentable and displays above average condition relative to most examples but falls short of true Near Mint standards. Value takes a noticeable step down from a 7.

EX mint (EX-MT) 6

EX or Excellent describes a PSA 6 grade card. At this level corners will be significantly rounded but not creased. The card surfaces may have some dulling noticeable even without magnification in addition to print lines and spots across the front/back. Very minor edge creasing could also be seen. Overall the card still looks above average for the issue but wear attributes are readily apparent. A 6 grade is still considered very nice for its age and displays above average eye appeal and state of preservation compared to most survivors from its print run.

Very fine/Excellent (VF/EX) 5.5

A PSA 5.5 grade bridges the gap between Excellent and Very Fine condition. This implies corners will show clear rounding and wear but no actual creasing. Expect to see several small print lines, spots or edge nicks detectable with a loupe as well as some minor dulling. The card still maintains overall brightness and remains presentable but attributes signify it falls short of a true EX grade. Value takes a noticeable step below that of a 6.

Very fine (VF) 5

Very Fine is described at the PSA 5 grade level. Cards will show clearly rounded corners and significant wear visible even without magnification. Dulling becomes apparent across surfaces which will also reveal various print lines, handling marks and edge nicks under close examination. Occasional small creases may also be seen. A 5 grade still displays nice design appeal but flaws are easily apparent and show definite age/handling wear relative to a higher EX or NM grade. Solid condition for most survivors from its print run though value drops off versus EX or higher grades.

Fine 4

At the PSA 4 grade level corners show clear evidence of wear and rounding is significant. Dulling becomes more prominent across surfaces which will reveal numerous print lines, handling marks and edge nicks. Creases may start becoming slightly more prevalent. Toning or staining could potentially surface as well at this grade level. Attributes clearly signify age/handling wear versus higher grades above but design/colors remain bold for this level of condition. Value decline remains steady below the VF level.

Very Good 3

Very Good is a PSA 3 designation. Cards at this level will be worn with rounded corners exhibiting visible creases. Dulling, edgewear, print lines and handling marks dominate the surface. Colors remain bold but flaws are easily seen without aid. Occasional light creasing expected. Attributes represent clear, acceptable circulating/playing condition for an older baseball card issue though eye appeal and value drop substantially from higher grades.

Good 2

Good condition equates to a PSA 2 grade. Corners are heavily rounded with creasing evident and surfaces worn down showing further dulling, print lines and flaws at this level. Moderate creasing becomes expected. Colors remain but design integrity starts declining substantially below Excellent or higher levels. At this point the card is worn but still identifiably the player/issue in question through bold design elements. As condition declines further, so does value relative to mint/near mint specimens.

Poor 1

The lowest PSA grade of 1 signifies Poor condition. At this point the card is worn down through extensive use with creased corners and heavily dull/flawed surfaces. Colors are still identifiable but design integrity challenged significantly through heavy wear. Creasing likely extensive across all four corners and perhaps surfaces too. Such low condition examples still hold baseball card collecting significance for completing a set but are of minimal monetary/aesthetic value for most collectors in comparison to higher grade specimens from the same set and issue.

So in summary – the 1 through 10 PSA grading scale provides a clear delineation of condition attributes and corresponding value tiers for identifying the quality of old baseball card survivors. Collectors can easily gauge wear levels and estimate rarity/demand profiles based on this renowned authentication and preservation grading standard used worldwide. Understanding the PSA condition scale is crucial for properly appraising the state, completeness and worth of any collectible in today’s market.

Baseball cards have long been collected and enjoyed by fans of America’s pastime. Part of the fun of collecting cards is determining each card’s value. While sentimental value is important, collectors also want to know the objective or monetary worth of their cards. This requires understanding various factors that impact baseball card ratings.

One of the most important things that determines a card’s rating is its condition or state of preservation. Mint condition cards that show no signs of wear, bending, creasing or other damage are considered the most desirable and valuable. The condition of a card is rated on a scale, with the top being mint/gem mint (MT/GEM MT), near mint (NM), very good (VG), good (G), poor (PR) and other lower ratings. Cards kept in protective sleeves or cases from the start will generally grade higher.

In addition to condition, the year a card was produced also greatly impacts its rating. Older vintage cards from the early 20th century before modern mass production methods are considered the most valuable. The T206 Honus Wagner card from 1909-11 in mint condition is arguably the most coveted card worth over $1 million. Other desirable pre-war issues include the 1915 Cracker Jack cards and 1933 Goudey cards. The post-war boom years of the 1950s also produced collectibles like the iconic 1952 Topps and 1956 Topps cards.

The specific player featured on the card also factors into ratings. Iconic stars that had long, successful careers tend to yield higher valued cards. Legendary players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and more recent stars like Mike Trout command top dollar even in worn condition. Rookie or early career cards of future Hall of Famers that capture them in their physical prime are especially sought after. Parallel to this, cards featuring lesser known or unsuccessful players from any era usually have lower values.

Beyond the individual, certain sets and series are considered more coveted in the hobby. The previously mentioned T206 and 1933 Goudey sets are examples, as well as the 1952 and 1956 Topps issues. The rookie cards of stars featured in these sets are worth the most. Within the modern era, the flagship Topps sets from the 1980s and 1990s that captured stars of that generation in their rookie years are highly rated. The 1989 Upper Deck set that revolutionized card design is also desirable.

