When you are preparing trading cards for grading, it is important to take extra care to ensure that your cards are clean and free from any dirt, dust, or debris that could potentially reduce their grade.
The best way to clean your trading cards is by using a soft cloth, like a microfiber cloth, and applying a small amount of mild soap and warm water. Begin by wiping the card down gently to remove any dust, then apply a few drops of clean water and mild soap directly to the card.
Using a soft bristle toothbrush, gently scrub the card’s surface in a circular motion to remove any dirt or grime that may have collected over time. Once finished, rinse the card off with clean water and pat it dry with a clean, dry cloth.
It is important to be gentle when cleaning the card so as not to damage any of the artwork or surfaces.
Is it worth getting your trading cards graded?
Yes, it can be worthwhile to get your trading cards graded. By having your cards graded, you can provide evidence of their authenticity, as well as ensure they are in the best possible condition. A card that has been professionally graded by a third-party grading company is more likely to attract higher prices than a card that has not been graded.
Furthermore, graded cards tend to hold their value better over time than cards that have not been graded.
In addition, having your card graded and placed in a holder can help protect the card from any potential damage or wear. Grading and encapsulating the card in a holder also helps to preserve its condition over time.
If you are considering getting your trading cards graded, be sure to research the card grading companies to ensure you choose one that can guarantee an accurate, unbiased grade.
What is the way to grade sports cards?
When grading sports cards, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. First, you should be familiar with the overall condition of the card. Look for flaws like creases, scratches, dirt, marks, tears, chips and other surface and edge flaws along with general wear and tear.
Every card has to be assessed individually and it’s important to remember that no two cards will ever look the same.
Second, you should also be familiar with the card’s details and printing characteristics. A good example of this would be a card with a crisp, white border on one side while the other edge is scuffed.
Differences in centering, registration, color, alignment and focus should also be taken into account.
Finally, you should also pay attention to the card’s body and corners. A card’s body should be flat and the corners should be sharp. Look for signs of wear, including chipped and curled corners, fraying, board staining and discolored spots.
When it comes to grading a sports card, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. Make sure to use a magnifying glass or loupe to get a better view of the finer details, and always assess the card individually before assigning a grade.
How much does it cost to send a card to get PSA graded?
The cost to get a card graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) depends on a few factors. Type of card, number of cards, and shipping services chosen. For a single modern-era card it usually costs around $20.
However, this can vary depending on the type of card and other factors like if you chose a faster shipping service it may cost extra. If you are sending multiple cards, the cost can be discounted. Typically a minimum of 5 cards must be sent to get the discounted rate.
The cost would come out to around $17 per card. PSA also offers bulk submission rates. For example, if you submit 500 or more cards the cost is discounted even further to around $13 per card. You will also have to factor in the cost of shipping the card to PSA.
The grading process generally takes up to 4 weeks and you have the option of tracking the card with a signature delivery service. Keep in mind, if the item is valuable you may want to consider insurance to cover any damages or loss that may occur in transit.
Can I get cards graded in person?
Yes, you can get cards graded in person. This can be done through a number of professional grading services. These services allow for individuals to bring their cards to a certified 3rd party, who will then examine the cards and assign a grade.
Depending on the service chosen, cards may be graded and returned the same day, or after a longer turnaround time.
Before having cards graded in person, it’s important to be familiar with the specific details and practices of the grading service one chooses. That way, individuals can better understand the grading process and make sure they are getting the most value out of it.
Additionally, it is important to double-check and confirm the items being sent in and to do adequate research on the price of a card before submitting it for grading, to make sure that the fee and costs are worth it.
Furthermore, it can be beneficial to purchase professional shipping materials, such as boxes and bubble mailers, to make sure that cards arrive safely and secure to the 3rd party. This will help to preserve the card’s condition and ultimately makes a difference in the grade that is assigned to the card.
In conclusion, yes, you can get cards graded in person. It is important to be aware of the details and best practices for ships, researching values, and preparing the cards for grading. Doing so will allow individuals to make sure they are receiving maximum value from the services and protect their cards in the shipping process.
Is PSA grading worth it?
PSA grading is definitely worth it for certain types of items, especially for rare cards or those expected to bring in a high price. It can provide a level of assurance for a buyer that the item is authentic and in the condition described in the listings.
Additionally, it gives collectors peace of mind that the item being purchased is being assessed by a reputable third party organization.
PSA’s grading scale is also very helpful, as it assigns a numeric grade to a given item according to its condition. This eliminates much of the subjectivity that can come with grading items. Lastly, many sellers opt to have their items evaluated by PSA in order to increase their chances of selling them, as a PSA Grade can help to increase the desirability of a card.
In conclusion, if you are looking to buy or sell an expensive card, or are looking for a third-party level of assurance for any collectibles you may have, PSA grading is definitely worth it.
