Where Can I Get a Sports Card Graded?

Looking to get your sports cards graded? Here’s a quick guide on where to go and what to expect.

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Introduction

If you have a sports card that you think might be valuable, you might be wondering where you can get it graded. Grading is the process of assessing a card’s condition and assigning it a numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being flawless.

There are a few different companies that offer grading services, and each has its own process and costs. In general, you’ll need to send in your card (or cards) along with a fee and some basic information, and the company will grade your card and send it back to you.

It’s important to do your research before sending off your cards, as some companies have been known to grade cards harshly or even lose them entirely. Make sure to read reviews and compare prices before choosing a grading company.

Once you’ve had your card graded, you’ll need to decide whether to keep it in its protective case or take it out to show off to your friends. Either way, you can be proud of your new investment!

What is a Sports Card Grader?

A sports card grader is an individual or company that evaluates the condition of a sports card and assigns it a numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade possible. Card graders are generally considered to be experts in their field, and their opinion is often used as the final word on a card’s condition and value.

There are several different sports card grading companies in operation today, each with its own standards and procedures. The two most well-known companies are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). To get a card graded by either of these companies, you will need to send it in to their respective offices, along with a fee. The grading process can take several weeks, and you will usually be charged for shipping and handling as well.

Once your card has been graded, you will receive a certificate of authenticity (COA) from the company, which can be used to verify the card’s value and condition if you ever decide to sell it. In most cases, having a card graded will increase its value, so this is often seen as a wise investment for serious collectors.

The Three Main Types of Sports Card Graders

There are three main types of sports card graders: Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC), and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Each has their own grading scale, but PSA and BGS are generally considered the most reputable.

PSA is the largest and most well-known sports card grading company. They grade cards on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. PSA has a team of professional graders who carefully examine each card to determine its condition.

SGC is another well-known sports card grading company. They grade cards on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the best. SGC also has a team of professional graders who carefully examine each card to determine its condition.

BGS is a lesser known sports card grading company, but their grades are still considered to be very reputable. They grade cards on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. BGS does not have as many professional graders as PSA or SGC, but they still do a very thorough job of examining each card to determine its condition.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Sports Card Graded?

The price of having a sports card graded will depend on the company you choose to do the work, as well as the individual card itself. Some companies may charge a flat rate for all cards, while others will charge by the type of card or by the service requested. For example, PSA charges $20 for most standard cards, while Beckett charges $10 per card for basic grading and $50 per card for autograph authentication and grading. There are also several other companies that offer sports card grading services, so be sure to shop around to find the best price.

The Pros and Cons of Getting a Sports Card Graded

There are a few things to consider before you get your sports cards graded. On the one hand, having your cards professionally assessed can give you a peace of mind and could potentially increase the value of your collection. On the other hand, there is a cost associated with getting your cards graded, and there is always the chance that the grade given may be lower than what you were expecting. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you make the decision to get your sports cards graded:

The Cost: One of the biggest considerations when deciding whether or not to get your sports cards graded is the cost. There are fees associated with having your cards professionally assessed, and there is no guarantee that the value of your collection will increase after they are graded. It’s important to do your research and weigh the potential costs and benefits before making a decision.

The Risk: There is always a risk involved when sending your sports cards off to be graded. There is no guarantee that you will receive the grade you are hoping for, and there is always a chance that your cards could be damaged during shipping or handling. If you decide to get your cards graded, be sure to choose a reputable company with a good track record.

The Reward: One of the potential benefits of getting your sports cards graded is that it could potentially increase the value of your collection. If you have rare or valuable cards, having them professionally assessed can give you peace of mind and provide you with an official valuation. This can be especially helpful if you ever decide to sell your collection.

Making the decision to get your sports cards graded is a personal one. There are pros and cons to consider before making a decision, but ultimately it comes down to what is best for you and your collection.

Where Can I Get a Sports Card Graded?

There are many companies that will grade your sports cards, but the two most popular are PSA and Beckett. You can send your cards in to either company and they will assign a grade based on the condition of the card. Graded cards usually sell for more than ungraded cards because potential buyers know that the condition of the card has been assessed by a professional.

PSA charges a fee for each card that you submit, and you can expect to pay around $10-20 per card. Beckett also charges a fee for each card, but their prices are typically lower than PSA’s. You can check their website for current pricing.

If you want to get your sports cards graded, you can either send them in to PSA or Beckett, or you can take them to a local dealer who may be able to do it for you. Be aware that there are some counterfeit grading companies out there, so it’s important to do your research before sending off your valuable cards!

How to Choose the Right Sports Card Grader

Not all sports card graders are created equal. In fact, there are several things you should look for when choosing a sports card grader, such as:
-A good reputation: There are many sports card graders out there, but not all of them have a good reputation. Before you choose a grader, make sure you do some research to ensure they have a good track record.
-Accuracy: This is obviously the most important factor to consider when choosing a sports card grader. You want to make sure the grader is accurate so you can be confident in the grade they give your card.
-Experience: Experience matters when it comes to sports card grading. You want to make sure the grader you choose has plenty of experience in the industry so you know they know what they’re doing.
-Price: Last but not least, you need to consider price when choosing a sports card grader. Make sure you get quotes from multiple graders before making your decision so you can get the best deal possible.

Conclusion

Now that you know the different places where you can get your sports cards graded, it’s time to make a decision. If you want the quickest and most convenient option, then sending your cards to a professional grading service is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget or you want to have more control over the process, then grading your own cards is a viable option. Whichever route you decide to take, make sure that you do your research so that you can be confident in your decision.