How to Get Pokémon Cards Graded: A Detailed Guide – Card grading is a secondary value add and protection for Pokémon trading card players. Evaluation is an integral part of the process from start to finish if serious collectors are going to protect tokens of affection, increase the perceived value of tokens of affection, or authenticate tokens as authentic. This guide will take you step by step on all the ways to know how to submit Pokemon cards for grading, from finding the appropriate grading company to as you go through grading process and grading fees.
Why Get Pokémon Cards Graded?
Grading is the procedure of evaluating the status and soundness of a card prior to assigning a grade to it from a scaling reference. Here are the key benefits:
- Increased Value: Carefully designed cards are typically sold for more than retail price on the market.
- Authenticity Assurance: Your card issuers are rated by grading agencies that help prevent fraud and the production of counterfeit cards.
- Protection: Graded cards are stored in tamper-proof boxes, protecting the cards from damage.
- Collector Prestige: Owning high-grade cards can elevate your collection’s status.
Popular Pokémon Card Grading Companies
Several reputable grading companies specialize in Pokémon cards. Here are the top three:
1. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
PSA is the grading body most famous for its objective standards of grading.
- Grading Scale: PSA scores the decks from 1 (P) to 10 (Gem Mint).
- Why Choose PSA?: Both level and slope are both in extremely high demand, and PSA cards are in high demand all over the market.
2. Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
BGS is another popular choice, offering detailed subgrades.
- Grading Scale: Beckett uses a 1-10 scale with increments of 0.5.
- Why Choose BGS?: Perceptual and physical clarity, in return, greatly enhances their subgrades of centering, perimeters, corners and surfaces.
3. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
CGC has been a trend that is increasing, not just in the hobby of Pokémon card collecting but in the hobby of collecting Pokemon cards and action figure, dolls, comic strip collectibles, videos game, and collectible toys in general.
- Grading Scale: As in BGS, CGC is presented as 1-10 scale and such values are in 1/10th of a unit units.
- Why Choose CGC?: They are characterized by high throughput at a low cost.
How to Prepare Pokémon Cards for Grading
Correct card setting is one of the most critical factors to achieve a high grade. Here’s how:
Step 1: Inspect Your Cards
Carefully examine each card for defects (scratches, dents, whitening and misregistration). Key aspects to check include:
- Centering: The borders should be evenly aligned.
- Edges and Corners: Look for fraying or whitening.
- Surface: Ensure the card is free from scratches or stains.
Step 2: Clean Your Cards
However, if the surface of an endoscope or catheter becomes soiled with heavy gross dirty stain or smudge white coloration, it must be cleaned very carefully. Clean the card using a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints/dust and not water or cleaning agents that can damage the card.
Step 3: Use Protective Sleeves
Insert the card into a penny sleeve (thin, plastic-based see-through sleeve) and then pack the card into a semi-rigid card case (e.g., Card Saver 1). This protects the card during shipping.
Step 4: Avoid Overhandling
Excessive handling can introduce new flaws. For artifact avoidance or to scratch the base, hold the card at the tips.
How to Submit Pokémon Cards for Grading
Flow of submissions may vary between grading companies, but the following are usually the case for each.
Step 1: Choose a Grading Company
Select the company that best fits your needs. Consider factors like reputation, grading standards, and turnaround times.
Step 2: Create an Account
Go to the company Web site and open an account to get started on the submission process.
Step 3: Fill Out the Submission Form
Describe each card I’am submitting, including the card name, set, and an idea of its current value. Most companies offer tiered pricing based on card value.
Step 4: Package Your Cards
Stack your cards securely and use plenty of padding.
Keep them in a sturdy box to ensure that they don’t get damaged during freight.
Step 5: Ship Your Cards
- Just supply a shippable item (with trackable shipping), and make sure it’s covered with an insured protection equal to the replacement cost of your shipment.
- Include the completed submission form in the box.
Grading Process Explained
When your cards are still in-hand at the grading facility, they are processed through the following multi-stage grading procedure: .
- Authentication: In order to guarantee genuineness of the card and to avoid any type of fraud (i.e., forgery), the integrity of the card is verified.
- Condition Assessment: Experts evaluate the card’s centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Grade Assignment: As per the evaluation, the card is assigned a score.
- Encapsulation: The card is contained under a tamper-resistor laminate and grade label listing the grade and associated information.
Understanding Grading Costs
But in turn it depends on factors such as card denomination, and the speed at which the odds are flipped.
Basic Costs
- Standard Tier: Around $15-$50 per card for average-value cards.
- Premium Tier: Higher fees for expedited services or high-value cards.
Additional Fees
- Insurance for your cards.
- Shipping fees to and from the grading company.
Tips to Maximize Your Cards’ Grades
1. Choose High-Quality Cards
Submitting cards in mint or near mint condition makes a valuable way to achieve the best grade.
2. Avoid Damaged Cards
Cards with deadly design faults will not receive a high score, so grading is such a hassle it deserves no reward.
3. Be Selective
In order to describe the cost of materials, system or process, give high weight to items with high sentiment (e.g., good reviews), or high market value.
How to Use Graded Pokémon Cards
Following the grading of your cards, you can: .
- Showcase Your Collection: Display them as part of your collection.
- Sell or Trade: High-grade cards are highly sought after in the market.
- Protect Your Investment: Graded cards are less likely to deteriorate over time.
Conclusion
Grading Pokémon cards is a wise use of time and money for collectors who want to make their cards more valuable, genuine, and archival. Picking the right grading company, prepare the cards in preparation and understand the grading process, you can fly through the Pokémon card grading industry.
Whether you’re grading a rare Charizard or a beloved Pikachu, this guide ensures you’re well-prepared to make the most of your Pokémon card collection. Good luck, and may your cards earn top grades!