How long does it take for PSA to grade a card?
The length of time it takes the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) to grade a card depends on a few factors, including the type of card, the time of year, and the volume of submissions. Most submissions take approximately 3-4 weeks from the time the cards arrive at PSA HQ until turnaround time.
If the cards are submitted during peak season (typically April-August), turnaround times may be slightly longer. Also, if a user submits multiple cards and they request faster turnaround with the PSA’s 7-day Express option, the cards will be moved to the front of the queue and graded in 1-2 weeks.
Once the cards have been graded, PSA will send out a notification that the cards have been graded and the user will also receive an email with the details of the grade. From that point, it usually takes 1-2 weeks for the card to be shipped back to the user.
In summary, it typically takes 3-4 weeks for PSA to grade a card, but if the user opts for their Express service, that time can be shortened to 1-2 weeks. After the cards have been graded, it typically takes 1-2 weeks for the cards to be shipped back to the user.
How do I send my cards to PSA?
To send your cards to the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), you’ll need to first obtain a PSA Submission form. This form can be acquired by visiting the PSA website and requesting one, or by visiting any of PSA’s participating locations around the country.
Once you have the form, you’ll need to submit your card/item(s) and complete the submission form with all the required information. Then, simply package your card/item(s), form, payment, and any additional paperwork securely to the address provided on the form.
You’ll also need to include any return shipping and insurance fees (if applicable). To ensure submitted items arrive safely, it’s recommended that you use delivery confirmation, insured mail, Express, or another traceable method.
After you have sent the items to PSA, you’ll need to make sure they are received and processed, as some items may be returned to you before they’re authenticated. Once the item(s) have been authenticated you’ll be able to view the full results, grades, and labels on the PSA website.
How long does PSA grading take?
The duration of PSA grading largely depends on the size of the order, the current volume of the submissions the company is receiving, and the condition of the cards. Generally speaking, it takes around 1-2 weeks for basic service grading and up to 6-8 weeks for economy and value service grading.
Due to the amount of cards they grade each month, PSA sometimes experiences backlogs and delays, resulting in longer turnaround times. Along with their pricing structure and many other factors, turnaround times are taken into account when selecting agrading service.
If you require faster turnaround, it is best to check with the company how long the current turnaround times are and plan accordingly.
Do PSA graders wear gloves?
In general, PSA graders do not wear gloves. Although it is recommended to wear gloves when handling cards, it is not required by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). In terms of actual grading process, the graders generally do not wear gloves to minimize potential damage to the cards or potential for human error.
PSA employs multiple strict measures to protect the cards throughout the entire grading process, including a dust-free enclosure, humidity control, and using soft, felt-tip pens during the autograph authentication process.
Additionally, every card is stored in a tamper evident holder and stored in acid-free cardboard holders to ensure the cards remain in the same condition as when they were sent in to the examination facility.
On the other hand, if a customer would like to make the request, PSA will honor the request to have the grader wear gloves when handling the submitted cards.
What can I use to clean trading cards?
When it comes to cleaning trading cards, the best thing you can use is a soft, dry cloth. The important thing is to start from the outside edges and move inward towards the center of the card. You’ll want to make sure that you are using a gentle circular motion when cleaning the card.
Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals, like bleach or alcohol, which could damage the card. Additionally, you should avoid using water or anything wet, as this can cause discoloration or staining. It’s also important to make sure that there are no dust particles or dirt on the cloth prior to cleaning the card, as this could contribute to additional wear and tear over time.
If the card has a lot of dirt, you can try lightly brushing it with a soft-bristled brush or you can use a vacuum attachment to gently remove any particles. Finally, consider using a specialty collector cleaning kit that is designed for trading cards.
It will come with instructions, and many even contain a foam cleaner and a buffing cloth.
Can I grade my own cards?
No, you should not grade your own cards as this could lead to biased results. Grading cards should be left to professionals, as they have both the experience and expertise to provide impartial and accurate grading.
Professional graders are familiar with the grading process, know the major grade classifications, and can determine a card’s condition using a combination of sight, touch, and even the use of special tools.
When done properly, the professional grading process can reveal imperfections within the card that might not be easily detected by the casual collector. Additionally, professional graders can also detect potential fraud, tamper, or restoration attempts.
Ultimately, reliable professional grading companies should be utilized to protect your investment and ensure you receive accurate, trustworthy, and secure results.
Will PSA clean your card?
No, PSA grading does not ‘clean’ cards. PSA is a comprehensive grading and authentication service for trading cards and collectables, not a cleaning service. PSA does put the cards through an extensive visual inspection process to determine condition and authenticity, but cleaning it is not part of the process.
It is up to the individual collector to always take appropriate measures to safely clean collectables and trading cards.