Understanding Card Grading: What Makes a Card Valuable?

Professional card grading has become one of the most important aspects of the trading card hobby. A graded card with a high score can be worth many times more than the same card in raw, ungraded condition. But understanding how grading works is essential before you start submitting your cards.

The two most popular grading companies are PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and BGS (Beckett Grading Services). PSA uses a 1-10 scale where 10 is Gem Mint — the highest possible grade. BGS also uses a 1-10 scale but includes half-point grades and provides sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface.

When evaluating a card for grading potential, examine four key areas: centering (how well the image is centered within the borders), corners (sharpness and wear), edges (whitening or chipping), and surface (scratches, print lines, or other imperfections). Each of these factors contributes to the final grade.

Not every card is worth grading. The cost of professional grading typically ranges from $20 to $150+ per card depending on the service level and turnaround time. As a rule of thumb, only grade cards that are worth significantly more graded than the cost of grading itself.

Before sending cards for professional grading, practice evaluating your own cards. Use a jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass to inspect surface details, and compare your cards against grading guides available online. Apps like TCG Vault can help you track which cards in your collection have the highest grading potential based on their current market values.