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.
