7 Steps to grading Pokemon cards: An In-depth guide to ensuring quality and value

Introduction

So in this post we will go through 7 Steps to grading Pokemon cards.

In the world of Pokémon card collecting, grading is a process of great importance. It is the evaluation of the condition of a card by a professional service, where it is assigned a numerical grade based on its condition and physical attributes. The better the grade, the higher the value of the card, as it has been validated by a reputable organization as being in a certain condition. The grade effectively becomes a part of the card’s identity and value.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of Pokémon card grading, understand the differences between various grading companies, and walk you through the steps needed to get your card graded from start to finish.

Grading Companies – United States

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)

PSA is arguably the most popular and recognized grading company in the world. Founded in 1991, they have developed a strong reputation for accurate and consistent grading. Their 10-point grading scale is known for being strict and consistent, with a PSA 10 being the pinnacle of card quality.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS)

BGS is another reputable grading company founded in 1999. It’s recognized for its thorough card assessments, and its unique four-subcategory grading system (centering, corners, edges, and surface) allows collectors to get a detailed understanding of their card’s condition. The BGS uses a scale of 1-10, with 10 being Gem Mint.

Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)

A newer entrant to the card grading scene, CGC is a subsidiary of the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG) that has been grading comic books, coins, and other collectibles since 1987. CGC is known for its accuracy, consistency, and integrity. Their 10-point grading scale is similar to PSA’s.

ACE Grading

ACE Grading, or Authentic Collectable Enterprises Grading, is an emerging company in the world of Pokémon card grading. It is endorsed by former Pokémon World Champion Michael Pramawat and provides comprehensive services including card grading, card authentication, and pop report services.

Grading Companies – United Kingdom

PokeGrade

PokeGrade is one of the few grading services dedicated exclusively to Pokémon cards in the UK. They offer various services including card grading, card cleaning, and card authentication. PokeGrade uses a 10-point scale similar to their American counterparts.

Treefrog Grading

Treefrog Grading is a reliable choice for collectors in the UK. They have a solid reputation for providing accurate and fair grades, utilizing a detailed 10-point grading scale. They grade a variety of trading cards including Pokémon , Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Magic: The Gathering.

Platinum Card Grading (PCG)

PCG is a rising star in the UK Pokémon card grading scene. They provide a range of services including card grading, authentication, and encapsulation services. They utilize a strict 10-point grading system.

Steps Needed to Grade a Card

The process for grading a card involves several steps. While each grading company might have slight variations, the basic process remains the same.

Step 1: Pre-Grading

Before sending your card to a professional grading service, it’s a good idea to pre-grade your card. Examine your card’s corners, edges, centering, and surface for any flaws, using a magnifying glass for a closer look.

Step 2: Selecting a Grading Company

After pre-grading, select a grading company that suits your needs. Consider the company’s reputation, grading standards, turnaround time, and grading fees.

Step 3: Packaging Your Card

Ensuring the safe transportation of your Pokémon cards to the grading company is a crucial step in the grading process. Proper packaging will prevent potential damage during transit that could influence the grade your card receives. Below, we break down the essentials for packaging your cards correctly.

Supplies You’ll Need

Card Saver or Semi-Rigid Card Holder: This is the preferred card holder for most grading companies because of its rigidity and the ease with which cards can be removed without causing damage.
Penny Sleeve: A soft plastic sleeve that offers a first layer of protection. It gets its name from its affordable price.
Bubble Wrap or Foam Wrap: For additional protection and cushioning inside the package.
Bubble Mailer or Cardboard Box: The external package in which everything will be shipped.
Tape: To securely seal your package.

Packaging Your Cards:

Penny Sleeve: Gently insert your card into a penny sleeve. This serves as the first layer of protection against any dust, scratches, or other surface damage.
Card Saver: Next, carefully insert the penny-sleeved card into a card saver or semi-rigid card holder. Ensure it’s centered and secure.
Stacking Multiple Cards: If you are sending multiple cards, stack them neatly, ensuring the card savers don’t rub against the cards’ surface. If you have many cards, consider dividing them into smaller stacks.
Wrapping the Cards: Once your cards are in the card savers, wrap them in bubble wrap or foam wrap. If you have multiple stacks, wrap each stack individually. Make sure the wrap is snug but not overly tight, which could cause damage.
Placing in the Mailer or Box: Place the bubble-wrapped stacks into a bubble mailer or a small cardboard box. They should fit snugly, with little room to move around. If there’s extra space, fill it with additional bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent movement during transit.
Sealing and Labeling the Package: Seal the package securely with tape, making sure all edges are closed. Write or print the address of the grading company on the package. Double-check the address for accuracy.
Shipping and Insurance: When shipping, opt for a service that offers tracking. This allows you to follow your package’s journey and know when it arrives at the grading company. Consider purchasing insurance for the package, especially if your cards are of significant value. The insurance can protect you against loss or damage during shipping.

Step 4: Completing the Submission Form

Each grading company has a submission form that you’ll need to fill out. The form typically asks for information about the card and the services you want. Some grading companies allow you to submit this form online, while others require you to print it out and include it with your card.

Step 5: The Grading Process

Once your card reaches the grading company, they will confirm its receipt and start the grading process. Professional graders examine the card under special lighting and magnification. They look at the card’s centering, corners, edges, and surface, assigning a grade based on the company’s grading scale.

Step 6: Receiving Your Card

After the grading process, your card is encapsulated in a tamper-evident, plastic case with a label indicating the card’s information and grade. It is then shipped back to you.

Step 7: Verification and Pop Reports

Once you receive your card, you can verify its grade using the grading company’s online database. Some companies also provide a population report (pop report), which shows how many cards of a particular type they’ve graded and what grades those cards have received.

Grading Turnaround Times: An Overview

One important aspect to consider when choosing a grading company is their turnaround time, which is the estimated time it takes from when the grading company receives your cards to when they send them back to you. The grading process involves various stages, including intake, verification, grading, encapsulation, and shipping. It’s important to remember that these are estimates and actual times can vary depending on the grading company’s workload.

Below is an overview of the general turnaround times for each of the mentioned grading companies as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. Please note that these times are subject to change and should be verified directly with the grading companies for the most accurate and up-to-date information.