what is card grading?

More on grading

what is card grading?

Card grading is the thorough and complete examination of a card based upon it’s physical and visual characteristics/properties. Generally, these characteristics/properties can be broken down into four categories, in order of importance:

1.

CENTERING

How is the picture/printing on the card aligned in relation to the borders or physical measurements of the card itself in the case of borderless cards. The front centering is more important and weighed heavier than the back centering. However, both are important, especially on higher grade cards and/or vintage cards.

2.

CORNERS

The physical/visual sharpness of the corners. This characteristic is usually not an issue with most modern cards due to the materials used to produce them, but the further back in years you go the harder it will be to maintain the sharpness of corners due to the stock used, handling, and overall preservation of the stock used to produce the cards.

3.

SURFACE

The clarity of the picture and lack of printing defects from the factory. This still is an issue that remains to this day due to the inherent nature of production and the speed of that production. Again, the further back you go, the worse these issues become and can ruin the overall presentation of an otherwise extremely nice condition card.

4.

EDGES

The smoothness of the edges of the card and also the maintaining of the printing/ink on the card completely to the edge of the card without any chipping or loss of ink/paper.

Grade These Cards Advantage

NO

MINIMUMS

No minimums to submit.

We don’t require you to submit hundreds of cards to utilize our services.

NO

WAITING

No waiting for groups to pool cards.

We don’t make you wait for other people’s cards to submit your cards.

SAME

DAY SUBMISSION

Same day submission after receipt for a true-turnaround experience.*

*Valid on BGS/BVG orders only.

should I grade my cards?

While card grading is still relatively new in regards to the overall age of the sports card hobby, it is an invaluable tool for the modern buyer given the prices the market is currently bearing, the vast amount of cards that exist as a whole, and the unfortunate issue of alteration/deception of uneducated buyers. Having your cards graded or slabbed not only validates the authenticity of what you have, but also removes most any speculation or opinion on what the true condition of the card might be. It also helps both a seller and buyer establish worth based upon previous sales in the same condition. It also adds additional protection to the cards themselves to prevent further physical damage from handling or from atmospheric conditions while being stored i.e. temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc.

why choose us?

As people who are active in the card collecting and card grading industry/hobby, we have a vast personal knowledge and experience of utilizing card grading as a tool to help enhance the value of our own cards. However, most people do not have an appropriate understanding of what all goes into card grading and generally shy away from it because of that lack of knowledge. Since there isn’t really a simple and readily available source for information, we felt the need to step in and help YOU the potential card grader or current card grader with the overall process. We are here to eliminate the confusion, rumors, and hassle of getting your cards graded for whatever reason you wish to have them graded.

Additional services provided

Consultation on if your cards should be graded or are worth your time/investment for grading.

Consultation on what the best avenue for grading your cards would be given current market trends/indicators.

Consultation on estimated condition and/or minimum grades/standards.

contact us

shipping address

Grade These Cards
P.O. Box 736
Addison, TX 75001
 

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