Where is the best place to send a card to get graded?

By Eliud Alano December 04, 2023 09:58

Card grading has become an essential part of the trading card industry. Whether you're a collector or an investor, having your cards professionally graded can add value and credibility to your collection. But where is the best place to send a card to get graded? In this article, we will explore some of the top grading services available and discuss their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

Professional Grading Services

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): PSA is one of the most popular and widely recognized grading services in the trading card industry. They have been around since 1991 and are known for their strict grading standards and consistency. PSA grades cards on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible grade. They also offer a variety of services, including bulk submission, autograph authentication, and card encapsulation.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS): Beckett Grading Services is another reputable grading service that has been in operation for over 20 years. They use a similar grading scale as PSA, ranging from 1 to 10. One unique feature of BGS is their subgrades, which provide a breakdown of a card's individual attributes, such as centering, corners, edges, and surface. This can be helpful for collectors who want a more detailed assessment of their cards.

CGC Trading Cards: CGC is primarily known for grading comic books, but they have recently expanded their services to include trading card grading. CGC applies their expertise in quality control and preservation to ensure that cards are protected and accurately graded. They use a 10-point grading scale and offer different tiers of service, including standard grading, express grading, and walk-through grading.

Considerations for Choosing a Grading Service

Reputation and Credibility When choosing a grading service, it's important to consider their reputation and credibility within the industry. Look for services that have a long-standing history, positive customer reviews, and recognition from collectors, dealers, and other professionals. PSA and BGS, for example, have established themselves as leaders in the industry and are trusted by many collectors.

Grading Standards and Consistency Each grading service has its own set of grading standards, so it's crucial to understand their criteria before sending your cards. Some services may be more lenient or stricter than others, which can affect the final grade assigned to your cards. Research the grading standards of different services and choose one that aligns with your expectations and goals.

Turnaround Time and Pricing The turnaround time and pricing structure can vary between grading services. Some services offer faster turnaround times for an additional fee, while others may have longer wait times but lower prices. Consider your timeline and budget when selecting a grading service. It's also worth noting that popular services like PSA may have longer turnaround times due to high demand.

Getting your cards professionally graded is a smart investment for collectors and investors alike. The best place to send a card to get graded depends on your specific needs and preferences. PSA, BGS, and CGC are three reputable grading services to consider, each with its own unique features and benefits. Take the time to research and compare these services, and choose the one that aligns with your goals and expectations. By doing so, you can ensure that your graded cards hold their value and authenticity in the competitive trading card market.