Should you leave your card raw or send it to a third-party grading service? Here is what every collector needs to know before submitting cards to PSA, BGS, or CGC.
What is Card Grading?
Card grading is an independent authentication and condition assessment performed by third-party specialists. Cards are evaluated across four key criteria:
- Centering: The alignment of the card artwork relative to the outer borders (50/50 is perfect).
- Corners: Sharpness, absence of fraying or whitening on all four corners.
- Edges: Clean factory cuts without silvering, chips, or rough edges.
- Surface: Flawless holographic foil free from print lines, scratches, roller marks, or dents.
When Does Grading Make Sense?
Grading is ideal for high-value vintage cards, iconic modern alternate arts, or cards you plan to preserve for decades. A PSA 10 or BGS Pristine 10 can command a substantial premium over a raw Near Mint copy. However, grading low-value cards rarely yields a return once grading fees and shipping costs are factored in.