To get a baseball card graded, you carefully select a reputable grading company like PSA, BGS, or SGC based on your card’s type and your goals, then meticulously prepare your card by inspecting its condition, gently cleaning it if necessary, and securing it in a sleeve and card saver. Next, you fill out an online submission form, declare the card’s value for the appropriate service level, package it securely, and ship it with insurance to the chosen grading service for authentication, evaluation, and encapsulation.
How Do You Get Your Baseball Cards Graded? Complete Guide
The journey of getting a baseball card graded is a blend of anticipation, precision, and a bit of a waiting game. For many collectors, seeing their prized cards encapsulated with a high numerical grade is the ultimate achievement. It’s more than just a number; it’s a stamp of authenticity, a testament to condition, and often, a significant boost in value. We’ve personally navigated this path many times, from meticulously inspecting vintage finds to carefully submitting modern parallels, and we’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way that we’re eager to share.
If you’re holding a card that you suspect holds significant value or simply cherish deeply, understanding how do you get a baseball card graded is your next crucial step. It’s a process that can seem daunting at first glance, but with the right guidance, it becomes a clear, manageable endeavor. We’ll walk you through every stage, drawing from our own experiences to provide actionable insights that help you protect and maximize your card’s potential.
Understanding Why You Might Get Your Baseball Cards Graded
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s briefly touch upon the “why.” Why do collectors go through the effort and expense to get a baseball card graded? From our perspective, having submitted hundreds of cards over the years, the reasons are multifaceted, often combining passion with practicality.
Verifying Authenticity and Condition
One of the primary drivers for us to get a baseball card graded is the independent verification it provides. In a market where counterfeits and altered cards can exist, a professional grading company’s authentication offers peace of mind. Their experts meticulously examine the card, confirming its legitimacy. Beyond authenticity, the numerical grade assigned objectively assesses the card’s condition – a crucial factor for collectors and sellers alike. It removes subjective arguments about a card’s state.
Enhancing Value for Resale
It’s no secret that graded cards, especially those with high grades (e.g., PSA 9, PSA 10, BGS 9.5), often command a significant premium over raw (ungraded) cards. When we’ve prepared to sell cards from our personal collection, we’ve consistently seen that a high grade from a reputable company like PSA or BGS makes a card far more desirable and valuable. Buyers trust the grade, and it simplifies transactions, making it easier to determine fair market value. For anyone looking to maximize their return on an investment, knowing how do you get a baseball card graded is essential.
Protecting Your Prized Possessions
Beyond monetary value, grading offers unparalleled physical protection. Once a card is graded, it is encapsulated in a tamper-evident, sonically sealed, hard plastic holder, often referred to as a “slab.” We’ve found these slabs to be incredibly robust, safeguarding cards from environmental damage, handling wear, and minor accidents. It’s an ideal way to preserve the condition of your most cherished cards for generations. This physical security is a key benefit when we consider how do you get a baseball card graded.
The Personal Satisfaction of a High Grade
Finally, there’s the sheer joy of it. For many of us who grew up collecting cards, getting a highly anticipated submission back and seeing a Gem Mint 10 or Mint 9 on a card we’ve admired for years is incredibly rewarding. It’s a validation of careful storage, meticulous handling, and a keen eye for quality. This personal satisfaction, for us, is just as important as the financial aspects when we decide to get a baseball card graded.
Choosing the Right Grading Company for Your Cards
Selecting the right grading company is arguably the most critical decision in the entire process. It’s not a one-size-fits-all choice; different companies cater to different needs, card types, and market preferences. We’ve experimented with all the major players, and our experiences have shaped our recommendations.
Major Players: PSA, BGS, SGC, and CSG
When discussing how do you get a baseball card graded, a few names dominate the conversation in the hobby.
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
PSA is, for many, the industry standard, especially for vintage and modern baseball cards intended for maximum resale value. Their 1-10 grading scale is widely recognized and trusted. We’ve observed that PSA 10 (Gem Mint) cards, particularly for popular players, often fetch the highest prices in the market. Their slabs are clean and minimalist, focusing purely on the card and its grade. We tend to send our highest-value, cleanest cards to PSA if our primary goal is market liquidity and top-tier resale value.
Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
BGS is renowned for its detailed subgrades (Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface) and the highly coveted “Black Label” for cards that receive a perfect 10 in all four subcategories. Their grading is often perceived as stricter, especially for modern cards, and many collectors prefer BGS for modern, high-end, or autographed cards. We’ve found that BGS 9.5 (Gem Mint) is comparable to a PSA 10 in terms of market value, and some collectors even prefer the look and feel of the BGS slab. If you have a card that you believe is truly pristine and you want a detailed breakdown of its condition, BGS is an excellent choice.
Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)
SGC, with its distinctive “tuxedo” black slab, has gained significant traction, especially among vintage collectors. We’ve found their turnaround times to be reliably fast, and their pricing can be very competitive. While perhaps not always commanding the same resale premiums as PSA 10s or BGS 9.5s for modern cards, SGC’s presence in the vintage market is strong, and their aesthetic appeals to many. For valuable vintage baseball cards, or when speed and consistent service are priorities, SGC is a fantastic option when considering how do you get a baseball card graded.
Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG)
CSG is a newer entrant to the sports card grading scene, backed by Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), which has a long history in comic book and coin grading. We’ve sent some modern cards to CSG and found their grading to be consistent and their slabs durable. They offer a strong alternative, often with competitive pricing and good turnaround times, especially for newer collectors or those wanting to try a different service. Their market acceptance is growing steadily.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Grader
Choosing where to get a baseball card graded requires careful thought. We always weigh these factors based on the specific card.
Card Type and Era (Vintage vs. Modern)
Our experience has shown that certain graders have a stronger reputation for specific eras. PSA is generally dominant across the board but particularly strong for vintage cards due to historical market acceptance. SGC also shines with vintage pieces. BGS, with its subgrades, is often preferred for modern, high-value, or ultra-modern “perfect” cards. Consider what the majority of collectors for your specific card prefer.
Turnaround Times and Cost
Grading can be an investment in both time and money. Turnaround times can vary wildly, from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the service level chosen and the company’s backlog. We always check the current estimated times on the grader’s website. Similarly, costs are based on declared value, service level, and sometimes card type. Balance the urgency of getting your card back with your budget. If you’re pondering how do you get a baseball card graded without breaking the bank or waiting forever, check these metrics carefully.
Market Acceptance and Resale Value
If your goal is eventual resale, understand which grading company’s slabs fetch the highest premiums for your specific card type. While PSA and BGS often lead in high-value modern sales, SGC holds its own, especially for vintage. Research recent sales of your card in different grading company slabs to make an informed decision. This is a crucial step if you want to understand how do you get a baseball card graded to maximize its market potential.
Grading Scale and Subgrades (how do you get a baseball card graded accurately)
Each company has its own nuanced approach to grading. PSA offers a single numerical grade. BGS provides detailed subgrades for Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface, which can be invaluable for pinpointing specific flaws or celebrating perfection. SGC’s scale is similar to PSA’s, but some collectors perceive their grading as slightly more lenient or consistent for vintage cards. Understanding these differences helps in deciding which company aligns best with your card’s characteristics and your expectations for how do you get a baseball card graded with the most accurate representation of its condition.
Our Experience with Different Companies
We’ve found that PSA is excellent for high-value cards where top-tier market recognition is paramount. For modern cards that are truly flawless, BGS offers that extra level of detail with subgrades. SGC is often our go-to for vintage cards or when we need a reliable, faster turnaround for a consistent grade. CSG has proven to be a solid choice for modern non-baseball cards and is steadily gaining ground in the baseball card market. We encourage sending a few cards to different companies to see which experience and result you prefer.
Essential Steps to Prepare Your Cards Before Submitting
Once you’ve chosen your grading company, the next phase is critical: preparing your card. This isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about meticulous inspection and careful handling. Our cardinal rule, gleaned from years of submissions, is that proper preparation can make or break your grade. Many collectors wonder how do you get a baseball card graded without inadvertently damaging it, and these steps are key.
The Critical First Step: Inspecting Your Card
Before anything else, we thoroughly inspect every card under bright, direct light, often with a jeweler’s loupe. This helps us identify flaws that might otherwise be missed and manage our expectations for the grade. Look for the “big four” condition aspects:
Centering
This refers to how evenly the card’s image is framed within its borders. We use a centering tool or app, or simply our eyes, to check if the top/bottom and left/right borders are roughly equal. Even a perfectly mint card can get knocked down if its centering is off.
