How Do You Get A Baseball Card Graded?

How do you get a baseball card graded? What is the process and what does it mean for the value of your card? Find out here!

Introduction

Praised for their distinct bright yellow hue, Goldin Auctions’ GEM-MT 10Condition Conventions have quickly become the preferred choice for the world’s most discerning collectors and investors. Whether you are seeking the reassurance of a professional opinion to document your collection or are looking to maximize its value when selling, GEM-MT 10s are the gold standard.

The GEM-MT 10 grading process is similar to that of other professional services, but with some important distinctions. First, every card that is submitted for grading is reviewed by at least two of our expert staff members. Our experts use industry-leading technology, including high-powered microscopes and digital cameras, to capture images of both the front and back of your card. These images are then compared against a extensive database of more than 10 million cards, which allows us to verify that the card you submit is authentic and correctly attributed. Next, we take into account the factors that affect a card’s value, including its cleanliness, centering, corners, edges surface wear. Once these elements have been evaluated, we assign a final grade on a scale from 1 to 100, with 100 being perfect mint condition.

A GEM-MT 10 graded card is one that would earn a Near Mint/Mint (NM/M) grade if it were graded by any other professional service. In other words, it is a virtually perfect card that appears Mint 9 or better when inspected closely. To achieve this coveted designation, a card must be free from any staining or residue; have four sharp corners; strong centering; and exhibit only the most minute surface wear visible only under intense magnification. Due to their exceptional eye appeal and scarcity relative to other conditions grades , GEM-MT 10 cards typically sell for a significant premium above cards graded NM/M by other services

What is a Graded Baseball Card?

A graded baseball card is a card that has been evaluated by a professional service and assigned a numeric grade based on the card’s condition. The three most popular grading services are PSA, SGC, and Beckett. A graded baseball card typically sells for a significant premium over the same card in ungraded condition.

There are a few reasons why collectors prefer graded cards. First, it takes the guesswork out of determining the condition of a card. This is especially important for older cards, which can be difficult to assess without years of experience. Second, graded cards are far less likely to be counterfeited or altered in any way, which gives collectors peace of mind. Finally, graded cards are much easier to sell and trade than ungraded cards, since there is no debate about their condition.

If you have a baseball card that you think might be valuable, the first step is to have it professionally graded. You can do this by sending it to one of the grading services mentioned above. There is usually a fee for this service, but it is typically quite reasonable. Once your card has been graded, you will receive a certificate of authenticity that can be used to verify its status as a genuine graded baseball card.

The Three Major Grading Companies

The three major grading companies for baseball cards are Beckett Grading Services, Professional Sports Authenticator, and Sportscard Guaranty Corporation. Each company has its own process, but the general idea is the same: a panel of experts evaluates the condition of your card and assigns it a numerical grade on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being mint condition.

To get started, you’ll need to decide which company you want to use. Each company has its own strengths and weaknesses, so do some research to figure out which one is right for you. Once you’ve chosen a company, you’ll need to fill out a submission form and send in your card (or cards) along with a fee. The grading process usually takes around 4-6 weeks.

Once your card has been graded, you’ll receive a certificate of authenticity that includes the grade as well as a description of the condition of your card. You can then use this certificate to help establish the value of your card should you ever decide to sell it.

The Cost of Getting a Baseball Card Graded

Getting your baseball cards graded by a professional service can be quite costly. The price typically depends on the company you use, the type of card being graded, and how many cards you have. For example, PSA charges $10 per card for single standard-sized cards that are submitted online, plus a $5 per order service fee. This means that if you have 100 cards that you want graded, it would cost you a total of $1,050.

Some companies offer discounts if you submit multiple cards at once. For instance, Beckett Grading Services charges $10 per card for quantities of 1-5, $9 per card for 6-25 submitted cards, and $8 per card for 26 or more submitted cards. So if you had 100 cards that you wanted graded by Beckett, it would cost you $800—a savings of $250 compared to what you would pay with PSA.

The Pros and Cons of Getting a Baseball Card Graded

Many baseball card collectors wonder if they should get their cards graded by a professional service. While there are some advantages to having a card graded, there are also some potential drawbacks. Here are some things to consider before you make a decision:

Pros:
-A graded card will usually be worth more than an ungraded card of the same type.
-A graded card can be easier to sell because potential buyers will know exactly what they are getting.
-A well-known grading company like PSA or Beckett will give your card added credibility.

Cons:
-Grading services can be expensive, so you need to be sure that the value of your card justifies the cost.
-There is always the chance that your card will be given a lower grade than you expect.
-Once a card is graded, it becomes more difficult to carry or store.

ultimately, whether or not you decide to have your cards graded is up to you. If you do choose to go this route, be sure to do your research and select a reputable company.

How to Get Your Baseball Card Graded

When you get your baseball card graded, a professional evaluates your card and gives it a condition score on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being perfectly mint. The pro also assigns it a numeric grade that corresponds to the condition score. For example, a card in “near mint” condition (with a condition score of 9) would be given a numeric grade of 8.5.

Keep in mind that the grading process is subjective, so different experts may come up with different grades for the same card. Also, the same company may give a different grade to the same card at different times, depending on changes in grading standards.

To get your baseball card graded, you’ll need to send it to a professional grading company. These companies will charge you a fee for their services; fees vary depending on the company and the type of service you choose. For example, PSA (a popular grading company) charges $20 for standard service or $35 for expedited service.

It’s important to do some research before sending off your baseball card. First, check out the fees charged by different companies; remember that you’re looking for a balance between cost and quality. Next, look for customer reviews of different grading companies; this will give you an idea of which companies are reliable and which ones to avoid.

Once you’ve chosen a company, be sure to carefully package your baseball card before sending it off. Use bubble wrap or another padding material to protect your card during shipping, and consider insuring your package in case it gets lost en route.

What Happens if Your Baseball Card Gets Damaged After It Has Been Graded?

If your baseball card is damaged after it has been graded, you can submit a request for review to the grading company. The company will determine if the damage is significant enough to affect the card’s grade, and if so, they will generate a new grade and encapsulate the card again.

Conclusion

To conclude, there are a few things you should keep in mind when sending your baseball cards off to be graded. Make sure you use a reputable company, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. It’s also important to remember that the grading process can be subjective, so don’t be discouraged if your cards don’t come back with the grade you were expecting.