Sports card grading has become a critical part of the hobby, influencing both the value and authenticity of a card. Whether you're a collector looking to protect your investment or a seller hoping to maximize resale value, understanding the grading process is essential.

This guide will break down how sports card grading works, which companies to consider, and when it makes sense to grade a card.

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What Is Sports Card Grading?

Grading is the process of having a third-party authentication service evaluate a card’s condition, authenticity, and overall quality. Cards are assigned a numerical grade based on factors like surface condition, centering, edges, and corners.

The major grading companies include:

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) – The most recognized name in grading, with a scale from 1 to 10.
• BGS (Beckett Grading Services) – Offers individual subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface.
• SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) – Known for grading vintage cards and using a 1 to 10 grading scale.
• CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) – A newer player in the card grading industry, gaining popularity.

Once graded, the card is encapsulated in a tamper-proof case, helping to preserve its condition and increase buyer confidence.

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Steps in the Sports Card Grading Process

1. Preparing Your Cards for Submission

Before sending a card for grading, take these steps to maximize its potential grade:

• Inspect the card under proper lighting to check for scratches, print defects, or centering issues.
• Use a magnifying glass or loupe to examine edges and corners for wear.
• Store the card in a penny sleeve and semi-rigid holder to prevent damage during shipping.

2. Choosing a Grading Service

Select a grading company based on:

• The type of card (modern vs. vintage) – PSA and BGS dominate modern cards, while SGC is respected for vintage issues.
• Turnaround time and cost – Some services offer faster processing at a premium.
• Market value impact – PSA-graded cards often fetch the highest resale prices.

3. Submitting the Card

• Create an account with the grading company.
• Fill out submission forms, specifying the cards being sent.
• Pay for grading fees and shipping.
• Mail the cards in secure packaging to prevent damage.

4. The Grading Process

Once received, the grading company evaluates the card on these factors:

• Centering – A well-centered card scores higher.
• Corners – Sharp, undamaged corners boost grades.
• Edges – Clean, crisp edges are ideal.
• Surface – Avoid scratches, print defects, or marks.

Each company uses slightly different grading criteria, but most follow a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 being a perfect card.

5. Receiving the Graded Card

After grading, the card is placed in a protective case and labeled with its assigned grade. The graded card is then shipped back to the owner, ready for display, collection, or resale.

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How Much Does Card Grading Cost?

Grading fees vary based on the card's value, turnaround time, and company.

• PSA Standard Grading: $25 – $50 per card (higher for express services).
• BGS Standard Grading: $20 – $40 per card.
• SGC Standard Grading: $15 – $30 per card.

Expedited grading services can cost $100+ per card, but may be worth it for high-value cards.

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Is It Worth Getting a Card Graded?

Grading is beneficial for:

• High-value rookie cards – A PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 can significantly increase value.
• Vintage sports cards – Authentication ensures credibility.
• Cards in near-mint or better condition – Poorly conditioned cards may not see much value gain.

If a card is low-value or in poor condition, grading costs may outweigh potential gains.

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Final Thoughts

Grading can make a huge difference in a sports card’s resale value, but it’s important to know when to invest in the process. Choosing the right service, properly preparing cards, and understanding grading criteria are all key steps in maximizing a card’s worth. Whether you’re a collector or investor, professional grading adds authenticity, protection, and market confidence to any card collection.