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If you’re a sports fan, chances are you have a collection of sports cards somewhere in your closet, basement, or attic. Maybe you inherited them from your dad or grandpa, maybe you bought them at a garage sale or flea market, maybe you traded them with your friends at school or online. Maybe you even have some rare or valuable cards that you’re proud of and cherish. If the later sounds like you then you should probably consider Sports card grading.
But how do you know if your cards are really worth anything?
How do you know if they’re in good condition or not? How do you know if they’re authentic or not? How do you know if they’re graded or not?
That’s where sports card grading comes in. Sports card grading is the process of evaluating the condition and quality of a sports card based on a set of standards and criteria. It’s like giving your cards a report card, except instead of A’s and F’s, you get numbers from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best.
Why would you want to grade your cards?
Well, for starters, grading can increase the value and liquidity of your cards. A graded card can sell for more money than an ungraded one, especially if it has a high grade that indicates its mint condition. A graded card can also be easier to sell or trade, as it provides more confidence and transparency to potential buyers or traders. A graded card can also protect you from fraud and counterfeiting, as it has been verified by a third-party professional.
Grading can also make your cards look cooler and more appealing. A graded card is encapsulated in a tamper-proof holder with a label that displays the grade and other information. A graded card can be safely stored and displayed without risking any further damage or deterioration. A graded card can also showcase its unique features and characteristics, such as its design, color, gloss, print quality, and registration.
But how do you grade your cards?
Well, you don’t. You send them to a professional grading company that does it for you. There are several grading companies that offer sports card grading services, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty), and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company). Each company has its own grading standards, fees, turnaround times, and reputation in the market. You should do your research and compare the different options before choosing a grading company for your cards.
But before you send your cards to a grading company, you need to prepare them properly. You need to sort them by type, year, set, player, etc. You need to inspect them for any flaws or defects that might affect their grade. You need to clean them gently with a soft cloth or brush if they’re dirty or dusty. You need to store them in protective sleeves or cases if they’re not already. You need to pack them securely in bubble wrap or cardboard boxes if they’re ready to ship.
Once you send your cards to a grading company, you need to wait patiently for them to grade them and send them back to you. Depending on the company and the service level you choose, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. You can track the status of your submission online or by phone or email. You can also check the population reports and price guides to see how many cards of the same type and grade exist and how much they’re worth.
What do you do? When you receive your graded cards?
you need to inspect them carefully and make sure they match your expectations. You need to check the grade and the label for any errors or discrepancies. You need to verify the authenticity and security of the holder and the hologram. You need to store and display your graded cards properly in a cool, dry, and dark place. You need to enjoy your graded cards and share them with other collectors and enthusiasts.
Sports card grading is a fun and rewarding hobby that can enhance your sports card collection and increase its value. It can also help you learn more about sports history and culture, as well as connect with other like-minded people. Whether you’re a nerd or a jock, or both, sports card grading is something you should try at least once in your life. You might be surprised by what you discover and how much you enjoy it.
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