Introduction
Pokemon is a beloved franchise, and its trading card game has been popular for over two decades now. Many enthusiasts own rare and valuable Pokemon cards, but few know how to get them graded properly.
Grading services have been growing in popularity among collectors, and for good reason. Getting your cards graded can increase their value and protect them from damage, making it a wise investment for collectors. This guide will give you a step-by-step process on how to get your Pokemon cards graded and outline its importance.
Step-by-Step Guide
Defining Card Grading
Card grading is a professional evaluation service that assesses the condition of the card. The card gets a grade on a scale from 1-10, with ten being in perfect condition. Card grading is a way to ensure authenticity and provide accuracy in describing the card’s condition to potential buyers.
Choosing a Grading Service
Choosing a reputable grading service is the first step to getting your cards graded. Research different grading services and read customer reviews before selecting one. Be wary of fake grading services that may damage your cards. Some reputable grading services are PSA, CGC, and Beckett.
Preparing Cards for Grading
Clean your cards with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris, and ensure they are free of grime, fingerprints or any other residue. Sleeve the cleaned card in a fitted penny sleeve and insert into toploader noting any damages or imperfections you can see. Carefully package the cards in cardboard to prevent any damage from occurring during transit. Gently place the cardboard with the enclosed cards in the box and make sure to keep it well padded to prevent movement and damage to the card during transportation.
Submitting Cards for Grading
The grading service will outline the submission process, fees, and create a unique order number you will include in each submission. They will also ask you to confirm whether you want express or standard grading (turn around times differ between grading companies). You will then ship the prepared cards to the grading service. Once they receive your cards, they will log them and email you a confirmation.
Receiving Graded Cards
When the grading service has finished grading your cards, they will ship them back to you. Your graded cards will come back in sealed transparent slabs with the grade, type of card and name of the grading company imprinted on the label. These labels cannot be removed or tampered with.
Importance of Grading
Impact on Monetary Value
Graded cards have a higher monetary value than ungraded cards since they are deemed to be in better condition and have been authenticated. Collectors are more inclined to purchase graded cards that prove authenticity and detail the condition of the card from a reputable grading service. The most prized cards have a higher value when graded in top condition, which is difficult to self-evaluate by a novice collector.
Recognition by Collectors
Graded cards have a higher value among collectors as they are in high demand. Collectors may want their collections to consist of only graded cards. This helps to provide an accurate record of your collection and its value, whether you’re insuring your collection or selling it.
Authenticating Cards
Importance of Authentication
Authentication of a card ensures that it is not counterfeit. You could negatively impact your collection’s value if a counterfeit card is accidentally included. Grading services have standardized ways to authenticate cards to protect you from fraud.
How to Identify Counterfeit Cards
Some telltale signs of counterfeit cards include faded images, blurry text, and incorrect card numbering on the back of the card. Missing foil stamps or incorrect set symbols may be another indication that the card is not authentic. Websites like Reddit or YouTube have guides on how to identify counterfeit cards that can help you identify fake cards.
Different Grading Services
Comparison of Services
There are a variety of grading services available, each with specific criteria they use to grade cards. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is one of the most well-known grading services, specializing in trading cards. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) is another popular grading service that focuses on comics and magazines. Beckett is another well-respected grading service for trading cards, sports memorabilia, and comics.
Pros and Cons
PSA is popular among collectors, but can be a more expensive grading service compared to the others. CGC is an excellent grading service for comics and magazines, but can take longer to receive the cards back due to the different type of material being graded. Beckett is sought after for video game grading but can take longer to evaluate them. In the end, it’s up to the collector to decide which grading service to use and which fits their needs the best depending on the type of Pokemon cards they are looking to have authenticated and graded.
Making an Informed Decision
When deciding on which grading service to use, make sure you research the fees, turn around times, and grading quality beforehand. By doing your due diligence and selecting a reputable grading service, you can increase the value of your collection significantly.
Preparing Cards for Grading
Cleaning and Sleeving
The grading service wants cards to be in the best condition possible before grading. Clean the cards with a microfiber cloth to avoid damaging the card’s surface. Use a fitted penny sleeve to prevent any dirt, dust, or moisture from entering the card. This will also help prevent any damage while it’s being sent and handled.
Packaging
The grading service asks you to package your cards securely as they’ll need to withstand shipping and handling. Common practice is to package your cards in a way that doesn’t permit movement during transportation. Use a cardboard container to ensure the cards don’t bend or move and so there is no possibility of exposure to water or moisture.
Understanding Grading Criteria
Variation of Grading Standards
Grading criteria can differ between grading services, so it’s important to research each one beforehand. While each service follows a similar set of rules, such as evaluating for damages such as creases or tears, the criteria for grading can fluctuate according to the company.
Explanation of Criteria
Grading criteria usually evaluates different aspects of the card, including the surface, corners, borders, and centering. Scuff marks, scratches, and creases can lower the value of a card. Each grading service has a different rating system, with some being more stringent than others. Understanding the criteria is fundamental when determining your card’s value when getting it graded.
After Grading
Storage
Storage is crucial when it comes to preserving the condition and value of your graded cards. Keep your cards in a dry, cool location, protected from sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent fading, bending, or cracking over time. Acid-free sleeves and hard plastic cases with UV protection are excellent ways to protect your graded cards from moisture and sunlight.
Display and Selling
Grading your cards increases their value and makes them more desirable to collectors. Displaying your collection in your home or store can be a great way to showcase your work. Alternatively, selling your collection may be appropriate if your goal is to liquidate your collection or if you have acquired the right cards.
Conclusion
Getting your Pokemon cards graded is a wise investment for any collector looking to increase their card’s value and create a more accurate description of its condition. The process is not as intimidating as it may seem. Understanding the importance of grading, authentication, and how to prepare cards can significantly increase the value of your collection. By researching each grading service’s pros and cons and their grading criteria, collectors can make an informed decision on which service to use. Don’t hesitate to get your Pokemon cards graded today and protect your investment.
