The Answer. You should ONLY get your cards graded IF it will increase the value or make the sale of the card(s) easier. … Grading cards costs money. Money that sometimes isn’t returned because the grades assigned to the cards do not improve their value.
Likewise, how much does it cost to get a football card PSA graded? PSA grading costs range anywhere from $20 per card all the way up to $10,000 per card, depending on the value of the card, the age of the card, how many cards you’re submitting at one time, how fast you want the turnaround to be, and other factors.
In this regard, how much does it cost to send a card to get graded? The real cost to have a card graded is usually $14 to $17 per card when you consider the overpriced shipping and insurance charges.
Moreover, how do I grade a football card? Cards are graded based on these factors: Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface. They give each attribute a grade of 1-10, then combine those to give the card a final grade of 1-10. Anything above a 9 is worth book value or greater, as BGS 9 (known as a “Mint 9”) is the condition expected of the card out of the pack.
Amazingly, what is the cheapest way to grade cards? GMA is the cheapest grading company. At present they offer $3.50 per card prices, while the big guys, PSA and Beckett, want $35 (or $20 if you send a lot of cards or don’t care how long it takes to get them back).
How can I get cards graded for free?
PSA Photograde™ Online, a free, new online service from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), helps hobbyists gain a better understanding of the PSA Grading Standards and how they apply to their cards by providing a visual tour. It is easily accessed from the PSA home page, www.psacard.com.
Where is PSA grading located?
PSA is a division of Collectors Universe, which has offices in California, New Jersey, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. As the only third-party grading service to offer a guarantee on its services, PSA has emerged as the clear leader in authentication and grading for trading cards and other collectibles.
Can I get cards graded in person?
In normal times, you could say in-person grading offers convenience and an expedited service, but there is so much up in the air right now, it’s really tough to say. Please check back when in-person shows resume!
Which cards Should I get graded?
Simply put: the higher the grade, the better it sells! If you pull a low numbered parallel of one of the game’s hottest players, that’s great. Getting it graded and having it come back as a 9.5 or 10 is even better.
How do you grade your own sports cards?
- Surface Condition: paper loss, creases, print dots and other blemishes.
- Corner Wear: soft, rounding, fuzzy.
- Edge Wear: visible wear resulting in paper or color loss.
What is the best card grading service?
Beckett’s Grading Services (BGS, BCCG, and BVG) Found in the year 1999, Beckett Grading is one of the best and most famous grading companies in the world.
How do I become a PSA card grader?
Individual should be detailed oriented, have good organization skills, and be able to focus on cards over long periods of time. Preferred applicant will have one to three years of grading experience as a professional, dealer or collector and the ability to work in a positive team environment.
What does a PSA 6 look like?
A PSA EX-MT 6 card may have visible surface wear or a printing defect which does not detract from its overall appeal. A very light scratch may be detected only upon close inspection. Corners may have slightly graduated fraying. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register.
What does PSA look for when grading?
When it comes to PSA, when you get your card graded a team of graders inspect the card for authenticity. Then, the card is reviewed for any evidence of manipulation, or “card doctoring.” Next, if the card passes those steps, the card condition is scrutinized, and a 1-10 PSA grade is applied.
How do you send a card to get graded?
- Please visit PSAcard.com/OnllineSubmissionCenter.
- Once you have input the necessary information, print out three copies of your completed submission form.
- Properly packing your collectibles is critical to ensure that they arrive safely to PSA.
Is Beckett or PSA better?
While PSA gets the lion’s share from consumers, Beckett Grading Services is no slouch in the grading industry either. This company has two advantages over its main competitor: a better-looking label and a faster turnaround time. … BGS, on the other hand, is a bit faster than PSA in this regard.
Is there an app for grading sports cards?
EZ Grade is a mobile card grader that fits in your pocket. It’s a great tool to have to “pre grade” your cards, or if you are looking for the perfect set of cards to send in. The app will give scores and evaluate the corners and centering on each card and determine the potential value of a card within seconds.
How do I send a card to PSA?
How backlogged is PSA?
After facing a grading backlog of 13-14 million cards, PSA is reopening one of its most popular service levels. After facing a grading backlog of 13-14 million cards, PSA is reopening one of its most popular service levels.
Can you drop off cards at PSA?
If you would like to drop off your items at one of our offices, this can be arranged. However, please know that we only accept submissions at our Woodbridge, NJ, office by appointment only and on a limited, case-by-case basis for high-value items and high-volume submissions at our Southern California location.
Can you go to PSA in person?
yes, but basically by appointment.
Does PSA clean cards before grading?
You should absolutely clean your cards before grading. PSA, BGS, and other grading services will grade your cards as they come to them, and slight imperfections like smudges and stains can ruin the grade of your card. … For newer cards, using a cloth and your breath should do the trick.
Who owns PSA card grading?
Collectors Universe, parent company of PSA, announced Monday an agreement to sell the company for approximately $700 million to a group of investors including entrepreneur and collector Nat Turner. The group, which will take the company private, also includes the family office of new New York Mets owner Steven Cohen.
How do I know if my PSA Card is real?
According to PSA, their preferred method of determining the authenticity of their graded cards is to hold the label in front of a bright light. Once this is done, the label’s text should be deciphered by the naked eye. If not, there’s a chance the PSA slab is a fake.
Is CGC grading worth it?
CGC is well-regarded and there have been no major issues with their grading. According to anecdotal evidence from a number of collectors, CGC has incredibly stringent grading standards. Their Pristine 10 rating is on par with Beckett’s Black Label.