What is Trading Card Grading and How Does It Work?
Trading card grading is a process where collectible cards are evaluated, authenticated, and assigned a grade based on their condition. This service is essential for collectors and investors, as graded cards are often worth significantly more than their ungraded counterparts. But how does grading work, and which companies dominate the industry? Let's break it down.
The Main Card Grading Companies
Several companies specialize in grading trading cards, each with its own reputation, pricing, and turnaround times:
1. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
One of the most widely recognized and trusted grading companies.
Grades on a scale from 1 to 10, with a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) being the highest grade.
Turnaround times vary but typically range from 3 weeks to several months, depending on the service level chosen.
Pricing varies, with fees starting around $25 per card for bulk submissions and exceeding $150+ for premium services.
2. Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
Known for their sub-grades (centering, corners, edges, and surface), which give a more detailed evaluation.
Uses a 1-10 grading scale, with 9.5 (Gem Mint) and 10 (Pristine) being highly sought after.
Turnaround times can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the service level.
Pricing starts at around $20 per card for bulk submissions, with express grading costing significantly more.
3. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Originally known for grading comic books, but has gained traction in the TCG space.
Uses a 10-point grading scale, with a Pristine 10 being the highest.
Generally offers faster turnaround times than PSA and BGS, with some services returning in as little as 2 weeks.
Pricing starts around $15 per card for bulk submissions, making it one of the more affordable options.
Centering is one of the factors considered in card grading
Most Popular TCGs for Grading
Not all trading card games (TCGs) have a strong market for graded cards. The most commonly graded TCGs include:
Pokémon – Cards featuring rare, first-edition prints and special promotional releases.
Magic: The Gathering – High-value cards from older sets, including the infamous Power Nine.
Yu-Gi-Oh! – First-edition cards from the early 2000s, especially those used in the anime.
Sports Cards – Though not a TCG, sports cards dominate the graded collectible market.
The Impact of Grading on Value
A card’s value can increase significantly after receiving a high-grade certification. Let's look at an example:
1999 Pokémon 1st Edition Charizard (Holographic, Base Set)
Ungraded: $2,000 - $5,000 (varies by condition)
PSA 8: $8,000 - $12,000
PSA 9: $20,000 - $30,000
PSA 10: $200,000+ (record sales have reached over $400,000!)
The increase in value is due to the assurance of authenticity and condition that grading provides. Collectors and investors are willing to pay a premium for high-graded cards because they are more difficult to find in pristine condition.
Should You Grade Your Cards?
If you own a card that is rare, highly sought after, or in excellent condition, grading can be a worthwhile investment. However, consider the following factors:
Condition – Only near-mint or better cards typically see a significant price increase from grading.
Market Demand – Certain cards are more valuable when graded than others.
Turnaround Time & Costs – Be aware of grading fees and potential wait times before making your decision.
Grading trading cards is an excellent way to authenticate, protect, and potentially increase the value of your collectibles. Whether you're a long-time collector or a newcomer looking to invest, understanding the grading process and market trends can help you make informed decisions.
Thinking about getting your cards graded? Stop by Classics TCG and Collectibles for advice on which service is best for your collection!
