Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – Considered the gold standard in third-party grading, PSA is arguably the most recognizable and trusted name in the business. Founded in 2000, PSA pioneered the modern sports card grading industry. They have graded billions of cards over the past two decades. Some key facts about PSA:
They are the largest and most mainstream grader. About 80% of professionally graded cards have come from PSA.
PSA grades on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest grade of “Gem Mint.” They are considered fairly strict graders and 10s are very rare.
Turnaround times can vary significantly depending on volume and service level selected, but usually range from a few weeks to several months.
PSA offers various membership and bulk submission discounts. They also have specialty services for vintage cards, autographs, and encapsulation only.
PSA slabs/holders are immediately recognizable to serious collectors and have the best resale/liquidation value. This provides a level of standardization that adds trust in the marketplace.
Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – Formed in 1992, BGS is the second largest third-party grader after PSA. They are also considered a premier and trustworthy brand. Some key aspects of BGS:
Like PSA, BGS grades on a 1-10 scale in half point increments. However, BGS may be a slightly easier standard to achieve higher grades compared to PSA.
In addition to condition, BGS judges centering and assigns separate numerical grades for the front and back of each card. This extra data point is popular with registry set collectors.
BGS slabs have a colorful, modern design that distinguishes them from PSA holders. The brand has grown significantly in popularity and market share over the last decade.
Turnaround times are usually comparable to PSA depending on service level selected. BGS also offers various membership and bulk submission discounts.
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) – Primarily known for coin grading, PCGS entered the sports card market in the late 2000s. They offer a respected third-party authentication and encapsulation service:
PCGS uses a simple 1-70 numeric grading scale to judge cards. The numbers correspond to certain condition thresholds.
PCGS holders have a sleek, understated design that is easy to stack and file compared to PSA and BGS slabs.
Turnaround times are often quicker than PSA/BGS, sometimes even offering one-week grading options for higher prices.
PCGS caters to bulk submissions and auto/retail shops. They are a solid option for resellers and dealers moving large volumes of vintage commons and uncommons.
There are also some smaller, regional grading companies. In terms of nationwide reputations and resale/trade market acceptance, PSA, BGS and PCGS are considered the major third-party authentication/grading providers by serious sports card collectors and investors. Their slabbed/holdered cards have superior liquidity and bring trusted impartial analysis that reduces risks in an expensive hobby. Overall grading provides standardization that has helped modernize and professionalize the collectibles industry.
