Where Do I Get Sports Cards Graded?

Learn where to get your sports cards graded so you can get the most money for your collection.

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Introduction

If you’ve been collecting sports cards for a while, you may have considered submitting them to be professionally graded. Grading is the process of assessing a card’s condition and assigning it a numeric grade on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being mint condition. Professional grading companies like PSA and Beckett use industry-standard criteria to determine a card’s grade, which can provide valuable peace of mind for collectors.

So where can you get your cards graded? In this article, we’ll take a look at the three main options: sending your cards to a grading company, using a local grading service, or taking care of grading yourself. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each option so that you can make the best decision for your collection.

What are sports cards?

Sports cards are usually collector cards that feature a sports figure on the front and statistics on the back. The first sports card was produced in 1887 by Tobacco packaging company Allen & Ginter. The company included baseball cards in packs of their cigarettes. These cards were so popular that other companies, such as Goodwin and Old Judge, began to produce their own baseball cards.

What is card grading?

Card grading is the assessment of a card’s condition and assigned numerical value. The value is then used to determine the price of the card on the secondary market. Collectors and investors often have cards professionally graded in order to establish trust and confidence when buying and selling.

Third-party grading companies use a 10-point scale to rate a card’s condition, with “1” being the worst and “10” being mint condition. The grade is then assigned a numeric value that corresponds to its rarity:

9.5 – Mint (+)

9 – Mint

8.5 – Near Mint – Mint (-)

8 – Near Mint – Excellent (+)

7.5 – Excellent (-)

7 – Excellent

6.5 – Very Good/Excellent

6 – Very Good (+)

5.5 – Very Good (-)

5 – Very Good

4.5 – Good/Very Good

4 – Good (+)

3.5 – Good (-)

3 – Fair

Why get sports cards graded?

When you get a sports card graded, a professional evaluates your card and then assigns it a numeric grade on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being pristine mint condition.

There are several reasons why you might want to get a sports card graded.

First, if you think your card has value, getting it graded can help you determine an accurate worth. In order for a sports card to be considered valuable, it must be in mint condition—and that can be difficult to judge without professional help.

Second, graded cards generally sell for more than ungraded cards because they are seen as more trustworthy by buyers. When you buy a graded card, you know exactly what condition you’re getting, which takes the guesswork out of the equation.

Finally, graded cards are protected against damage much better than ungraded cards—they are typically sealed in a tamper-proof case by the company that did the grading. This adds an extra layer of protection in case your card is lost or stolen.

How to get sports cards graded?

To ensure that your collection is authenicated and in the best condition, you’ll need to get your cards graded by a professional service. Here are a few tips on how to get started:

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re sending your cards off to be graded:

– Make sure you’re using a reputable grading company. There are a lot of fly-by-night companies out there that will take your money and not give you an accurate grade. Do some research and make sure you’re using a company that has a good reputation.
– Be sure to package your cards properly. You don’t want them to get damaged in transit, so use sturdy bubble wrap or padded envelopes.
– Include any documentation that you have with the card, such as receipts or certificates of authenticity. This will help the grading company determine the value of the card.

Once you’ve found a reputable grading company and prepared your cards for shipping, all you have to do is send them off and wait for your grades to come back. Once they’re graded, your cards will be more valuable and easier to sell if you ever decide to part with them.

The different types of card grading

There are several different types of card grading:
-Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
-Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
-Sportscard Guaranty, LLC. (SGC)
-Global Certification Services, Inc. (GCS)
Each company has their own way of grading cards, but generally they use similar standards. Each company also has their own fees for grading services.

The benefits of getting sports cards graded

There are many benefits to having your sports cards graded. For one, it can increase the value of your card significantly. Graded cards are also much less likely to be damaged or tampered with, which means they can be safely stored and displayed for years to come.

If you’re thinking of selling your graded sports cards, you’ll also find that they tend to sell for much higher prices than ungraded cards. This is because collectors and investors know that they’re getting a product that is guaranteed to be authentic and in good condition.

So where do you get your sports cards graded? There are a few different companies that offer this service, but the most popular option is PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator). PSA is widely considered to be the leader in sports card grading, and their services are used by major collectors and dealers all over the world.

If you’re looking to get your sports cards graded, PSA is a great option. They offer quick turnaround times, reasonable pricing, and their grades are universally recognized as being reliable and accurate.

The costs of getting sports cards graded

The costs of getting sports cards graded can vary depending on the company you use, but usually, it will cost around $10 per card. Some companies may charge more for older cards or for cards that are in poor condition. Here is a list of some companies that grade sports cards:

-Beckett Grading Services
-PSA/DNA
-BGS

The risks of getting sports cards graded

While there are many benefits to getting your sports cards graded, there are also some risks involved. One of the biggest risks is that your cards could be damaged during the grading process. If you have valuable or rare cards, this could be a costly mistake.

Another risk is that your card might not get the grade you were hoping for. This can be disappointing, especially if you paid a lot of money to have your card graded.

Before you decide to get your sports cards graded, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. You should also research the different companies that offer grading services and choose one that has a good reputation.

FAQs

There are a few things you need to consider when getting your sports cards graded. The first is what company you want to use. There are many reputable companies that offer this service, so do your research and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Another thing to consider is what type of grading service you want. There are two main types of grading services: Authenticity Grading and Condition Grading.

Authenticity Grading is a service that verifies that your card is real and not a fake or counterfeit. This is an important service if you are buying high-end cards, as fake cards can be notoriously difficult to spot. Many companies offer this service, but it will usually cost extra.

Condition Grading is a service that grades the condition of your card on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being mint condition and 1 being in poor condition. This is important if you are trying to sell your card, as collectors will often pay more for cards that are in better condition. Most companies offer this service, but it will usually cost extra.