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Card Grading & Authentication FAQ

What is card grading?

Card grading is a professional authentication and condition assessment service provided by third-party companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company). Graded cards are evaluated for authenticity, condition, and assigned a numerical grade, then sealed in a protective case.

What grading companies do you carry?

We stock cards graded by the industry's most trusted companies including PSA, BGS (Beckett), and CGC. Each company has its own grading standards and holder designs, but all provide professional authentication and protection for your valuable cards.

What does the grading scale mean?

PSA Grading Scale (1-10):

PSA 10 (Gem Mint): Virtually perfect card with sharp corners, perfect centering, and flawless surface
PSA 9 (Mint): Near-perfect card with only minor flaws visible under close inspection
PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): Excellent condition with very minor wear
PSA 7 (Near Mint): Light wear on corners or edges, still displays well
PSA 6 and below: Increasing levels of wear and imperfections

BGS uses a similar 1-10 scale with sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface. A BGS 9.5 or BGS 10 (Black Label) are among the most prestigious grades in the hobby.

Why are graded cards more expensive?

Graded cards command premium prices because they offer:

Authentication: Guaranteed genuine, not counterfeit
Condition certainty: Professional assessment removes guesswork
Protection: Sealed in tamper-evident cases that preserve condition
Investment value: High-grade cards (PSA 9, PSA 10, BGS 9.5+) are highly collectible
Grading costs: Professional grading services charge fees per card

What's the difference between raw and graded cards?

Raw cards are ungraded singles that we assess in-house using standard condition grades (Near Mint, Lightly Played, etc.). Graded cards have been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA, BGS, or CGC with an official numerical grade.

Can I return a graded card?

Graded cards have specific return conditions due to their authenticated status. The card must remain in its original sealed case with no tampering. Please contact us within 14 days of receiving your order if you have concerns about a graded card purchase.

How do you determine the condition of raw (ungraded) cards?

Our team carefully inspects every raw card using industry-standard grading criteria:

Near Mint: Like new with minimal to no visible wear
Lightly Played: Minor edge or corner wear, still excellent for play or collection
Moderately Played: Noticeable wear but no creases or major damage
Heavily Played: Significant wear, possible creases, suitable for casual play
Damaged: Major damage including heavy creases, tears, or water damage

Do you offer grading services?

We currently sell pre-graded cards from PSA, BGS, and CGC. If you're interested in getting your own cards graded, we recommend visiting the official websites of PSA, Beckett, or CGC for submission information.

How should I store my graded cards?

Graded cards are already protected in their sealed cases, but we recommend:

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Keep cases upright or flat, avoid stacking heavy items on top
Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprints on the case
Consider additional storage solutions like graded card boxes or display cases

What if my graded card case is damaged during shipping?

We pack all graded cards with extreme care using protective materials. If your graded card arrives with case damage, please contact us immediately with photos. We'll work with you to resolve the issue.

Are graded cards tournament legal?

Graded cards in sealed cases are generally NOT tournament legal for official play, as they must remain in their protective cases. However, raw cards in Near Mint or Lightly Played condition are perfect for competitive play.

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Card Grading & Authentication FAQ