Should I Grade My Old Pokémon Cards? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer is: it depends. Grading your old Pokémon cards can significantly increase their value and provide crucial protection, but it’s not always the right move. Factors like the card’s rarity, condition, potential grade, and grading costs all play a vital role in determining whether grading is a worthwhile investment. A detailed assessment is essential before making a decision. Let’s dive deep and explore the ins and outs of Pokémon card grading.

Understanding the Appeal of Pokémon Card Grading

Grading isn’t just about slapping a number on a piece of cardboard. It’s about authentication, preservation, and adding legitimacy to your collectible. Reputable grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS) meticulously inspect each card for flaws, misprints, damage, and overall condition. This process provides a standardized assessment of the card’s quality, which is recognized and trusted throughout the collecting community. This is one of the many reasons people enjoy collecting games; they provide a unique opportunity for social growth and interaction. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for learning more about games and the various aspects of the gaming community.

The Benefits of Grading

• Increased Value: A graded card, especially if it receives a high grade like a PSA 9 or 10, can command a significantly higher price than an ungraded card in similar condition. This is especially true for rare and sought-after cards.

• Authentication: Grading confirms the authenticity of your card, protecting you and potential buyers from counterfeit items.

• Protection: Once graded, your card is encapsulated in a tamper-evident, protective slab. This shields it from dust, scratches, bending, and other forms of damage, preserving its condition for years to come.

• Liquidity: Graded cards are easier to sell on the open market. The standardized grading system provides a common language for buyers and sellers, streamlining the transaction process.

The Drawbacks of Grading

• Cost: Grading isn’t cheap. Services like PSA and Beckett charge fees that can range from $20 to several hundred dollars per card, depending on the declared value and turnaround time.

• Time: Grading can take a while. Turnaround times can range from weeks to months, depending on the grading company and the service level you choose.

• Risk of Low Grade: There’s always a chance that your card will receive a lower grade than you anticipated. This can diminish its value and make grading a net loss.

• Not Every Card Benefits: Not all cards benefit from grading. Common cards, or cards in poor condition, may not see a significant increase in value after grading, making the cost of grading unjustifiable.

Is Grading Right for Your Old Pokémon Cards?

To answer this, consider these points:

1. Rarity: Is your card a rare print, a limited-edition promo, or a highly sought-after chase card? Rarer cards are more likely to benefit from grading.

2. Condition: Carefully examine your card for any signs of wear and tear, including scratches, creases, whitening on the edges, misprints, and centering issues. The better the condition, the higher the potential grade, and the greater the potential value increase.

3. Market Value: Research the current market value of your card in both graded and ungraded conditions. This will help you determine whether the potential increase in value justifies the cost of grading. Look at eBay sold listings, PriceCharting, and other online resources.

4. Grading Company Reputation: Stick to reputable grading companies like PSA, Beckett, and CGC (Certified Collectibles Group). These companies have a proven track record and their grades are widely accepted in the collecting community.

5. Cost vs. Potential Return: Calculate the total cost of grading (grading fees, shipping, insurance) and compare it to the potential increase in value if your card receives a high grade. If the potential return is significantly higher than the cost, grading may be a good investment.

Before You Submit: A Pre-Grading Checklist

Before you send your precious Pokémon cards off to a grading company, take the following steps:

• Clean Your Cards (Carefully): Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove any dust or smudges from the surface of the card. Avoid using any liquids or abrasive cleaners.

• Sleeve and Topload: Place your card in a soft, acid-free sleeve and then insert it into a rigid toploader. This will protect the card during shipping and handling.

• Take High-Quality Photos: Take clear, well-lit photos of your card from multiple angles. These photos will be useful for documenting its condition and resolving any disputes with the grading company.

• Research Grading Standards: Familiarize yourself with the grading standards of the company you’re using. This will help you assess your card’s potential grade more accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about grading your old Pokémon cards:

1. What grading company should I use?

PSA and Beckett are the most popular and widely respected grading companies. CGC is also a reputable option, especially for comic books and other collectibles. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific cards you’re grading. Each company has its own grading scale and strengths.

2. How much does it cost to get a Pokémon card graded?

The cost varies depending on the grading company, the declared value of the card, and the turnaround time. PSA’s services range from around $20 to over $600 per card, while Beckett’s range from $22 to $500.

3. What is considered a good grade for a Pokémon card?

Generally, a grade of 8 or higher is considered good, but a 9 (Mint) or 10 (Gem Mint) is highly desirable and can significantly increase the card’s value.

4. How long does it take to get a Pokémon card graded?

Turnaround times vary widely depending on the grading company and the service level you choose. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

5. What is the best way to protect my Pokémon cards before grading?

Sleeve your card with a soft, acid-free sleeve and then insert it into a rigid toploader. This will provide protection during shipping and handling.

6. What are the most common flaws that affect a Pokémon card’s grade?

Common flaws include scratches, creases, whitening on the edges, misprints, and centering issues.

7. Can I get a Pokémon card graded if it has been signed?

Yes, but it will typically receive a “Authentic” grade rather than a numeric grade if it’s unsigned. Beckett also offers autograph grading.

8. What is the difference between PSA, Beckett, and CGC grading?

PSA is known for its lenient grading and high resale value. Beckett is known for its strict grading and subgrades, which provide more detailed information about the card’s condition. CGC specializes in comic book grading.

9. Should I grade modern Pokémon cards?

It depends on the card. Modern cards, particularly rare and popular ones, can benefit from grading, but the condition needs to be close to perfect to justify the cost.

10. How do I determine the value of my Pokémon cards?

Research the current market value of your cards on eBay, PriceCharting, and other online resources. Look at sold listings to get an accurate estimate.

11. Is it better to sell cards graded or ungraded?

Generally, graded cards sell for more, especially if they receive a high grade. However, for some cards, the grading fees may not justify the likely value increase unless the card receives a 10 Gem Mint grade.

12. Can I grade cards myself?

You can engage in self-grading to get a preliminary idea of the card’s condition. However, only professional grading companies can provide a certified grade that is recognized in the collecting community.

13. What are the best Pokémon cards to invest in?

Rare, old, and sought-after cards are generally the best investments. Examples include first edition Charizards, promotional cards, and error cards.

14. How can I ensure my Pokémon cards are safely shipped to the grading company?

Pack your cards securely in a sturdy box with plenty of padding. Use a reputable shipping carrier and insure the package for its full value.

15. What if I disagree with the grade my card receives?

Most grading companies offer a review or appeal process if you disagree with the grade. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim.

Grading your old Pokémon cards is a complex decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks, assessing your cards’ condition and market value, and following these tips, you can make an informed decision that maximizes the value of your collection. For further exploration of games, play, and learning, consider visiting Games Learning Society.