Is There an App to Grade Pokémon Cards?
As a Pokémon card collector, you’re likely eager to know the value of your cards and showcase them to others. One way to do this is by getting your cards professionally graded by a reputable company like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). However, not everyone has the means or access to send their cards to a grading service. Fortunately, there are apps that can help you grade your Pokémon cards digitally. In this article, we’ll explore the options available and provide a comprehensive guide on how to grade your Pokémon cards using an app.
What is Card Grading?
Before we dive into the apps, let’s quickly explain what card grading is. Card grading is the process of evaluating the condition and authenticity of a trading card, including its centering, corners, edges, and surface. The grading company assigns a grade to the card, which is usually on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. The grade is based on the card’s condition, with higher grades indicating a card that is in near-mint condition.
PSA App
The PSA app is one of the most popular and widely used card grading apps. It allows you to submit your cards for grading and receive a digital grade report. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Features:
- Submit cards for grading: You can submit your cards for grading through the app, and PSA will evaluate them and provide a digital grade report.
- Digital grade report: The app provides a detailed digital grade report, including the card’s condition, centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Card tracking: You can track your cards and their grades through the app.
- Market value: The app provides market value for your cards based on recent sales.
Other Card Grading Apps
While the PSA app is one of the most popular, there are other card grading apps available. Here are a few:
- Beckett Grading Services (BGS): BGS is another well-known card grading company that offers an app for grading cards.
- Card Grading App: This app is a more general card grading app that allows you to grade your cards based on their condition.
- Pokémon Card Grader: This app is specifically designed for Pokémon cards and allows you to grade them based on their condition.
How to Grade Your Pokémon Cards Using an App
Grading your Pokémon cards using an app is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose an app: Select the app you want to use, such as the PSA app or another card grading app.
- Take photos: Take high-quality photos of your card from different angles, including the front and back.
- Upload photos: Upload the photos to the app.
- Fill out the form: Fill out the form provided by the app, including information about the card, such as its condition and any flaws.
- Submit for grading: Submit your card for grading through the app.
- Receive grade report: Receive a digital grade report, which will include the card’s condition, centering, corners, edges, and surface.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when grading your Pokémon cards using an app:
- Use good lighting: Make sure the lighting is good when taking photos of your card.
- Take multiple photos: Take multiple photos of your card from different angles to get a better view.
- Be honest: Be honest when filling out the form and describing the card’s condition.
- Check the app’s guidelines: Check the app’s guidelines for what is considered a "good" or "bad" condition.
Conclusion
Grading your Pokémon cards using an app is a convenient and cost-effective way to evaluate the condition and authenticity of your cards. With the PSA app and other card grading apps available, you can get a digital grade report and track your cards’ condition. Remember to use good lighting, take multiple photos, and be honest when filling out the form. Happy grading!