Getting a card graded can potentially be a worthy investment, even in some instances where the card isn’t exactly pristine, it may still be worth doing. But where do you draw the line? Is every card worth grading?
In this blog, we will explore the question ‘How do I know if a card is worth grading?’
With three decades of combined expertise, Get Graded revolutionised the UK’s card grading scene as the first company of its kind. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, our core mission remains unwavering: to provide collectors worldwide with the most accurate and consistent grading scale.
Because at our heart, we’re collectors, just like you. We aim to simplify your collecting journey, offering trusted avenues to submit, track, and even auction your cards effortlessly.
This is where GetGraded comes in. If you’ve been searching for grading cards near me or wondering how to grade cards in the UK without the expense and delays of sending them overseas, look no further.
This article will explore why GetGraded make the grade. With fast turnaround times and competitive pricing for our services, you’d be foolish not to utilise their expertise.
Can I grade a card myself?
Although you can’t officially grade a card yourself, you can observe the card yourself to get a rough estimate of the grade, allowing you to figure out whether it may be worth grading officially.
Legitimate grading is done by card grading business like Get Graded. This provides an unbiased and meticulous observation that results in the truest valuation. This allows for the most accurate estimate, having the correct valuation can help you know what you want to do with the card going forward.
Can I sell a card if I grade it myself?
It may be possible to sell an ungraded card privately, but it is very unlikely that you would get the ideal price you want. This is because an official grading provides a ‘stamp of authority’. On the other hand, a self-graded card is subject to the card owner, and the perspective of the potential buyer. This means that they may be more likely to haggle with you.
What are the signs that a card is worth grading?
Firstly, you should ONLY get your card graded IF you are confident it will increase its market value enough to justify the grading cost. Or, if you want to authenticate and protect it for your personal collection, regardless of financial return.
Here are the signs that can justify getting your card graded:
High natural value:
- Is the card valuable even if its ungraded? This is the key question. For example, vintage cards of legendary players/characters often have significant raw value. If an ungraded card is already selling for a good amount, grading can be beneficial.
- Check completed listings on dedicated card pricing sites for the specific card in raw (ungraded) condition. This can infer whether grading is worth it.
Excellent condition:
- The higher the grade, the exponentially higher the value. A Gem Mint 10 (or a BGS 9.5/10) can be worth many, many times more than a Mint 9, or even a Near Mint-Mint 8.
- Be brutally honest about your card’s condition. If you can spot any flaws with the naked eye, (creases, scratches, centring issues etc) it’s unlikely to get a top grade. Many collectors use magnification or harsh light to inspect.
Significant value jump with grading:
- Look up recent sales of your card in various graded conditions.
- For example, if a raw card sells for £50, but a PSA 10 sells for £500, then the potential profit far outweighs the grading cost.
Authenticity and protection:
- For vintage cards, or cards with autographs, grading provides authentication, which can be critical for buyers.
- The slab (protective case) from a grading company offers superior protection, preserving the card’s condition for the long term. This is a non-monetary benefit for personal collections.
Liquidity and buyer confidence:
- Graded cards are generally easier and faster to sell, especially online, because the buyer knows exactly what condition they are getting. It removes subjectivity and builds trust.
When should you not bother grading?
In some situations, grading may not be worth it. Here are the circumstances that usually negate the need for grading a card.
Low raw value
- If an ungraded card sells for less than the cost of grading, grading it makes no financial sense. Even if it gets a Gem Mint 10, the market value might still be less than your investment. Purely because of the card’s lack of rarity.
- Most mass-produced cards, especially from recent sets, unless they’re highly sought-after parallels or rookies, are not worth grading.
Obvious flaws / Low expected grade:
- If your card has noticeable creasing, significant corner wear, edge damage, surface scratches, or severe centering issues, it will receive a low grade.
- A PSA 7 or 8 on a modern card might not even recoup the grading fee, and could even make it harder to sell than a raw, ungraded card that still has the “potential” for a higher grade in a buyer’s mind. For some vintage cards, even a low grade can still add value due to rarity, but this requires specific research.
Cost of grading exceeds potential value increase:
- Always factor in the grading fee, shipping costs (to and from the grading company), and insurance. If your potential profit (graded value – raw value) is less than these costs, don’t grade it for profit.
- If your card grades unexpectedly high, some grading companies will “upcharge” you if its post-grade value exceeds the tier you paid for. Factor this potential cost into your calculations.
You intend to play with the card:
- Graded cards are encased in hard plastic slabs and cannot be used in games like Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering. If you’re a player, not a seller or pure collector, grading isn’t for you.
You prefer raw cards for your personal collection:
- Some collectors simply prefer the look and feel of raw cards in sleeves and binders. If grading doesn’t align with your personal collecting goals or aesthetic, there’s no need to do it.
Can my card be mis-graded?
If you are not using a professional service, it is entirely possible for your card to be mis-graded. You should always seek professional grading services. That being said, if you have received a professional grading, and aren’t convinced with the result, you should compare.
Look at other examples of the same card in the same grade. Search online marketplaces and population reports for your specific card at the assigned grade and the grade you think it should have received. For example:
- Does your PSA 9 look significantly better than other PSA 9s of the same card?
- Does your PSA 9 look as good as or even better than some PSA 10s of the same card?
- Does your BGS 9.0 have sub-grades that seem inconsistent?
This is a strong indicator, as grading companies strive for consistency. If your card is a clear outlier, it might be a mis-grade.
Card grading services for UK & US card owners
Looking to boost the value of your collection? Get Graded makes card grading simple, affordable, and investor-friendly—right here in the UK.
In this blog, we hope to have provided insight to the question ‘How do I know if a card is worth grading?’ Whilst providing supplementary helpful information about our services and the unique questions about all things card grading!
Our graders are expertly trained for top-notch accuracy. Every card comes with a damage report for full transparency. We even grade booster packs, uniquely listing pack weights on vintage labels. You choose: with or without subgrades. High-value walk-ins can even get same-day grading.
With us, your cards are safe. We use G-Key anti-counterfeit tech, interactive damage reporting, and 30% stronger slabs with GetSealed™ moulding. Plus, XtraProtect sleeves and a CrystalClear window keep them secure and looking great. See why collectors trust Get Graded.