Corners
Examine all four corners closely. Are they sharp and pristine, or do they show any white specks, rounding, or dings? Even the slightest wear can impact the grade.
Edges
Run your finger gently along the card’s edges (or use a loupe). Look for any nicks, fraying, or layers showing. White edges are common, especially on vintage cards, but excessive wear will lower the grade.
Surface
This is often the trickiest to assess. Hold the card at various angles under light to spot scratches, print lines, dimples, creases, or wax stains. Pay close attention to the card’s gloss and ensure there’s no residue. We’ve learned that surface flaws, even tiny ones, can significantly impact the final grade, making the decision of how do you get a baseball card graded successfully hinge on this step.
Gentle Cleaning and Handling Techniques
This is a delicate area. Our advice: Less is more. Most grading companies are looking for “original” condition, so aggressive cleaning or alteration is a major no-no and can lead to an “altered” designation.
What We’ve Learned About Safe Cleaning
We never use anything abrasive or wet on a card. If a card has light surface dust, a clean, dry, lint-free microfiber cloth (specifically for optics or electronics) can be used to gently wipe the surface. We always do this with extreme caution, applying minimal pressure and wiping in one direction. For fingerprints, we’ve had limited success with a very light breath and a quick wipe from the same microfiber cloth. However, our strongest recommendation is to only clean if you are absolutely certain it will improve the card without causing any damage. If you’re unsure, leave it alone. The goal is to present the card in its best original state. This is a critical part of how do you get a baseball card graded ethically and effectively.
Protecting Your Cards for Submission
Once inspected and (if necessary) lightly cleaned, your card needs proper protection for its journey. This is where attention to detail prevents unfortunate accidents.
Sleeves and Toploaders/Card Savers
Every card you submit should be in a penny sleeve, then placed into either a semi-rigid card saver (preferred by PSA and often SGC) or a toploader (preferred by BGS and CSG).
- Penny Sleeve: This is a soft, clear plastic sleeve. We always ensure it’s new and perfectly clean. Place the card into the penny sleeve carefully, making sure it doesn’t get caught or creased.
- Card Saver/Toploader:
- Card Savers: These are semi-rigid plastic holders. Once your card is in a penny sleeve, gently slide it into the card saver. Leave a small part of the penny sleeve sticking out from the top of the card saver; this tab makes it easier for the grader to remove the card without touching it directly.
- Toploaders: These are rigid plastic holders. Similarly, place the penny-sleeved card into the toploader.
Always use new, clean holders. Scratched or dirty holders can give the impression that the card itself is in poor condition. Ensuring these items are spotless is a small but important detail in how do you get a baseball card graded successfully.
The Right Way to Secure Your Cards (how do you get a baseball card graded safely)
For card savers, we use a piece of painter’s tape (which is low adhesive and won’t damage the penny sleeve) to gently secure the open end of the card saver. This prevents the card from sliding out during transit. For toploaders, this step is often less critical as they are tighter, but we sometimes use a piece of painter’s tape over the opening if we feel the card is loose. Never tape directly to the penny sleeve or, worse, the card itself! This meticulous care in handling is a fundamental part of how do you get a baseball card graded without incurring avoidable damage.
Navigating the Submission Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
With your cards prepped, it’s time to tackle the administrative side. Each grading company has its own online submission portal, but the general principles are similar. This is where you formally declare your intent to get a baseball card graded.
Creating Your Online Submission Form
All major grading companies require you to create an account on their website. From there, you’ll start a new submission. This involves:
- Selecting Service Level: Based on the card’s declared value and your desired turnaround time.
- Entering Card Details: You’ll typically enter the year, brand, card number, player name, and often the card’s declared value. We always double-check these details to avoid errors.
- Quantity: Specify how many cards you are submitting.
Once all cards are entered, the system will generate a summary and a shipping label or instructions. Print these out carefully; they are essential for your package.
Declaring Value and Understanding Service Levels
The declared value of your card directly impacts the grading fee and the service level you can choose. Higher-value cards require more expensive service levels, which usually come with faster turnaround times and higher insurance coverage during the grading process.
