Importance of Card Grading
Last updated
Last updated
If you’ve been around the Pokémon card collecting world for a while, you’ve probably heard about grading. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why should you care about it? Grading isn’t just for the ultra-rare or high-value cards, it's for anyone who wants to preserve their collection and, let’s be honest, maximize its worth. Let’s get into the world of card grading, why it matters, and how it can seriously impact the value of your collection.
So, what is grading, exactly? In simple terms, card grading is when a third-party company evaluates the condition of your card, assigns it a numerical grade (usually between 1 and 10), and then seals it in a protective case to preserve it.
The process might seem a bit intense, but it’s worth it if you’ve got a rare or valuable card. Grading not only gives potential buyers confidence that your card is authentic, but it also helps lock in its condition for the long term.
Why You Should Consider Grading
Increases Value: Cards that are professionally graded tend to fetch higher prices, especially if they score high (think 9s and 10s). Buyers trust the grade because it’s an unbiased assessment of the card’s condition.
Preserves Condition: Once a card is graded, it’s sealed in a hard plastic case. This protects it from damage and wear, meaning it’ll stay in the same condition for years to come.
Genuine Authentication: Grading services don’t just evaluate a card’s condition, they also authenticate it. So, when you’re buying or selling graded cards, you know they’re the real deal.
There are several well-known companies in the Pokémon card grading space. Each has its own reputation and grading standards, but here are the most trusted names:
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
Why It’s Popular: PSA is the most widely recognized grading company and has graded over 3 million Pokémon cards. A PSA-graded card is known to hold value and is easily trusted in the collector’s market. Many collectors refer to PSA as the gold standard in the grading world.
What You Should Know: PSA grades on a scale of 1 to 10, with Gem Mint 10 being the highest. If you’re lucky enough to get a 10, you’re looking at a serious bump in value. PSA also has a higher grading threshold compared to other companies, making a PSA 10 often more valuable than, say, a CGC 10. This stricter grading standard can lead to significant price differences between the same card graded by different companies. Due to high demand, PSA's turnaround times are often slow, and the grading process can take multiple months.
PSA 9 vs. PSA 10 Value Difference: For highly sought-after cards like the 1st Edition Base Set Charizard, a PSA 9 can sell for around 10 times less than a PSA 10, even though the difference in condition is nearly imperceptible to the untrained eye.
TAG (Transparent Authenticated Grading)
Why It’s Popular: TAG is a modern grading company that differentiates itself through technology-driven precision and transparency. It is one of the few grading services that use AI-assisted grading to ensure consistency and eliminate human bias. TAG is also known for its sleek, tamper-proof cases with built-in NFC chips, allowing collectors to scan and verify their cards instantly.
What You Should Know: TAG grades on a 1,000-point scale, offering a level of detail far beyond traditional 1–10 grading systems. This ultra-precise approach allows collectors to see exactly where their card falls within a grade range. A TAG 1000 (Pristine) is equivalent to a perfect 10 in other grading systems.
One of TAG’s biggest selling points is its Digital Report Card, which provides collectors with a detailed breakdown of why a card received its grade. This level of transparency has made it a popular choice for collectors who want more insight into the condition of their cards. Unlike some older grading companies, TAG offers a more tech-forward experience, with easy online tracking and a streamlined submission process. While still growing in popularity compared to PSA or Beckett, it has carved out a niche for collectors who value data-driven grading and digital integration.
Beckett (BGS)
Why It’s Popular: Beckett is well-known for its sub-grade system, which breaks down the grading process into four key categories: centering, corners, edges, and surface. Each of these aspects is evaluated individually, providing collectors with a detailed understanding of a card's overall condition. This approach allows for more transparency in the grading process and helps collectors pinpoint specific strengths and weaknesses in their cards. For instance, a card might receive an overall grade of 9.5, but a closer look at the sub-grades may show that centering was the only minor flaw, making it valuable in the eyes of many collectors.
What You Should Know: Beckett’s top grade is the highly coveted Black Label 10, awarded only when a card receives a perfect score in all four subcategories. This makes it even more prestigious than PSA’s Gem Mint 10 in some circles, as the Black Label represents absolute perfection in every aspect. Due to its stringent grading standards, Black Label 10 Pokémon cards are extremely rare and can command significantly higher prices compared to cards graded by other companies. In fact, some Black Label 10 cards have sold for multiples of the same card graded as a PSA 10, reflecting the level of prestige associated with this grading tier.
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Why It’s Popular: Originally known for grading comics, CGC quickly built a strong reputation in the trading card world for its consistency and reliability. Collectors appreciate CGC's attention to detail and relatively quick turnaround times compared to competitors like PSA and Beckett.
What You Should Know: CGC uses a 10-point grading scale, but its 9.5 grade is often viewed as the equivalent of a Gem Mint 10 from other companies. They also offer sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface, providing greater transparency into how a card's overall grade is determined. Additionally, CGC offers the rare Pristine 10 and Perfect 10, the latter being awarded only when all sub-grades are flawless, making it highly valuable among collectors.
SGC
Why It’s Popular: SGC is one of the longest-standing grading companies, initially gaining recognition for grading vintage sports cards. Their black-bordered slab design has become iconic, especially for collectors who prefer a distinguished and classic look for their graded cards. SGC is known for its accuracy and fair grading, which has made it a reliable option in the trading card world.
