Graded Cards

[56 chmps]

Could someone tell me what grading a card is. For example i have heard abput PAS GAI and BVG grading and i was wondering what it was and how it worked. Also is it worth it to get your cards graded and if so how much does it cost.

[kramer_47]

Grading your cards is worth it, it proves they are real unaltered cards. An example of a card that is altered is cutting of the edges to make the corners sharper thus making the card slightly smaller but looking much better. You may not realize a card has been altered just by looking at it with the naked eye, but when they grade the card they use magnification to see every little defect in the card. They grade the card from 1-10 psa or 1-100 sgc, they have grading definitions for every grade, your card may have 6 corners 7 edge 5 surface this card would grade out to a 5.5. If you go to the SGC site you can see what qualifies a card for a certain grade. It raises the value of the card when you have it graded especially older cards and superstars because they have been authenticated as real unaltered cards. Cards rated 6-10 psa or 80-100 sgc are considered high end and garner the higher prices. Cards that are common cards from the 1950's in excellent-mint(6) or above should be rated, big superstar cards in most any condition should be rated. You can buy a Becketts price guide that will show you the prices of ungraded and graded cards. Good luck if you have any questions let me know, I've been in the hobby for 30 years. It cost about $7-$20 to grade a card depending how fast you want it back, 4 weeks turn around is the cheapest, it also depends on the value of the card cards over a $200 value are usually more to grade. Commons are the Cheapest at about $7 but if you send in say 50 cards to get graded it gets cheaper the more you send.

[kramer_47]

Grading your cards is worth it, it proves they are real unaltered cards. An example of a card that is altered is cutting of the edges to make the corners sharper thus making the card slightly smaller but looking much better. You may not realize a card has been altered just by looking at it with the naked eye, but when they grade the card they use magnification to see every little defect in the card. They grade the card from 1-10 psa or 1-100 sgc, they have grading definitions for every grade, your card may have 6 corners 7 edge 5 surface this card would grade out to a 5.5. If you go to the SGC site you can see what qualifies a card for a certain grade. It raises the value of the card when you have it graded especially older cards and superstars because they have been authenticated as real unaltered cards. Cards rated 6-10 psa or 80-100 sgc are considered high end and garner the higher prices. Cards that are common cards from the 1950's in excellent-mint(6) or above should be rated, big superstar cards in most any condition should be rated. You can buy a Becketts price guide that will show you the prices of ungraded and graded cards. Good luck if you have any questions let me know, I've been in the hobby for 30 years.

[Zito75]

Stick with BGS or PSA if you want to get your stuff graded. BCCG is like an "economy service" that Beckett provides, but it's more of a generic type of grading. PSA and BGS are pretty much the industry standards.

[56 chmps]

Is there any where i could bring the cards or do i have to mail them. I really dont feel safe mailing out all my best cards, all it takes it one stupid ups driver to make a wrong move and there go all my best cards .

[dacollector]

http://www.dacollector.net/ConditionAssistant.htm

Insurance coverage usually makes sure your packge of precious cards does not get lost or misdirected.

I prefer to get my rare low #'d and nice vintage stuff graded just for the preservation factor the case gives you. Not to mention the serial # helps to prove or deter theft.

Just some thoughts.

[dacollector]

Let's see some of everyone's favorite graded items ...

[kramer_47]

56 chmps you can take your cards to a show when the card graders are there. Go to the site I post below and call them to find out when they are at a show in your area, SGC is located near Route 80 of 287 which is within driving distance of you. Check there site out.
http://www.sgccard.com