How to Tell if Old Sports Cards Are Worth Grading and What to Look For

If you have old sports cards, deciding whether to send them for professional grading depends on several factors. Grading can increase a card’s value and make it easier to sell, but it costs money and takes time. To know if grading is worth it, you should assess your cards’ condition, understand which cards gain the most from grading, and compare grading costs to the potential value increase. This guide will help you evaluate your cards, explain grading standards, and walk you through preparing and submitting cards for grading.

Why should I consider grading my old sports cards?

Grading means sending your cards to a professional service that examines their condition and assigns a standardized grade. A high grade can significantly raise a card’s market value and makes selling easier because buyers trust the card’s authenticity and condition. Grading also protects your cards by sealing them in a hard plastic case, preventing further wear or damage. However, grading involves fees and waiting times, so it’s usually worthwhile only if the expected increase in value is greater than the combined cost and effort.

How do I assess the condition of my cards accurately?

Before grading, carefully check your cards’ condition, since grading companies base their scores on this. Focus on four key areas:

• Centering: How well the image is positioned on the card. Ideally, borders are even on all sides. Off-center images lower the grade.
• Corners: Look for sharp, undamaged corners. Any fraying, bending, or rounding reduces the grade.
• Edges: Check for chipping, whitening, or dents along the edges. Clean edges improve grading.
• Surface: The front and back should be free of scratches, stains, creases, or print defects. Glossy cards should retain their shine.

Use good lighting and a magnifier if needed to spot small flaws. For example, a 1970s card with slight corner wear and off-center image will get a lower grade than one with sharp corners and perfect centering.

Which types of sports cards are most likely to be worth grading?

Certain cards benefit more from grading:

• Rookie cards of popular players: High-grade rookie cards often see significant value increases.
• Vintage cards (1950s to 1980s): These cards vary widely in condition and are scarcer, so grading can add value.
• Limited edition or short print cards: Grading confirms authenticity and condition, which collectors value.

Cards that usually don’t gain much from grading include common modern cards or cards with obvious damage. If a card is very common or damaged, grading fees may exceed any value increase. Focus on cards with known demand for high-grade versions.

What do professional graders look for when grading cards?

Grading companies like PSA, BGS, and SGC use a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 meaning gem mint condition. They examine:

• Centering: Evenness of the card’s image placement.
• Corners: Sharpness and absence of wear.
• Edges: Clean and undamaged edges.
• Surface: No scratches, stains, creases, or print defects.

Each flaw lowers the grade. Some graders also evaluate print quality and color vibrancy. Understanding these criteria helps you predict how your card might score and what flaws affect the grade most.

How do I weigh the cost of grading against potential value?

Grading fees vary by company and service speed, typically starting around $20 to $50 per card. You also pay shipping costs. Compare these costs to how much the card’s value might increase after grading.

For example, if a card is worth $100 raw but could sell for $300 graded, paying $50 to grade makes sense. But if a card’s value only increases from $20 to $30, grading probably isn’t worth the cost.

Look up recent sales of graded versions of your cards to estimate value increases. Keep in mind cards don’t always receive high grades; a low grade might not boost value enough to cover fees. Weigh these factors carefully before submitting cards for grading.

What are the risks and downsides of sending cards for grading?

Grading has some risks:

• Damage in shipping: Cards can be damaged or lost despite careful packaging.
• Unexpected grades: Cards sometimes receive lower grades than anticipated, which can reduce value.
• Long wait times: Grading can take weeks or months, especially during busy periods.
• Cost without return: If the card’s value doesn’t increase enough, you lose money on grading fees.

Market demand and grading standards can also change after submission, affecting value. Knowing these risks will help you decide which cards to grade and how to protect them.

How do I prepare and submit my cards for grading?

1. Choose a reputable grading company such as PSA, BGS, or SGC based on your card type and budget.
2. Review their submission guidelines and fees on their official website.
3. Handle cards carefully with clean hands or gloves to avoid fingerprints.
4. Place each card in a penny sleeve, then into a semi-rigid card holder (top loader) for protection.
5. Package multiple cards securely with bubble wrap in a sturdy box.
6. Fill out the grading submission form with your card details and payment.
7. Ship your package using a reliable service with tracking and insurance.
8. Keep your receipt and tracking number until you receive your graded cards.

Following these steps reduces the chance of damage or loss and helps ensure your cards are processed smoothly.

Conclusion

Deciding to grade your old sports cards requires balancing their condition, type, and market demand against grading costs and risks. Focus on cards that are in good shape and likely to increase in value when graded. Understand grading standards and prepare your cards properly before submitting them. These steps will maximize your chances of getting grades that justify the time and expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can damaged cards benefit from grading?

Generally, cards with obvious damage like creases, heavy wear, or stains receive low grades and don’t see significant value increases from grading.

How long does the grading process take?

Grading times vary depending on the company and service level but typically range from several weeks to a few months, especially when demand is high.

Is grading worth it for modern cards?

It depends on the card and player. High-demand rookie cards and limited editions may increase in value enough to justify grading, but common modern cards often do not.