How much does it cost to have a card graded?

The professional card grading companies such as PSA, SCG & Beckett love to make this claim, as it is a justification for charging $5 to $15 to grade a common card! The real cost to have a card graded is usually $14 to $17 per card when you consider the overpriced shipping and insurance charges.

What is PSA card grading?

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the largest and most trusted third-party trading card authentication and grading company in the world. Since its inception in 1991, PSA has certified over 40 million cards and collectibles with a cumulative declared value of over a billion dollars.

How do I become a PSA card grader?

You can apply to become a Card Grader on the PSA website. Through their site, you can fill out and submit your application. Be sure, as with any application, to include all relevant experience you have with cards, collecting, and grading.

Who is the best card grader?

Third-Party Card Grading Companies

• Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) PSA is the biggest and most respected sports card grader on the market.
• Sportscard Guaranty Company (SGC)
• Beckett’s Grading Services (BGS, BCCG, and BVG)
• PSA Prices.
• SGC Prices.
• Beckett Prices.

What is the cheapest card grading company?

Service cost ranking: Overall BGS and CGC are offering the cheapest grading services. BGS’s is currently the cheapest for regular and economy services ranging from $20 to $30. On the other hand, CGC is providing the cheapest express service for $60.

How hard is PSA 10?

A PSA 10 card has perfect centering and pristine corners as well as no blemishes like smudges, scratches, or printing errors. It’s hard to get a 10. The only way to know for certain if your card is a 10 is to send it in and try, but evaluating your card before you send is important.

Can I grade my own cards?

Self-grading allows collectors to get an idea of the general condition a card is actually in. They can then get a better estimate of what grade it might receive upon submission. Surface wear, print dots, and minor creases all play into the final grade a card receives.

Why is PSA grading so expensive?

PSA, the leader in card grading, dramatically changed its prices on Monday as the uptick in the industry left the company with a backlog of an untold millions of cards. Pricing in most areas has doubled. The lowest level, with the slowest service, goes from $10 a card to $20 a card and imposes a 10-card minimum.

Is 1st grade legit?

We are the world’s best card grading company. We invite you shop our great selection of affordable graded cards. Our staff members are happy to assist you in finding exactly what you are looking for. And if you need assistance, we are only a phone call or e-mail away.

Which is the best service for grading trading cards?

Trading Card Grading. PSA is the largest and most trusted card grading service in the world. Submitting your trading cards to PSA is the first step towards getting the most from your trading card collection. Learn more about the different types of grading services and the benefits of PSA grading.

How does the PSA grading system work for cards?

If your cards pass authentication, PSA grades the condition of each card on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best. PSA encapsulates each card in its own sonically sealed, tamper-evident case. The card’s grade and certification number are displayed on the PSA LightHouse™ label. PSA grading is the widely accepted standard in the trading card industry.

Do you have to list your cards in gradedgem?

When sending to PSA or via other grading services you will be required to list your cards. At GradedGem that is not the case, we will either know or research your card and if we are unsure we will email or contact you otherwise. We like to call this no hassle submitting.

Is there a CGC grading service for Pokemon cards?

CGC Trading Cards provides this confidence through its expert and impartial authentication, grading and encapsulation services for virtually all Pokémon TCG and Magic: The Gathering cards.