For decades, collecting sports cards has been a popular hobby. With the recent surge in interest and value, getting your cards graded has become a must-do for serious collectors.
Grading your sports cards is an essential step in determining their value. It can make a significant difference in the price you receive when selling them.
In this article, you’ll learn the steps to take for having sports cards graded. Additionally, you’ll get some helpful tips to make the process go more smoothly.
Sports card grading is the process of evaluating the condition and authenticity of a sports card by a third-party professional grading company.
Graded cards are then encased in a protective holder known as a slab. Along with a label that shows the card’s grade, condition, and other relevant information.
Typically, this involves using a 10-point system to assess the overall condition of the card. This 10-point grading system provides a standardized and consistent way to evaluate sports cards. Cards are graded based on factors such as centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. They are carefully examined and assigned a numerical value based on its quality. Higher grades are indicative of cards in better condition and are more valuable in the collecting market.
Grading has multiple benefits. It adds credibility to a card. It provides protection against counterfeit cards. It also helps collectors determine the condition and value of a card. All these reasons make grading a valuable aspect of the sports card collecting hobby.
The first step in getting a sports card graded is to decide which grading company to use. There are several companies that specialize in sports card grading. However, there are three major companies that are widely recognized for grading sports cards. These companies have excellent reputations and are trusted by collectors worldwide.
PSA is one of the most well-known and respected grading companies in the sports card industry. These companies use a 10-point grading scale to evaluate sports cards. The highest possible grade is 10. They assess cards based on their condition, centering, corners, edges, and surface.
BGS is another popular grading company that evaluates sports cards based on a 10-point scale. BGS also includes subgrades for each of the four major categories (centering, corners, edges, and surface), providing collectors with more detailed information about the card’s condition.
SGC is a well-respected grading company that uses a 10-point grading scale as well. SGC is known for their gold-colored label, and they are known for their strict grading standards and attention to detail.
It’s important to note that grading companies may have slightly different criteria and grading standards. Making it’s essential to familiarize yourself with their guidelines before submitting your sports cards for grading.
Once you have selected a grading service, the next step is to package your cards securely for shipment. It is important package your sports cards securely and ensure they arrive at the grading company in the best possible condition. Below are some tips to help you package your sports cards securely:
Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to remove any dust or dirt from your cards. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning products that can damage the cards.
Place your sports cards in high-quality protective sleeves made of acid-free material. This will prevent scratches, fingerprints, and other damage during transit.
Once you have placed your cards in card sleeves, store them in a card box. This will protect your cards from any potential damage during shipping.
After preparing your sports cards, the next step is to fill out the submission form. The submission form is where you will provide all the necessary information about your cards, such as their condition, year, and brand.
The submission form is available on the grading company’s website and can be filled out online or printed out and mailed in. Make sure to double-check all the information you provide, as any mistakes or errors can delay the grading process.
The grading companies offer various levels of grading services, with varying costs and turnaround times.
The standard service is the most affordable and takes the longest, while the express service is the most expensive and fastest. When choosing the grading service level, it’s essential to consider the value of your sports cards.
If you have high-value cards, it’s worth investing in higher-level services. The faster turnaround time offered by these services can help you sell your cards at a higher price.
After filling out the submission form and choosing the grading service level, it’s time to send your sports cards to the grading company.
Make sure to package your cards carefully, using a sturdy box and packaging materials such as bubble wrap or foam peanuts.
Most grading companies offer a tracking number when you send in your cards, so you can monitor their progress and ensure that they arrive safely.
Before sending off your package, double-check all the addresses and make sure everything is properly sealed. Drop off your package at the shipping carrier or schedule a pickup and keep the tracking number for reference.
Once the grading company receives your sports cards, you’ll need to patiently wait for them to complete the grading process.
The turnaround time will depend on the service level you chose and the workload of the grading company.
During the grading process, the grading company’s team of experts will carefully examine your cards. They will evaluate their condition, authenticity, and other factors according to their grading standards.
They will assign a grade to each card based on their assessment, which will determine the card’s overall condition and value.
After the grading process is complete, you’ll receive your graded sports cards back from the grading company.
The cards will be encapsulated in a protective case with the assigned grade and other relevant information printed on the label.
When you receive your graded cards, it’s important to carefully review them. Ensure that the information on the label matches your expectations and the details you provided on the submission form.
If there are any discrepancies or issues, contact the grading company immediately to resolve them.
Grading your sports cards is crucial in determining their value and protecting your investment.
By following these steps, collectors can ensure a smooth and successful grading process. Remember to choose a reputable grading service, package your cards securely, fill out the submission form accurately, choose a service level that meets your needs, and be patient during the grading process.
By following these steps, you can take your card game to the next level and enjoy the benefits of owning professionally graded sports cards.
