Card Grading Guide

Card grading is a process in which trading cards are professionally assessed and assigned a grade by specialized companies such as PSA and Beckett. The grading process involves evaluating the card's condition, authenticity, and overall quality based on predetermined criteria. The assigned grade is typically a numerical score, with higher grades indicating better overall condition.

Grades start from 1 and end at 10, with 10 being the best grade you can get and will demand the most premium prices.

Authenticity Assurance: Grading provides a level of assurance regarding the authenticity of a trading card. The process involves thorough examination to verify that the card is genuine and has not been altered or tampered with.

Increased Value: Graded cards often command higher prices in the market. Collectors and investors are willing to pay a premium for cards that have been professionally graded, especially if they receive high grades. The grade serves as a quick reference for the card's overall quality.

PSA is the more popular company to grade with and more ‘commercial’. However, Beckett is also good but a lot harsher on their grading.

It is advised to stick to PSA when you start out.

Finding ‘Raw’ Cards To Grade

A high-risk strategy but present rewards if you know what your doing.

The term ‘raw’ card means a non-graded card. It is quite a common technique to search on platforms such as eBay to find raw cards to grade in hopes of it returning a PSA 10.

With grading, in order to get a PSA 10, its vital the card is in pristine condition. This includes perfect centering, surfaces, edges and corners.

For example, a PSA 10 Charizard card sells for £500 but you should be able to find a raw card for £80. If you find a pristine Charizard raw card for £80, spend £25 grading it and it returns a PSA 10, you will have made well over £300 profit.

Ensure you view the PSA 10 price/market for the card to see if its worth it before you hunt for pristine raw cards.

Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4eeWgYvPW4

Recommended grading companies in the UK

PSA: https://www.thesubcenter.co.uk/

Beckett: https://blacklabelgrading.com/ https://www.thesubcenter.co.uk/

Instructions on how to use the grading company is on their website. Its always good to check the company is still operating just to be on the safe side.