- How to determine declared value: We always look at recent sales data for the raw version of our card, or for similar graded cards if we’re confident in its potential grade. Sites like eBay (filtered by “Sold Items”), 130point.com, or Goldin Auctions are invaluable resources. Be honest with your declared value; under-declaring can void insurance, while over-declaring can needlessly increase your grading fee. This careful assessment is part of how do you get a baseball card graded smartly.
Packaging Your Cards for Shipping
This is not the time to cut corners. A well-packaged submission protects your investment from the rigors of shipping. We’ve heard too many horror stories of damaged cards due to poor packaging.
Our Tips for Secure Packaging (how do you get a baseball card graded without damage)
- Bundle Your Cards: For multiple cards, we stack them together (still in their individual card savers/toploaders) and secure the stack with rubber bands or painter’s tape around the outside of the stack. Don’t make the rubber bands too tight!
- Use a Sturdy Box: A new, strong cardboard box is essential. Avoid reusing flimsy boxes.
- Padding, Padding, Padding: Place your bundled cards between two pieces of stiff cardboard, slightly larger than the cards themselves. Then, wrap this cardboard “sandwich” in bubble wrap. Fill any empty space in the shipping box with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or more bubble wrap to prevent the cards from shifting around during transit. We want the cards to be snug and immovable inside the box.
- Include Required Documentation: Always place a copy of your submission form inside the box. Some companies also require a copy taped to the outside. Follow their specific instructions precisely.
Shipping and Insurance: Protecting Your Investment
You’ve done all the hard work preparing your cards; don’t let them get lost or damaged in transit. This final step is paramount when considering how do you get a baseball card graded without risk.
Why Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
We always insure our packages for their full declared value. Shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS offer insurance. The cost is well worth the peace of mind. While losses are rare, they do happen, and insurance is your only recourse. If you have a high-value submission, consider using a specialized carrier that offers higher insurance limits, or breaking your submission into smaller, less valuable batches to stay within standard insurance caps. Always get a tracking number and keep it safe.
The Waiting Game: What Happens After Submission?
After your package leaves your hands, the process moves into the grading company’s domain. This can be the most trying part for many collectors: the waiting. But understanding what’s happening behind the scenes helps manage expectations when learning how do you get a baseball card graded.
Tracking Your Submission
Most grading companies offer online tracking for your submission. You’ll typically see updates as your package is received, enters various stages of grading (e.g., “authentication,” “grading,” “quality assurance”), and finally, when it’s ready to be shipped back. We check these updates regularly but try not to obsess over them daily!
Understanding Turnaround Times
The quoted turnaround times are estimates, and they can fluctuate significantly based on demand, staffing, and specific service levels. Economic cycles, popular new releases, and general hobby interest can all affect how quickly you’ll get your cards back. We’ve experienced both faster-than-expected returns and delays of several months. Patience is key. Remember, the graders are handling countless valuable cards, and thoroughness takes time.
The Grading Process Unveiled
While each company has proprietary methods, the general process involves:
- Receiving and Sorting: Your package is opened, contents verified against your submission form, and cards are logged into their system.
- Authentication: Experts examine the card for authenticity, ensuring it’s genuine and hasn’t been altered.
- Grading: Multiple graders independently assess the card’s condition (centering, corners, edges, surface) and assign a numerical grade. They use standardized criteria and often specialized equipment.
- Quality Assurance: A senior grader reviews the assigned grade(s) to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Encapsulation: The card is placed into its tamper-evident, sonically sealed holder (slab) along with the grade label.
- Shipping: Your graded cards are carefully packaged and shipped back to you. This detailed, multi-step process explains why it takes time for them to get a baseball card graded.
Common Anxieties and How to Manage Them
We’ve all been there: constantly refreshing the tracking page, wondering if our prized card will come back a Gem Mint 10 or something less. It’s natural to feel anxious, especially with high-value submissions. Our best advice is to set realistic expectations. Understand that grades are objective, and what you perceive as a perfect card might have a tiny flaw a professional grader will spot. Focus on the excitement of the return, regardless of the outcome. This mindset shift is part of the journey when you get a baseball card graded.
Deciphering Your Graded Cards: Understanding the Results
The moment of truth arrives when your package of graded cards lands back on your doorstep. Unboxing them is always a thrill. But beyond the immediate visual, understanding the assigned grade is crucial. When we see the final result, it’s the culmination of everything we’ve done to get a baseball card graded.