What You Should Know: SGC switched from a 100-point grading scale to a 10-point grading scale in 2018. This change aligned their system more closely with other major grading companies like PSA and Beckett, making it easier for collectors to compare grades across different companies. The new 10-point scale also improved clarity for collectors, as the previous 100-point system could sometimes lead to confusion regarding the exact quality of a card.
PCA (Professional Certified Authentics)
Why It’s Popular: PCA is a well-regarded grading service, particularly known in Europe. While not as globally recognized as PSA or Beckett, it has earned a solid reputation among Pokémon card collectors. PCA is also notable for grading both individual cards and entire sets, which appeals to collectors seeking to authenticate their entire collections.
What You Should Know: PCA uses a standard 1-10 grading scale, similar to other grading companies. A standout feature of PCA is their same-day card grading service for those who can visit their grading site in Paris. While this service comes at a premium cost, starting at 149 euros per card and rising to 590 euros for cards valued over 10,000 euros, it offers a convenient option for collectors needing quick turnaround times.
Each grading company has its own specific grading scale, but most follow the 1-10 point system. Here’s a general breakdown of what those numbers mean:
Gem Mint 10: The holy grail of card grades. A card with this grade has perfect centering, sharp corners, flawless surface, and no visible wear. This is the dream.
Mint 9: Almost perfect but with one minor flaw—maybe slightly off-center or a tiny nick on the edge. Still very desirable.
Near Mint 8: A high-quality card with a couple of small imperfections. It might have minor edge wear or slightly rough corners.
Excellent 5-7: These cards show more noticeable signs of wear, like scratches or more pronounced edge wear. They’re still collectible but don’t hold the same value as the higher grades.
Below 5: Cards with major creases, heavy wear, or other significant damage. These are typically considered lower value unless the card itself is incredibly rare.
Ready to get your cards graded? Here’s what you need to know:
Choose a Grading Company
Decide which company you want to go with based on your goals. PSA is often the go-to for maximizing value, while Beckett is great if you want detailed sub-grades. TAG is ideal if you prefer data-backed grades without human error, as it uses AI-assisted grading for consistency and provides a Digital Report Card with a full breakdown of why a card received its grade. Keep in mind that not all grading companies evaluate cards the same way. For instance, achieving a PSA 10 is generally more difficult than earning a TAG 1000 (Pristine). This can lead to significant price differences for the same card, even when graded with identical numbers by different companies.
Submit Your Cards
Each grading company has its own submission process, but generally, it involves filling out a form online, securely packaging your cards, and shipping them off. Make sure you read their instructions carefully. Grading companies are very particular about how cards need to be sent in to avoid damage.
Wait for the Results
Grading can take anywhere from a few days (at a premium cost) to several months, depending on the company and the service level you select. Once your cards are graded, they’ll be returned to you in protective cases with their grades displayed. Some grading services (such as PSA) may ask you to estimate your card’s grade ahead of time and calculate the initial cost based on that estimate. This is because the estimated grade is used to determine the insurance value for shipping the card back to you. If your card receives a higher grade than you predicted, you may be required to pay an additional fee to cover the difference in insurance. While this might sound like a drawback, it’s actually a good sign! This means your card is in a higher grading tier, which increases its market value and selling potential.
Even though grading seems straightforward, there are a few common mistakes collectors make that can lead to disappointment:
Grading Submission Mistakes
Improper Packaging: One of the biggest mistakes is not properly packaging your cards before sending them to be graded. Make sure to use penny sleeves, card savers, and plenty of padding in the box to avoid any damage during shipping.
Sending Cards That Don’t Need Grading: Not every card is worth grading. Before you spend money on submission fees, make sure the card is valuable enough to justify it.
Grading Expectations
Unrealistic Expectations: Even if your card looks perfect to you, it might have tiny flaws that a professional grader will catch. It’s important to be realistic. Most cards won’t get a Gem Mint 10 grade, and that’s okay!
Not every card is worth the time and cost of grading. Generally, only higher-value or popular cards are worth the investment. Common or less sought-after cards won’t suddenly become valuable just because they are graded, demand plays a big role. Additionally, if a card is not in good condition and receives a low grade, its value will likely be minimal, potentially making the grading cost more than what the card is actually worth.
Finding the right balance is key. It’s best to focus on cards that are rare, in excellent condition, or part of iconic sets. For example, first edition, holographic, or highly popular Pokémon like Charizard tend to hold their value well when graded.
Another thing to consider is bulk grading. Sending your cards in one by one can get expensive, but many grading companies offer discounts for bulk submissions. Collectors often organize bulk orders to save on costs, sometimes coordinating with others to meet the minimum bulk requirement. This not only saves money but can also be more efficient.
For insights on rare Pokémon cards and how to determine their rarity, be sure to visit our Pokémon Card Rarities and Mechanics page to help you make informed decisions about which cards to grade.
Once you’ve got your cards graded, you’ve officially stepped into the world of serious collecting and possibly investing. Some Pokémon cards don’t just hold value, they can actually appreciate over time, making them a smart investment. In the next section, we’ll dive into why Pokémon cards have become a solid investment option and how to keep an eye on the market.
