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As thePokemon TCGgains popularity, graded cards continue to gain popularity, as they help collectors reach a fair consensus about the value of a specific card. Whether you’re brand new to the Pokemon TCG or just dipping your toes into the buying, selling, and trading side of the hobby, then you’ve likely heard about graded cards.
If you’ve browsed eBay or your local card shop, you’ve probably seen cards encapsulated in PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) holders. We’ll explain how to get your cards graded with these companies, and which might be the most appealing option for you.
What Are Graded Cards?
Graded cards, colloquially referred to as’slabs',refer to any card that has been assigned a numerical grade by one of the major grading services.
Cards are graded according to their condition, with aperfect tenassigned to cards withno visible defects,while a grade of’one’refers to a card that isin rough shape.
Graded cards have two major benefits over raw cards, a.k.a. single cards that have not been graded:
Knowing the card’s condition brings both peace of mind and provides a simple way to determine the card’s value, usingapps that can scan graded cards and display recent sales.
Which Company Should You Use To Get Your Pokemon TCG Cards Graded?
If you’re interested in grading your collection of Pokemon TCG cards, there are a handful of notable companies to choose from.
While these are not the only companies you can choose from, they are the most widely known and respected options.
Thebest grading companiesto use are:
Here is a breakdown of the cost for each company, and additional information to consider.
18.99
14.95
No sub-grades
14.00
25-card minimum
15.00
45 Days
20-card minimum
Sub-grades are four numbers between one and ten that specify the condition of a card’s corners, edges, centering, and surface.
How To Submit Your Cards For Grading
Whileeach company will offer slightly different recommendationsfor the exact methods for submitting your cards, the general process remains the same.
Please check the most recent guidelines for the company you’d like to submit to, as they are subject to change.
In general, you should follow these steps before submitting your order to any grading company:
Follow these tips and carefully confirm the process that the given company requires, and you’ll be on your way to receiving your first graded cards back after the wait.
