How To Assess And Prepare Sports And Non Sport Cards For Grading

Collecting sports and non-sport trading cards has become a popular hobby for many individuals around the world. Whether you have a passion for baseball, basketball, Pokémon, or any other theme, the excitement of finding and owning rare and valuable cards can be incredibly rewarding. However, if you want to maximize the value of your cards and take your collection to the next level, considering card grading is an important step.

What is Card Grading?

Card grading is the process of evaluating the condition and authenticity of a trading card and assigning it a numerical grade to represent its overall quality. This grading process is typically conducted by professional grading companies that specialize in assessing the condition of sports and non-sport cards. The graded card is then sealed in a tamper-proof holder, also known as a slab, to preserve its condition and prevent any alterations or tampering.

The Benefits of Card Grading

Getting your cards graded offers several benefits:

Grading 101: How to Assess and Prepare Sports and Non-Sport Cards for Grading

by Alan Seaborn(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3680 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

• Increased Value: A graded card often commands a higher market value compared to an ungraded one, especially if it receives a high grade.
• Protection: The slab encasing the graded card protects it from damage, wear, and tear, ensuring its long-term preservation.
• Authenticity: Grading adds credibility and authenticity to your card, as it verifies its condition and identity.
• Marketability: Graded cards are highly sought after by collectors and investors, increasing their marketability for potential sales or trades.

Assessing Your Cards

Prior to sending your cards for grading, it's crucial to assess their condition to determine if they are worth the investment. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Corners and Edges: Check for any signs of dings, fraying, or wear on the card's corners and edges. Sharp corners and clean edges are typically preferred.
2. Centering: Examine the card's centering, ensuring that the image and borders are properly aligned, without any significant off-centeredness.
3. Surface: Inspect the surface of the card for any scratches, stains, or print defects that may impact its overall appearance.
4. Creases: Look out for any creases, bends, or folds that may reduce the card's grade.
5. Signatures and Autographs: If your card features a signature or autograph, check its authenticity and clarity.

Preparing Your Cards for Grading

Once you have assessed the condition of your cards and identified those worthy of grading, follow these steps to prepare them:

1. Cleanliness: Ensure your hands are clean and free from oils or dirt before handling the cards.
2. Protection: Place each card in a protective sleeve or holder to prevent any accidental damage during the submission process.
3. Packaging: Use a sturdy card box or bubble mailer to package your cards securely.
4. Paperwork: Complete the necessary paperwork provided by the grading company, ensuring accurate details and proper documentation.
5. Insurance: Consider adding insurance to your shipment to protect your valuable cards during transit.

Choosing a Grading Company

When it comes to choosing a grading company, it's important to do your research and select a reputable and trusted service. Some well-known grading companies include PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator),BGS (Beckett Grading Services),and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty). Each company has its own grading scale and criteria, so familiarize yourself with their guidelines to make an informed decision.

The Grading Process

Once you have selected a grading company, you can submit your cards for grading. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Submission: Fill out the grading company's submission form, providing all necessary information and specifications.
2. Authentication: The grading company will verify the authenticity of your cards, checking for any signs of forgery or alteration.
3. Grading: Professional graders will assess your cards based on their condition, assigning a numerical grade that corresponds to their quality.
4. Encapsulation: If your cards receive a favorable grade, they will be sealed in a tamper-proof holder with a label indicating their grade, identification, and any additional relevant information.
5. Return: Once the grading process is complete, the graded cards will be returned to you, securely packaged and protected.

Getting your sports and non-sport cards graded can significantly enhance their value, protect them from damage, and add authenticity to your collection. By assessing the condition of your cards, preparing them properly, and choosing a reputable grading company, you can take your card collecting hobby to a whole new level. So, start evaluating your collection today and embark on the journey of card grading!

Grading 101: How to Assess and Prepare Sports and Non-Sport Cards for Grading

by Alan Seaborn(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3680 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

If you're relatively new to grading, or if you've never graded a card before, this book will help walk you through the process of assessing which cards to consider grading, which ones are in the right condition for a high grade, and how to prep them before you send them in to a third party grading service.

This is a helpful tool whether you're looking to grade basketball, baseball, football, hockey, golf, wrestling, soccer, Pokemon, Magic The Gathering, or any other kind of sports or non-sport card.