How To Grade Pokemon Cards
Posted by Kevin L on 19th Apr 2023
How to Grade Pokémon Cards: A Complete Guide for Collectors and Traders
Grading Pokémon cards is an essential step for collectors and traders who want to determine the value, condition, and authenticity of their prized cards. Whether you're looking to sell, trade, or simply protect your collection, understanding the grading process can help you make informed decisions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the grading process, highlight professional grading services, and explain the key factors that determine a card’s grade.
Why Is Grading Important?
Grading Pokémon cards helps establish their value and condition, which are critical for:
- Collectors: Ensuring your collection holds value over time.
- Traders: Fairly assessing cards during trades.
- Buyers/Sellers: Accurately pricing cards for the market.
- Investors: Protecting high-value cards with professional grading.
Step 1: Choose a Professional Grading Service
Professional grading services offer expert evaluations and certification to ensure your Pokémon cards are authenticated and preserved. The most popular services include:
1. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
- PSA is the most recognized and trusted grading service for Pokémon cards.
- Cards are graded on a 10-point scale, with GEM-MT 10 being the highest (gem-mint).
- PSA cases are tamper-proof, ensuring long-term protection and authenticity.
2. Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
- BGS is known for its detailed subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Also uses a 10-point scale, with Pristine 10 or Black Label 10 being the highest grades.
- Popular among collectors who want detailed feedback on their card’s condition.
3. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
- CGC offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times.
- Known for grading both Pokémon cards and other collectibles like comics.
- Subgrades and clear labeling make it a great option for newer collectors.
Step 2: Understand the Key Grading Factors
Before sending your card to a professional service, assess its condition. Here are the main grading factors:
1. Centering
- Refers to how evenly the borders of the card are aligned.
- Cards with perfectly centered artwork score higher.
- How to check: Use a ruler or centering tool to confirm even spacing around the edges.
2. Corners
- Inspect all four corners for any signs of wear, bending, or whitening.
- Sharp, clean corners are essential for high grades.
- Tip: Handle cards with care to avoid damaging corners.
3. Edges
- Look closely at the edges for nicks, dents, or fraying.
- Cards with smooth, undamaged edges will score higher.
4. Surface
- The card’s surface should be free from scratches, scuffs, stains, or print lines.
- Tip: Hold the card under bright light to spot imperfections.
5. Overall Appeal
- Cards with vibrant colors, sharp text, and no visible flaws have better overall appeal.
Step 3: Protect Your Cards Before Grading
To avoid damage during the grading process, ensure you protect your cards properly:
- Use Penny Sleeves: Place your card in a soft plastic sleeve first.
- Toploader or Semi-Rigid Holder: Place the sleeved card in a rigid holder for extra protection.
- Clean Hands or Gloves: Always handle cards with clean hands or gloves to avoid fingerprints.
- Avoid Exposure: Keep cards away from sunlight, moisture, and heat.
Step 4: Submit Your Card for Grading
After assessing and protecting your card, it’s time to submit it to a professional grading service:
- Create an Account: Sign up on the grading service’s website (e.g., PSA, BGS, or CGC).
- Fill Out Submission Forms: Provide details about the card (e.g., set, year, and condition).
- Pack and Ship: Carefully package your cards to prevent damage during transit.
- Track Your Order: Use the tracking number provided to monitor the grading process.
How Much Does Grading Cost?
Grading costs vary depending on the service and card value. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Service | Cost per Card | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| PSA | $20–$100+ | 3–12 weeks |
| BGS | $25–$150+ | 2–8 weeks |
| CGC | $15–$50+ | 2–6 weeks |
? Tip: For high-value cards, choose services with premium options for faster grading and insurance.
? FAQs About Grading Pokémon Cards
Q: What’s the difference between PSA and BGS grading?
A: PSA is the most recognized brand and uses a simple 10-point scale. BGS provides more detailed subgrades (e.g., centering, surface) and offers a “Black Label” for perfect cards.
Q: Should I grade all my Pokémon cards?
A: No. Focus on grading rare, valuable, or highly collectible cards (e.g., Charizard, 1st Edition cards, or Shiny Pokémon).
Q: How do I know if my card is worth grading?
A: Research the card’s value using platforms like eBay, TCGPlayer, or local forums. Cards worth over $100 are often worth grading.
Q: Can I grade damaged cards?
A: Yes, but damaged cards will receive low grades, which may reduce their value. Consider grading only if the card is rare.
Q: How long does grading take?
A: Turnaround times vary by service, but standard grading generally takes 4–12 weeks.
? Where to Buy Pokémon Cards in NZ?
Looking to expand your collection? At Parallel Imported, we stock a wide range of Pokémon cards, collectibles, and accessories for collectors across New Zealand. Check out our latest collection online or visit us in-store.
Key Takeaways
- Grading Pokémon cards increases their value, authenticity, and appeal.
- Professional services like PSA, BGS, and CGC are trusted by collectors worldwide.
- Always protect your cards before submission to avoid damage.
- Focus on grading rare or valuable cards to maximize returns.
Make your Pokémon collection shine and preserve its value for years to come. Happy collecting!