If you’re a sports fan, chances are you have a few sports cards lying around. Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting into the hobby of collecting sports cards, but don’t want to spend the money on expensive graded cards. Or maybe you’ve been collecting for awhile, but want to save money by grading your own cards.
Whatever the reason, if you want to grade your own sports cards, there are a few things you need to know.
To start, it’s important to understand the different grades that cards can be given. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the most well-known card grading company, and they use a 1-10 scale.
Cards in mint condition are given a grade of 10, while cards in poor condition are given a grade of 1. Most collectors try to get their hands on cards that fall somewhere in the middle – around 7-8 – as these are usually more affordable than pristine 10s and tend to hold their value better over time.
Once you understand the basics of card grading, it’s time to start evaluating your own collection.
Start by taking a close look at each card, front and back. Check for any wrinkles, bends, or creases; spots or stains; fading or discoloration; or other damage that could potentially lower the value of the card.
- Look for any damage on the card
- This can include creases, stains, or water damage
- Check to see if the corners of the card are sharp or if they’re rounded
- Rounded corners typically mean that the card has been handled a lot and is worth less than a card with sharp corners
- Next, look at the centering of the image on the front of the card
- The image should be centered in the middle with an equal amount of white space on all sides
- If it’s not perfectly centered, it’s worth less than a perfect condition card
- Take a close look at the edges of the card
- They should be smooth without any nicks or chips
- if there are any imperfections on the edges, it will lower the value of the card significantly
How to Grade Sports Cards : PT I – Identifying Mint Cards!
Card Grading Scale
There are a number of different ways to grade the condition of a playing card, but one of the most commonly used scales is the PokerStars Card Grading Scale. This scale ranges from “mint” to “poor” and is as follows:
Mint: Cards in mint condition show no signs of wear and tear.
They look like they have just been printed.
Near Mint: Near mint cards show only very minor signs of wear. They may have slight rounding of the corners or edges, but otherwise look almost new.
Excellent: Excellent cards show moderate wear. The corners and edges may be slightly more rounded than those on near mint cards, but they should still look good overall. There may also be some light scuffing or marks on the surface of the card.
Good: Good cards show heavy wear. The corners and edges will be significantly rounded, and there may be significant scuffing or marks on the surface of the card. These cards are still playable, but they don’t look great anymore.
Poor: Poorly conditioned cards are heavily damaged, with rounded corners and edges, significant scuffing or marks on the surface, or other major damage such as tears or creases. These cards are not suitable for serious play anymore.
Credit: www.blowoutcards.com
Is It Possible to Grade Your Own Cards?
It is possible to grade your own cards, but it is not recommended. There are several reasons for this. First, it can be difficult to be unbiased when grading your own cards.
Second, even if you are able to be unbiased, you may not have the knowledge or expertise to accurately grade the card. Finally, most grading companies will not accept cards that have been self-graded.
What is the Best Way to Grade Sports Cards?
Sports cards can be graded in a number of ways, but the most important thing is to be consistent in your grading. The best way to grade sports cards is to use a 10-point scale, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. Here are some things to keep in mind when grading sports cards:
-The condition of the card is the most important factor in determining its grade. A card in mint condition will obviously be worth more than a card that is heavily damaged or worn.
-The rarity of the card also plays a role in its grade.
A common card is not going to be worth as much as a rare or ultra-rare card.
-The year the card was issued can also affect its value. Older cards are usually worth more than newer ones, although there are exceptions (such as chase cards).
Keep these factors in mind when grading your sports cards, and you should be able to come up with an accurate and consistent grading system.
Is There an App to Grade Cards?
If you’re looking for an app to grade your collectible cards, there are several options available. Some apps simply track the value of your collection, while others provide more in-depth information such as condition and rarity. Here are a few popular choices:
1. Beckett Grading Services: This app allows you to grade your cards using the same standards as professional grading services. You can also use the app to find out the value of your collection, based on current market prices.
The app includes detailed information on card values and conditions, as well as expert tips on building sets. 3. MyCardfolio: MyCardfolio is a simple but effective way to track your collection and get accurate valuations. The app includes built-in price guides from major retailers, so you can quickly check the value of any card in your collection.
No matter which option you choose, having an app to help manage your collection can be a valuable tool for any collector.
How Can I Get My Cards Graded for Free?
There are a few ways that you can get your cards graded for free. One way is to find a local card shop that offers this service. Another way is to look for online retailers that offer this service.
Finally, you can check with the manufacturer of the card to see if they offer any type of grading program.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of sports cards, you may be interested in learning how to grade them yourself. The process is relatively simple and can be done at home with a few supplies.
To grade a sports card, you’ll need a magnifying glass, a well-lit work area, and a few reference books.
Start by inspecting the card for any obvious flaws, such as creases or bent corners. Once you’ve determined the condition of the card, consult a grading guide to determine its value.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to grade your own sports cards like a pro!