Numbering and printing quantities impact ratings as well. Early 20th century tobacco cards were mass-produced without numbering. But post-war issues usually had serial numbers, with lower print runs making those cards scarcer and more valuable. Parallel to this, error cards containing misprints, missing statistics, upside down photos and other abnormalities have gained a cult following. Their production anomalies make them quite rare and thus highly-rated.

Autograph and memorabilia cards that feature game-used equipment have surged in popularity. “Auto” or signed cards of current stars are worth a premium over their unsigned counterparts. Exclusive 1/1 printing variations that feature rare swatches of jerseys, bats, balls or other authentic pieces of equipment can command five-figure or greater prices. Upper Deck was a pioneer of these memorabilia cards in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The hobby of third-party grading also impacts baseball card values and ratings. PSA, BGS, SGC and other companies professionally authenticate, encapsulate and assign numerical condition grades to cards. While a grade is subjective, it provides buyers with an objective assessment of a card’s condition that impacts its price. Higher graded examples of key vintage and rookie cards are worth significantly more than raw, ungraded copies. The PSA 10 “Gem Mint” population reports showing scarcity enhance value.

In the end, no single factor alone determines a baseball card’s rating. The combination of its condition, era, players featured, scarcity, autographed or memorabilia status and third-party grade (if applicable) must all be considered. Card values can also fluctuate based on current hobby trends and demands in the marketplace. But for collectors and investors, understanding these key rating elements provides the framework for properly assessing a card’s worth and potential long-term value. With care and some luck, cards from the right players, sets and years can gain value over decades as prized pieces of baseball history.

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for generations, with collectors enjoying assembling full sets, finding rare cards, and comparing the stats and accomplishments of their favorite players. In today’s digital world, apps have emerged to help collectors organize, research, and value their collections in new ways. Several top apps allow you to scan, catalog, research prices, and even get expert opinions on the condition and worth of your baseball cards.

One of the most popular apps for baseball card collectors is Collectr. This free app makes it easy to catalog your entire collection by scanning the barcode on each card. Once scanned, key details like the player, year, team, and more automatically populate. You can view your collection inventory and search within it. Collectr also provides recent sales data so you can check the value of your cards. For a small fee, you can upgrade to Collectr Premium which unlocks even more features like tracking your wish list and want lists. The app interface is clean and intuitive, making it ideal for casual collectors just wanting to keep track of their stash.

For serious collectors who want detailed condition and price guidance, the top rated app is PSA Scoring. As the name implies, it is developed by Professional Sports Authenticator – the leading company for grading the condition and authenticity of sports cards. Within PSA Scoring, you can take high quality photos of the front and back of each card. The app’s AI technology will then analyze factors like centering, corners, edges and surface to generate a detailed condition report. It provides a PSA numerical grade from 1 to 10 on what the card would likely receive if professionally graded. You also get recent sales data for cards in similar condition to understand approximate value. For a small monthly or annual fee, the app gives collectors expert-level analysis to understand the true worth and potential of their cards.

Another highly rated app that focuses on condition analysis is Beckett CardMate. Developed by Beckett Media, the iconic publisher of price guides and resources for collectors, CardMate allows you to take photos of cards and receive a condition analysis. Similar to PSA Scoring, it examines centering, corners, edges and surface factors. However, CardMate uses Beckett’s own proprietary 20-point grading scale rather than the PSA 100-point system. After analyzing photos, it provides a detailed report and estimated Beckett grade. Recent sales data is also included to understand a card’s potential value based on its assessed condition. For avid collectors, CardMate is a must for gaining expert insights into their most valuable possessions.

While the above apps focus on cataloging and condition analysis, other popular options specialize in live auction prices and market trends. The Collector App aggregates data from major auction houses like PWCC, Heritage, and Goldin to give you real-time sales charts, statistics, and recent closed auction prices for individual cards. Within the intuitive interface, you can search for any player or year and view graphs showing the latest average and high auction prices. This allows collectors to closely track shifts in the volatile sports card market. For investors or dealers, The Collector App is an invaluable resource for understanding current values and demand trends.

Another auction-centric option is the Collector’s App from Collectors Universe. Similar to The Collector App, it pulls data from major auction results to present charts showing the latest average and record prices paid for individual cards. You can also view historical price graphs to spot long term value increases or dips. Additional features include a want list to track desired cards and an alert function to notify you when a watched item goes up for bid. For staying on top of the collectibles marketplace, the Collector’s Universe app is highly rated.

While the above apps focus on modern English language card sets, Heritage Card Trader caters more to international and vintage collectors. Available in 11 languages including Spanish, French, German and Japanese, it allows you to catalog and research older sets from the 1800s up to the 1980s. Detailed year overviews, player bios and price guides are included for assessing the value of pre-war tobacco and candy issue cards up to the early era of modern cardboard. The app is fully searchable and includes a community section where collectors can share finds, discuss values and trade or sell with one another. For those with interests extending beyond the recent past, Heritage Card Trader is a must.

Whether you’re a casual collector, serious grader, investor or international vintage enthusiast – today’s top baseball card apps have you covered. Options like Collectr, PSA Scoring, CardMate, The Collector App and Heritage Card Trader put powerful cataloging, research and analysis tools right in your pocket. They take the classic hobby into the digital age, helping fans understand, appreciate and potentially profit from their baseball card collections in new ways. With intuitive interfaces and rich feature sets, these apps are a staple for any card collector in the 21st century.