Card Grading Guide
Everything you need to know about card grading, from choosing the right company to understanding grade values.
What is Card Grading?
Authentication
Professional grading companies authenticate your cards to ensure they are genuine and not counterfeit.
Condition Assessment
Cards are evaluated on a 1-10 scale based on centering, corners, edges, and surface quality.
Protection
Graded cards are sealed in tamper-evident cases that protect them from damage and environmental factors.
Market Value
Graded cards typically command higher prices and are easier to sell due to verified condition and authenticity.
Major Grading Companies
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
Pros:
- Most recognized and trusted brand
- Highest resale values
- Excellent authentication
- Crystal clear holders
- Comprehensive population reports
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Longest turnaround times
- Strict grading standards
- Limited submission tiers
Pricing:
Regular: $25-$30 per card
Express: $75-$150 per card
Super Express: $300+ per card
Turnaround: 30-180+ days
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
Pros:
- Detailed subgrades (corners, edges, surface, centering)
- Black Label (pristine 10) premium
- Good for modern cards
- Reasonable pricing
- Faster than PSA
Cons:
- Lower resale values than PSA
- Less market recognition
- Inconsistent grading
- Holder quality issues
Pricing:
Economy: $18-$22 per card
Standard: $30-$50 per card
Express: $75-$125 per card
Turnaround: 20-120 days
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Fast turnaround times
- Good customer service
- Growing market acceptance
- Clear, protective holders
Cons:
- Lowest resale premiums
- Newest to the market
- Limited population data
- Less collector confidence
Pricing:
Economy: $15-$20 per card
Standard: $25-$35 per card
Express: $50-$75 per card
Turnaround: 15-45 days
SGC (Sportscard Guaranty)
Pros:
- Excellent for vintage cards
- Consistent grading standards
- Good value proposition
- Strong authentication
- Tru-View holders
Cons:
- Lower modern card acceptance
- Smaller market share
- Limited TCG grading
- Less population tracking
Pricing:
Economy: $20-$25 per card
Regular: $30-$40 per card
Express: $75-$100 per card
Turnaround: 25-90 days
Understanding Grading Criteria
Centering (40% weight)
Tip: Use a ruler or centering tool to measure before submitting. Poor centering is the #1 reason cards get lower grades.
Corners (20% weight)
Tip: Examine corners under bright light and magnification. Even tiny nicks can impact the grade significantly.
Edges (20% weight)
Tip: Factory cut edges can vary. Some "perfect" looking cards may have minor factory edge issues.
Surface (20% weight)
Tip: Clean your cards gently before grading. Use a microfiber cloth and avoid harsh cleaning methods.
The Grading Process
Preparation
- Clean cards gently with microfiber cloth
- Place in penny sleeves or card savers
- Take high-quality photos for your records
- Complete submission forms accurately
Submission
- Choose service level (Economy, Regular, Express)
- Package cards securely with proper protection
- Include completed submission forms
- Add insurance and tracking to shipment
Grading
- Cards are logged and assigned numbers
- Authentication and condition assessment
- Multiple graders review each card
- Final grade assigned and holder sealed
Return Shipping
- Cards are packaged securely for return
- Tracking information provided
- Population report updated
- Grades available online before shipping
Expert Grading Tips
🔍 Before You Submit
- Research Population Reports: Check if your card is already heavily graded in high grades
- Calculate Break-Even Point: Ensure potential grade increase justifies grading costs
- Compare Raw vs Graded Prices: Some cards don't benefit significantly from grading
- Consider Card Age: Vintage cards often benefit more from grading than modern cards
- Check for Print Defects: Factory errors usually result in lower grades
📦 Packaging & Shipping
- Use Card Savers: Semi-rigid holders protect better than penny sleeves alone
- Avoid Tape on Holders: Use rubber bands or team bags instead
- Bubble Wrap Properly: Wrap the entire stack, not individual cards
- Use Sturdy Boxes: Avoid envelopes or flimsy packaging
- Add Insurance: Always insure shipments for declared value
💰 Value Considerations
- Grade Only Valuable Cards: $50+ raw value is a good minimum
- Consider Population Scarcity: Low pop cards command higher premiums
- Time Your Submissions: Avoid peak periods for faster service
- Bulk Submissions: Group similar-value cards for economy rates
- Track Market Trends: Grade popular cards while demand is high
🎯 Maximizing Grades
- Storage Matters: Keep cards in controlled environment (temperature/humidity)
- Handle Minimally: Use gloves or hold by edges only
- Clean Gently: Remove dust with soft brush or compressed air
- Check Under Light: Examine for surface scratches and print lines
- Use Magnification: 10x loupe helps spot minor defects
PSA Grading Scale Reference
GEM MINT
Perfect card with four sharp corners, perfect centering, no staining, and perfect original gloss.
MINT
Very high grade card with minor imperfections. Sharp corners with only slight wear visible under magnification.
NEAR MINT-MINT
High grade card with slight corner wear and minor centering issues. 70/30 centering or better.
NEAR MINT
Above average card with minor flaws. Slight corner wear and centering issues visible.
EXCELLENT-MINT
Still attractive card but with more noticeable wear. Corner and edge wear present.
LOWER GRADES
Cards with significant wear, damage, or authenticity value only. Grades 1-5 represent varying degrees of poor to fair condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does grading take?
Turnaround times vary by company and service level. Economy services typically take 30-180 days, while express services can be completed in 5-20 business days. PSA currently has the longest wait times, while CGC offers the fastest service.
What cards should I grade?
Focus on cards worth $50+ in raw condition, cards with potential for high grades (8+), and cards with low population counts in high grades. Vintage cards, rookie cards, and rare modern cards are typically the best candidates.
Can I request a regrade?
Most companies allow regrades, but you'll pay full grading fees again and there's no guarantee of a higher grade. PSA offers a "Review" service for cards you believe were graded incorrectly.
What if my card is damaged during grading?
Reputable grading companies have insurance policies and will compensate for damage that occurs during the grading process. Always declare appropriate values when submitting.
Should I clean my cards before submitting?
Light cleaning with a microfiber cloth is acceptable, but avoid using liquids, erasers, or abrasive materials. When in doubt, leave the card as-is rather than risk damage.