Who Grades Baseball Cards?

Learn everything you need to know about who grades baseball cards, from the history of card grading to the present day.

Who Grades Baseball Cards?

Baseball cards are graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. The grading process is done by professional companies who use specialised equipment to grade the card. Graded cards are worth more than ungraded cards because they are considered to be in better condition.

What is a Graded Baseball Card?

A graded baseball card is a sports card that has been assessed by a professional grading company and given a numeric grade on a 10-point scale. The numeric grade is meant to represent the condition of the card, with a grade of 10 being Gem Mint (perfect) condition and a grade of 1 being Poor condition.

The most important factor in the value of a graded baseball card is the condition of the card. A card in Perfect or Near Perfect condition will be worth far more than the same card in Poor or Fair condition, even if both cards have been given the same numerical grade.

There are several companies that offer grading services for baseball cards, but the two most prominent are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Each company has its own standards for what conditions merit what grades, so there can be some variation between what PSA grades a card as and what BGS grades it as. That said, in general, the two companies’ grading standards are similar.

Who Grades Baseball Cards?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The companies that grade baseball cards will have their own unique methods and standards for grading cards. You will need to research the specific company that you are interested in to find out more about their process.

One thing to keep in mind is that the value of a graded baseball card can vary significantly depending on the company that graded it. For example, a card graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) will typically be worth more than a card graded by SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation). This is because PSA is generally considered to be the gold standard in the industry, while SGC is seen as being less rigorous in its grading process.

If you are thinking of having your baseball cards graded, it is important to do your research and choose a company that you trust. Grading companies require payment for their services, so you will need to factor this cost into your decision.

The Different Grading Companies

When it comes to baseball cards, there are a few different companies that grade them. These companies are PSA, Beckett, and SGC. Each company has their own standards when it comes to grading cards. For example, PSA is known for having stricter standards.

PSA

PSA, Professional Sports Authenticator, is the largest and most well-known sports card grading company. PSA was founded in 1991 by former professional baseball player Joe Orlando. PSA uses a 10-point scale to grade cards from mint (10) to poor (1). PSA has graded over 35 million cards since its inception and has 10 locations across the United States.

Other well-known grading companies include Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC). SGC was founded in 1991 and uses a similar 10-point scale to grade cards. BGS was founded in 1984 and uses a numerical scale of 1-10 with 10 being perfection. BGS also offers subgrades ranging from 9.5 to 9.8.

SGC

SGC was founded in 1991 and has become one of the most respected names in sports card grading. They grade cards from all major sports, as well as entertainment and gaming cards. SGC is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices in Atlanta, London, Paris and Hong Kong.

To date, SGC has graded over 40 million cards and is one of the largest card grading companies in the world. They offer several different services, including bulk grading, autograph authentication and private label services. SGC is also known for their customer service — they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of their services.

PSA/DNA
PSA/DNA is one of the leading autograph authentication companies in the world. They have authenticated over 20 million autographs and have a database of over 2 million references. PSA/DNA is a division of Collectors Universe, Inc., which also owns some of the largest trading card grading companies, including PSA and Beckett Grading Services.

PSA/DNA offers several different authentication services, including document certification, photo certification and autograph certification. They also offer LOA (Letter of Authenticity) and COA (Certificate of Authenticity) services. In addition to authentication services, PSA/DNA also offers consulting services and expert opinions on autographs and documents.

BGS
BGS was founded in 1999 and has quickly become one of the most respected names in sports card grading. They grade cards from all major sports, as well as entertainment and gaming cards. BGS is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices in Atlanta, London, Paris and Hong Kong.

To date, BGS has graded over 35 million cards and is one of the largest card grading companies in the world. They offer several different services, including bulk grading, autograph authentication and private label services. BGS is also known for their customer service — they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of their services.

BGS

BGS is the oldest and most well-known grading company in the baseball card industry. They were founded in 1991 and have been in operation for nearly 30 years. BGS is a subsidiary of Beckett Media, which is the largest publisher of sports collectibles magazines in the world. They grade cards on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade possible. They are considered to be one of the most accurate and reliable grading companies in the industry.

Why Get Your Cards Graded?

Getting your baseball cards graded can be a great way to ensure their authenticity and value. Graded cards also have a higher resale value than ungraded cards. If you are a collector, you may want to consider getting your cards graded. There are a few things you should know before you get started.

Protection

Your autographed Mark McGwire rookie card is worth a lot of money. But is it worth paying to have it authenticated and graded? If you’re a serious collector, the answer is probably yes. Here’s why:

1. Protection: A graded card is encased in a tamper-proof holder, which protects it from damage. The case also indicates the condition of the card, so there’s no question about its condition if you decide to sell it.

2. Authentication: A reputable grading company will also authenticate your card, so you know for sure that it’s real. This can be important, because there are a lot of fake autographs out there.

3. Increased value: A graded and authenticated card is worth more than one that isn’t, all other things being equal. That’s because collectors are willing to pay more for a card that has been vetted by experts and deemed to be in pristine condition.

4. Peace of mind: Knowing that your expensive card is safe from harm and has been authenticated can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your collection more.

Authentication

There are several reasons why getting your baseball cards graded can be beneficial. First, it can add to the value of your collection. Secondly, it can provide authentication for your cards, which is especially important if you plan on selling them. Finally, it can help you keep track of your cards and their condition over time.

If you are interested in selling your baseball cards, then having them graded by a professional service can increase their value. Collectors are often willing to pay more for cards that have been authenticated and graded by a reputable source. In addition, if you plan on insuring your collection, most insurance companies will require that your cards be graded in order to give you full coverage.

Keeping track of the condition of your baseball cards is another important reason to get them graded. Cards that have been professionally graded will have a record of their condition, which can be useful if you need to file a claim with an insurance company or if you decide to sell your collection at some point in the future. If you take good care of your cards, getting them graded on a regular basis can also help you spot potential problems early on, such as water damage or other types of wear and tear.

Investment Potential

When you get your baseball cards graded, you’re essentially turning them into a more liquid asset. Graded cards are more desirable to collectors and investors because they provide a level of authenticity and uniformity that raw (un-graded) cards do not. By getting your cards graded, you’re opening up a whole new world of potential buyers and increasing the value of your collection.

Of course, there is a cost associated with getting your cards graded. But, if you do your research and choose a reputable grading company, the fees will be well worth it in the long run. In addition, many grading companies offer bulk discounts, so it’s always worth considering sending in multiple cards at once.