A Beginner’s Guide to Grading Sports Cards
Sports cards have been a popular hobby for decades. As a collector, you want to make sure your cards are in the best condition possible. Grading sports cards is the process of determining the condition of a card and assigning it a grade. This grade is used to determine the value of the card. In this guide, we will discuss the basics of grading sports cards, the different grading companies, and the controversial topics surrounding the grading process.
What is Grading Sports Cards?
Grading sports cards is the process of assessing a card’s condition and assigning it a numerical grade. This grade is used to determine the value of the card. Grading companies use a standard set of criteria to evaluate the condition of a card. This includes factors such as centering, surface wear, corner wear, and print quality. The grade is then assigned based on the overall condition of the card.
Grading Companies
There are several different grading companies that offer services to collectors. The two most popular companies are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC). Both companies have established a set of standards for grading cards. They use a 10-point scale, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. Cards that are graded 1-3 are considered to be in poor condition, 4-7 are considered to be in good condition, and 8-10 are considered to be in mint condition.
Controversial Topics
The grading process is not without its controversies. One of the biggest debates is the accuracy of the grades assigned by the grading companies. Some collectors feel that the grades are too subjective and that there is not enough consistency between the grades assigned by different companies. Others feel that the grading companies are too lenient and that they are assigning higher grades than the cards actually deserve.
Another controversial topic is the fees charged by the grading companies. Collectors must pay a fee for each card they submit for grading. This fee can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars depending on the grade of the card. Some collectors feel that the fees are too high and that they are a barrier to entry for new collectors.
Expanding on Grading Sports Cards
When it comes to grading sports cards, it is important to understand the process and the criteria used to assign a grade. It is also important to understand the different grading companies and the fees associated with submitting cards for grading. Finally, it is important to be aware of the controversial topics surrounding the grading process.
A Beginner’s Guide to Grading Sports Cards
A Complete and Comprehensive Guide and How-To on Grading Sports Cards
Grading sports cards is an essential part of the hobby. It is used to determine the value of a card and can help collectors make informed decisions when buying and selling cards. In this guide, we will discuss the basics of grading sports cards, the different grading companies, and the steps involved in the grading process.
Step 1: Choose a Grading Company
The first step in the grading process is to choose a grading company. There are several different companies that offer services to collectors. The two most popular companies are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC). Each company has established a set of standards for grading cards. It is important to research each company and decide which one is best for you.
Step 2: Submit the Card for Grading
Once you have chosen a grading company, you will need to submit the card for grading. This process typically involves filling out an online form and paying a fee. The fee can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars depending on the grade of the card. Once the card is submitted, the grading company will evaluate the card and assign it a grade.
Step 3: Receive the Graded Card
After the card has been graded, the grading company will mail the card back to you. The card will come with a certificate of authenticity and a label indicating the grade of the card. This label is used to determine the value of the card.
Step 4: Store the Card Properly
Once you have received the card, it is important to store it properly. This means keeping it in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture. It is also important to use protective sleeves and cases to keep the card in the best condition possible.
Conclusion
Grading sports cards is an important part of the hobby. It is used to determine the value of a card and can help collectors make informed decisions when buying and selling cards. In this guide, we discussed the basics of grading sports cards, the different grading companies, and the steps involved in the grading process. With this knowledge, collectors can make informed decisions and get the most out of their hobby.
