Card Grading Guide

How to Get Your Cards Graded — PSA vs BGS vs SGC vs CGC

Professional grading can dramatically increase the value of your cards — but which company should you use? Here’s what every collector in the Treasure Valley needs to know.

Why Get Cards Graded?

A graded card comes sealed in a tamper-evident case with an official grade from 1 to 10. That grade tells buyers exactly what condition the card is in — no guessing, no disputes. A PSA 10 LeBron James rookie card can be worth 5–10x more than the same card raw. Grading also protects your card from future damage and makes it far easier to sell at a premium.

PSA — Professional Sports Authenticator

PSA is the most recognized grading company in the hobby. A PSA grade typically commands the highest resale prices, especially for vintage sports cards and high-value modern rookies. PSA uses a simple 1–10 scale and their slabs are universally accepted on eBay, COMC, and at card shows. Best for: sports cards, high-value singles, vintage cards.

BGS — Beckett Grading Services

BGS is unique in that it grades four sub-categories: centering, corners, edges, and surface. A BGS 9.5 “Gem Mint” is highly regarded, and a BGS 10 “Pristine” is extremely rare and valuable. BGS is popular for modern cards and Pokémon. Best for: modern sports cards, Pokémon, collectors who want detailed sub-grades.

SGC — Sportscard Guaranty

SGC is known for fast turnaround times and is especially popular with vintage card collectors. Their black slab design is clean and distinctive. SGC grades are increasingly respected in the market and often come back quicker than PSA at a lower cost. Best for: vintage cards, budget-conscious collectors, quick turnaround.

CGC — Collectibles Guaranty Company

CGC is best known for comic book grading but has expanded into trading cards. CGC is a strong choice for Pokémon and TCG cards. Their slabs are well-regarded and their grading standards are considered strict and consistent. Best for: Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, trading card games.