Getting valuable baseball cards professionally graded is an important aspect of preserving their condition and determining their authenticity and value. The major third-party grading companies authenticate, analyze, and encase cards in protective plastic holders to assign them numerical grades. This process is very beneficial for collectors, but also requires careful consideration regarding which cards to submit and deciding on the appropriate grading service.
When choosing cards to grade, it’s generally recommended to only submit your highest value and most historically significant cards first. Focus on rookie cards, autograph cards, limited print run cards or anything that could be worth $50 or more in top graded condition. Cards graded and encapsulated by a reputable company are usually worth more to buyers and collectors than raw, ungraded cards. The grading process does involve submission fees that start around $10-20 per card depending on turnaround time. You don’t want to waste money grading common cards worth just a few dollars.
Modern cards from the 1980s to today are usually best sent to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Beckett Grading Services (BGS) for grading. These established brands have higher recognition in the sports card market. Older vintage cards from the 1950s-1970s can also be graded by PSA, BGS, or the older company Sportscard Guaranty (SGC). However, SGC often specializes more in vintage grading.
When preparing cards to submit, you’ll first need grading submission sheets that include your collector membership number as well as details on each individual card like the sport, set name, card number etc. Carefully and accurately fill these out to avoid any problems matching cards to sheets later in the process. Then you’ll need to package your cards inside rigid card holders or toploaders without excessive pressure or bending. Send them in a sturdy box with plenty of bubble wrap or packing peanuts for protection.
You’ll choose the turnaround service level when mailing your cards in – usually economy, standard, express or overnight. Faster options cost significantly more per card but get the cards back sooner. Once received, the grading companies will analyze each card under high intensity lighting and powerful magnifying lenses. Graders consider centering, corners, edges and surface for any flaws or imperfections then assigned a numeric grade from 1-10, with 10 being flawless gem mint.
After the grading process, the card and its assigned grade will be permanently sealed inside a tamper-proof plastic slab by the grading company of your choice. These protected “slabbed” cards are easy to visually verify authenticity, condition and grade at a glance for potential buyers and collectors down the road. Slabbed cards may also be worth 20-30% more or even double their raw ungraded value depending on the significance and rarity of the card.
Only invest in professionally grading your most valuable baseball cards when they are likely to substantially increase in value protected inside a plastic holder. Choose a reputable company, submit with care using their standards, and expect about a month turnaround time. The protection, authentication and added value from grading makes the process worth it for high-end vintage and modern rookie cards. With care selecting which cards to submit, the investment in protection and market value upgrade can pay dividends for your collection long term.