Grading 101: What It Is and Why It Matters

Hello, collectors! It’s Coleman Bennett here, owner of Ontario’s Card Corner. Today, I want to dive into a topic that might seem a bit intimidating at first but is crucial for anyone looking to take their sports card collection to the next level: grading. When I first got back into the hobby, I didn’t know anything about grading. To me, a card was a card—the joy came from owning a piece of the players I admired. But as I learned more, I realized just how much grading can influence the value, authenticity, and desirability of a card. Let’s break it down together.

What Is Grading?

Grading is the process of evaluating a sports card to determine its condition and assigning it a numerical grade based on specific criteria. Professional grading companies, like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), assess factors like:

  • Centering: How well the image is aligned on the card.

  • Corners: The sharpness and condition of the card’s corners.

  • Edges: The condition of the card’s borders.

  • Surface: The cleanliness and overall appearance, including scratches or print defects.

These companies encapsulate the card in a protective case and assign it a grade, usually on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being gem mint.

Why Does Grading Matter?

Grading isn’t just about adding a number to your card; it’s about unlocking its full potential. Here are a few reasons why grading matters:

  1. Authenticity: A graded card comes with a guarantee of authenticity, which is especially important for high-value or rare cards.

  2. Value: A graded card, especially one in near-perfect condition (e.g., PSA 10 or BGS 9.5), often fetches a significantly higher price than its ungraded counterpart.

  3. Protection: The encapsulation process protects your card from damage, preserving its condition for years to come.

  4. Desirability: Many collectors prefer graded cards for their collections because they know exactly what they’re getting.

The Grading Scale

Different companies use slightly different grading scales, but here’s a general breakdown:

  • 10 (Gem Mint): Perfect condition, with no visible flaws.

  • 9 (Mint): Almost perfect, with very minor imperfections.

  • 8 (Near Mint-Mint): Slight wear or minor defects visible under close inspection.

  • 7 and Below: Increasingly noticeable flaws, such as soft corners, off-centering, or surface wear.

Choosing the Right Grading Company

Each grading company has its strengths:

  • PSA: Known for its consistency and strong resale value, PSA is a top choice for many collectors.

  • Beckett (BGS): Offers subgrades for centering, edges, corners, and surface, which provides more detailed insights.

  • SGC: Trusted for vintage cards, with a reputation for being tough but fair.

Is Grading Right for You?

Grading isn’t necessary for every card. If you’re collecting for personal enjoyment and the card’s monetary value isn’t a priority, leaving it ungraded is perfectly fine. However, if you have a rare or high-value card, grading can:

  • Validate its authenticity.

  • Protect it from damage

  • Potentially increase its resale value.

My Personal Take

When I first learned about grading, I’ll admit I was skeptical. It felt complicated and unnecessary for someone who just wanted to collect their favorite players. But as I began to explore the investment side of the hobby, I saw its value. Today, grading plays a big role in our offerings at Ontario’s Card Corner. Whether you’re looking for a graded grail card or just want to understand the process, we’re here to guide you.

What’s Next?

In a future blog, we’ll take a closer look at how to submit your cards for grading, what to expect, and tips to maximize your chances of getting a high grade. Stay tuned for that!

In the meantime, if you’re curious about grading or have a card you’re thinking of submitting, feel free to reach out. At Ontario’s Card Corner, we’re always happy to help fellow collectors navigate the exciting world of sports cards.

Happy collecting!
Coleman Bennett
Owner, Ontario’s Card Corner

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