Although it may seem that it would be best to choose a single card grading company, this isn’t always the case, especially if your collection contains a combination of vintage and modern cards. Below, we look at the three most common paths taken when it comes to trading card grading.
That said, choosing a card grading company is never as simple as it seems. None of the options are infallible, and every grading experience is subjective.
Four Card Grading Services
Here are the top four card grading companies that every collector should know.
PSA
This is required for any card made between 1950 and 1980, and many people use PSA for newer cards as well. Since PSA was the first major grading company, many vintage card collectors prefer PSA-graded cards to BGS-graded cards. PSA has also become the leading company for grading modern cards.
Why? Because antique set builders prefer a single slab to ensure consistency. The traditional design of the PSA slab is also a strong selling point. Whether you’re a set builder or not, this aspect significantly impacts the value of your card.
PSA/DNA
PSA offers this service, which is only used to confirm the validity of an autograph on a card. This method does not consider the condition of the card. PSA/DNA is ideal for authenticating cards that have been personally signed or cards that are normally associated with fakes, such as AFLAC autographs.
SGC
SGC, like PSA, focuses on grading vintage cards. SGC is usually associated with the grading of pre-1950s cards. SGC is typically used for high-priced, stand-alone antique cards that do not rely substantially on the value of surrounding cards in a set. SGC caters mostly to vintage singles collectors. Although SGC is best known for grading vintage cards, it is beginning to emerge as a strong competitor to PSA in terms of modern and current cards.
BGS
Although sometimes unreliable, BGS is one of the best grading agencies for post-1980s cards, especially current pack-pulled autographs. BGS rates both card quality and signatures on a 10-point scale.
Some enthusiasts favor the overall look of a BGS slab over the other main grading brands, especially the more thorough grade analysis.
Bottom Line
We all enjoy collecting and trading sports cards. Grading cards and knowing how to grade cards is a vital part of that. Hopefully, this guide will help you find the best card service for your specific needs. But aside from grading, you need to know how to keep your cards in great condition, how to sell them, and where to sell them. We at American Legends can help you with all of that and more. We’re only a phone call away, ready to help.