The Universal 1-10 Grading Scale
Most grading companies use a 1-10 scale, with 1 being “Poor” and 10 being “Gem Mint” or “Pristine.” Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common grades you’ll encounter:
- 10 (Gem Mint/Pristine): A nearly perfect card, with excellent centering, sharp corners, sharp edges, and a clean, blemish-free surface. It must be virtually flawless.
- 9 (Mint): A superb card with only one or two minor flaws, often only noticeable under close inspection. Centering might be slightly off.
- 8 (Near Mint-Mint): A very attractive card with minor flaws, such as slight corner wear, a tiny print defect, or slightly uneven centering.
- 7 (Near Mint): A nice card with some visible wear, perhaps a couple of minor flaws like light corner wear, minor print defects, or light surface scratches.
- 6 (Excellent-Mint): Shows moderate wear, such as more noticeable corner wear, some edge chipping, or light surface scuffing.
- 5 (Excellent): Exhibits significant wear, including moderate rounding of corners, noticeable edge wear, and potentially some surface issues.
- And so on, down to 1 (Poor) for cards with major flaws like creases, heavy wear, or damage.
Understanding this scale is fundamental to appreciating the value and condition when you get a baseball card graded.
Exploring Subgrades and Their Impact (BGS specific)
One unique aspect of Beckett Grading Services (BGS) is their use of subgrades. For each card, BGS assigns individual grades (on a 1-10 scale, often with half-points) for:
- Centering
- Corners
- Edges
- Surface
The overall grade is then derived from these subgrades (usually by averaging them and often dropping the lowest). For example, a card might have subgrades of 10, 9.5, 9.5, 9.5, resulting in an overall BGS 9.5. If all four subgrades are 10, it earns the coveted “Black Label” BGS 10, which is incredibly rare and highly valued. We’ve found these subgrades to be immensely helpful for understanding precisely why a card received its particular grade, offering a level of detail not found with other companies when we get a baseball card graded through BGS.
What a “Gem Mint 10” Really Means
A “Gem Mint 10” is the pinnacle of card grading. It means the card exhibits virtually no flaws, even under magnification. Centering is near-perfect, corners are sharp as a razor, edges are pristine, and the surface is free of any noticeable defects. Achieving a PSA 10 or a BGS 9.5 (or the rare Black Label 10) is a significant accomplishment and instantly elevates the card’s status and value. It means all your efforts in how do you get a baseball card graded have paid off perfectly.
What If You Get a Lower Grade Than Expected?
It happens to all of us. You expect a 9, and it comes back an 8. Or worse, a major flaw you missed leads to a 6. Don’t be discouraged.
- Review Your Inspection: Go back to your initial inspection notes. Did you miss something? Sometimes, under different lighting or with a grader’s expert eye, flaws become apparent.
- Understand the Market: Even a lower grade can still offer protection and authentication, and often commands more than a raw card.
- Consider Re-submitting (Rarely): If you genuinely believe an error was made, some companies offer a review process. However, this is rare, and graders are usually consistent. We rarely re-submit cards unless we feel there’s a clear mistake, as it involves additional time and cost without a guarantee of a higher grade. Learn from the experience and apply it to future submissions.
Life After Grading: Protecting and Showcasing Your Investment
Receiving your graded cards back is just the beginning. Now that you’ve gone through the process of how do you get a baseball card graded, the next step is ensuring their continued preservation and enjoyment.
Storing Graded Slabs Properly
Even in a durable slab, cards need proper storage. We store our graded cards in specialized graded card boxes, which are designed to hold the slabs securely and prevent them from rattling around or scratching each other. Keep these boxes in a climate-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. A cool, dry, dark place is ideal. This protects both the card and the integrity of the slab itself.
Displaying Your Prized Possessions
Graded cards are meant to be admired! For display, we use UV-protective display cases or stands. Ensure they are out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. Wall-mounted displays can look fantastic, but again, prioritize stable environmental conditions. It’s a wonderful feeling to show off the results of your efforts to get a baseball card graded.
Deciding to Sell: Maximizing Value
If you decide to sell a graded card, its slab and grade are powerful tools.
- Market Research: Always check recent sales data for your specific card and grade from the same grading company. This will give you the most accurate pricing information.
