Protection and value are key factors. Graded cards are sealed into a stiff waterproof plastic case for maximum protection. Graded cards are well preserved and can increase in value over time. Ungraded cards in a shoebox offer little protection. Heat, light, moisture, dust, and mold can make a good collection worthless.
Who Grades Your Cards?
A trading card authenticator professionally certifies graded cards. Each of them perform similar card grading services adhering to grading standards. There are close to a dozen companies that offer grading services. Here are the most recognized ones.
- Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA)
- Global Authority Inc. (GAI)
- Becketts Grading Services (BGS)
- Sportscard Guaranty Co. (SGC)
How is a Typical Baseball Card Graded?
An authenticator will scrutinize a card under a microscope. They will look for obvious abnormalities and use an extensive list of factors. Once examined, a grade number is assigned from 1 to 10 (10 being the perfect card). As an example 8.5 is better than an 8 but not quite a 9.
Searching for Cards to Grade
Buying a graded card saves the effort of finding a card but is usually is more expensive than its ungraded counterpart. Searching for an ungraded card is a bit like treasure hunting. Expect lots of browsing and be patient. Online auctions, hobby stores, and trade shows are the best places to search.
Possible Candidates
Once you find a card and it looks like a winner, look again with a magnifying glass. If the corners are not sharp, keep looking. Many cards look perfect but reveal several flaws under a microscope. Numerous flaws cause deductions in grading so choose only the very best examples to grade.
Grade Descriptions
Each authenticator publishes a list describing the characteristics of each grade. This information will help identify good candidates. Grading parameters are a little different for each company. Look at the following criteria for each company before sending in any cards to be graded.
- Grading descriptions
- Guidelines/rules
- Prices
- Turnaround times
- Reputation
Practice Makes Skill
With practice, identifying the traits of a quality card will save time and heartache not to mention money. Create a thorough objective approach for determining each possible candidate. It's okay to get excited about a card as long as the card is examined with due diligence.
Collecting History
Collecting graded cards can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Owning a set of professionally graded cards assures your investment has maximum protection and the possibility of an increase in value over time. Owning a piece of history and preserving it are important benefits of collecting graded cards.
To learn more about grading card authenticators check out
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