Should I get my card graded?
When you start building a collection of sports memorabilia, one of the earliest questions you’ll encounter is whether you should get your cards graded. Card grading, which involves submitting your baseball or basketball cards to a professional service to validate their authenticity and condition, can be intimidating and overwhelming. In this article, we’ll help you navigate the process and provide advice on when to get your cards graded to maximize their value.
Direct Answers: Should I get my card graded?
To answer this question directly – you should only get your cards graded IF it will increase the value or make the sale of the card(s) easier. Simply grading your card for the heck of it or because you think you’ll get a higher grade is often not worth the cost. Read on to learn more about the important factors to consider before submitting your cards.
When to Get Your Cards Graded
There are several situations where getting your cards graded could be beneficial:
- High Value Cards: If you have a very rare or high-value card ($1,000+ or PSA 9-10 Grade), it’s likely more valuable with a professional grade from an accredited company like PSA, Beckett Grading Services, or Professional Sports Authenticator.
- Authentication: If you’re looking to ensure the authenticity of your card, hiring a professional grading service can provide peace of mind.
- Investment: A professionally graded card can increase its selling value and potential resale value on online marketplaces like eBay or specialized communities.
The Cost of Card Grading
The cost of card grading services will depend on the company, the price per card, and the level of grade requested. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Basic Grading Package: $15-$30 for a PSA 1-Pawn to PSA 5 Choice or lower
- Midrange Grading Package: $30-$45 for a PSA 6 to 7 Choice or higher
- Luxury Grading Package: $90-$180 for a PSA 8 CHOICE to PSA 10 Master or Gem Mint
Understanding the Grading Process
Before investing in card grading, it’s important to understand the process:
- submission: Fill out the submission form carefully, including details about the card itself.
- Authentication: Examiners verify the card’s authenticity at no additional cost.
- Grading: Experts assess condition, centering, and several other factors to determine the grade.
- Re-submission: If problems occur, the card is re-sent at no additional cost
- Slabbing: once graded, the card is encapsulated in a tamper-evident plastic slab
Grades: What Do They Mean?
PSA Grades, BGS Grades, or others – they all follow this hierarchy:
- PSA / BGS 1-5 Pawn to Choice: Entry levels for cards with flaws.
Important Notes:
- Submission Costs: Most companies charge even for non-graded submissions in case the card is not included due to flaws.
- Authentication Costs: Additional fees for verifying in-person authenticity (PSA: $5, BGS: Not Charged).
- Rescreening: Re-submission services, but additional errors or issues may occur (re-submission costs additional).
- Return Policy Some companies may have return caps, which means you may experience additional costs for returns.
Here is a comparison of the major reputable card grading companies:
| Company | Price 1-5 | Price > 5 | Authentication | Return Polarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | $ 18-$30 | $5-$15 | $5 | Uncapped |
| BGS | ? | ? | Free | Uncapped |
| SGC | ? | ? | Free | Uncapped |
A Guide to Card Grading: Understanding the importance of sub-grades:
| Sub-Grade % | Meaning |
|---|---|
| <=5% | Entry-level faults (minor creases/ stains) |
| 5.001-20% | Noticeable light flaws (creases etc.) |
| 20.001%-50% | Obvious damages (rarely used/high-quality cards) |
| 0% | No visible flaws on high-grade cards |
Final Assessment: Should I Get My Card Graded?
If you have a high-grade, high-value card or want validation, professional card grading services like PSA, BGS, or SGC might be the best option. Understanding the costs, the grading process, errors that can occur, and grade percentages will help you make educated decisions.
Before submitting your cards: ask yourself:
- Is grading necessary for my case? (high-value-card or investment)
- Time-consuming and costly, then reevaluate the importance of the action
- Research and understands the costs and processes (no surprises)
In case of PSA issues:
- Submit high-quality photos for PSA approval before re-submission
- Always verify the card’s PSA Certificate for authenticity proof
- Research and understand current PSA grade distributions for better expectations!
Card grading is a crucial concept for sports memorabilia collectors considering their investment’s value. Understanding it thoroughly can lead to substantial profits.