- Photography: Take high-quality photos of the front and back of the slab, clearly showing the card and the grade. Highlight any special features (e.g., autograph, short print).
- Reputable Platforms: Sell on platforms trusted by collectors (e.g., eBay, Goldin, Heritage Auctions, PWCC Marketplace).
Leverage Pop Reports (how do you get a baseball card graded for maximum profit)
“Pop reports” (population reports) show how many copies of a specific card have been graded at each numerical grade by a given company. For example, if your 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan PSA 10 is one of only 30 in existence, that scarcity significantly increases its value. If it’s one of 3,000, it’s still valuable, but less so than the rarer population. We always check pop reports before selling; this insight helps us understand the true rarity and potential value of our graded cards and is crucial for how do you get a baseball card graded for maximum profit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your Baseball Cards Graded
After years of submitting cards, we’ve seen (and sometimes made!) common mistakes that can lead to disappointment or wasted effort. Learning how do you get a baseball card graded also means learning what not to do.
Submitting Low-Value or Low-Condition Cards
This is a frequent pitfall for new collectors. Not every card is worth grading. If a raw card is only worth a few dollars, and the grading fee is $20-$30+, you’re unlikely to recoup your investment, even with a high grade. Similarly, a card in poor condition will likely receive a low grade, which won’t add significant value. We always do a quick cost-benefit analysis before deciding if a card warrants grading.
Poor Card Preparation
As we’ve emphasized, skipping the thorough inspection, improper cleaning (or over-cleaning), and using dirty sleeves or holders are all major errors. These can lead to lower grades, card damage, or even outright rejection. Take your time with preparation; it’s perhaps the most critical hands-on step when you get a baseball card graded.
Neglecting Shipping Insurance
Under-insuring or failing to insure your package is a gamble that’s rarely worth taking, especially for valuable cards. The small additional cost of insurance pales in comparison to the potential loss of your entire submission.
Impatience and Expecting Instant Returns
The grading process takes time. Unrealistic expectations about turnaround times can lead to frustration. Understand that quality and thoroughness are paramount for grading companies, and that process takes time. Planning ahead and patiently waiting is a virtue when you get a baseball card graded.
Overlooking Authentication Details
For cards with autographs, ensure the autograph itself is authentic or, if it’s an on-card auto, that the grading company will verify it as part of their service. Not all companies authenticate autographs by default, or they might charge an additional fee. Clarify these details upfront.
Getting your baseball cards graded is an exciting and rewarding aspect of the hobby. It takes careful planning, meticulous execution, and a good understanding of the process. By following these steps and learning from our experiences, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of card grading, ensuring your treasured cards are authenticated, protected, and their value accurately recognized. We hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to confidently approach your next baseball card submission and experience the satisfaction of seeing your collection elevated.
FAQ
Q: How long does it typically take to get a baseball card graded?
A: Turnaround times vary greatly by grading company and service level, ranging from a few weeks for expedited services to several months or even over a year for economy options, so always check current estimates on the grader’s website.
Q: Which grading company is best for vintage baseball cards?
A: PSA and SGC are generally considered the best for vintage baseball cards, with PSA often preferred for maximum market value and SGC praised for consistent grading and quicker turnaround times in the vintage market.
Q: Can I submit a card that has minor damage like a small crease?
A: Yes, you can submit a card with minor damage, but it will receive a significantly lower grade (e.g., a “GD 2” or “FR 1.5”), and the cost of grading might outweigh the potential increase in value, making it generally not recommended for monetary gain.
Q: Is it worth grading every baseball card I own?
A: No, it is generally not worth grading every baseball card; focus on cards that are high value, in excellent condition, rare, or personally significant, as grading fees can quickly add up and often exceed the card’s potential graded value for lower-tier cards.
Q: How do I determine the declared value for my baseball card submission?
A: You determine the declared value by researching recent sales of your card in similar raw or graded condition on platforms like eBay (sold listings), 130point.com, or major auction houses, providing an honest estimate to ensure proper service level and insurance.
Q: What is the difference between a PSA 10 and a BGS 9.5?
A: A PSA 10 (Gem Mint) signifies a virtually perfect card, while a BGS 9.5 (Gem Mint) is also exceptional but includes detailed subgrades (Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface) where at least one is below a 10, with a BGS Black Label 10 requiring all perfect 10 subgrades.
