If you've ever looked into getting a trading card graded, you’ve probably noticed there are a few different companies that do it! PSA, SGC and BGS are three of the biggest names in card grading, but what makes them different? And more importantly, which one should you choose? While all companies look at things like centering, corners, edges and the surface of a card, they each have their own grading systems, reputation, and advantages. Keep reading for a simple breakdown of PSA, BGS and SGC and what you should know before sending your cards away to be graded!
Card grading is when you send your card to a professional grading company to have its condition checked. The card is given a grade from 1 to 10 based on things like how well it’s centered, the condition of the corners and edges, and whether there are any scratches or other imperfections on the surface. The card is then sealed inside a protective case with its grade displayed on the front. A higher grade can make a card more valuable, especially if it receives a 9 or 10!
PSA, or Professional Sports Authenticator, is probably the most well-known grading company in the hobby! PSA grades cards on a 1-10 scale, with PSA 10 being the highest grade, and gives the card an overall grade rather than separate scores. The biggest advantage of PSA is its reputation and resale value. PSA-graded cards are extremely popular with collectors, so a PSA 10 will often sell for more than the exact same card with a similar grade from another company. The downside is that PSA can have longer turnaround times, especially for its lower priced grading options. For collectors who are mainly interested in resale value, PSA is usually the safest choice.
BGS, or Becket Grading Services, is best known for doing things differently from PSA! Instead of giving your card just one overall grade, BGS also gives it four separate sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface. This lets collectors see exactly where a card did well and where it may have lost points. BGS is also famous for its Black Label, which is given to cards that receive perfect 10s across all four categories. These cards are extremely rare and can be worth a lot! BGS is a popular choice for collectors who like seeing the breakdown behind their card’s grade or who are hoping to get the Black Label grade.
SGC, or Sportscard Guaranty Corporation, has become another popular option for collectors, especially for grading vintage sports cards. SGC is known for its distinctive black “tuxedo” slabs, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Like PSA, SGC gives cards one overall grade rather than separate sub-grades. While SGC doesn’t usually have the same resale value as PSA, it can be a great choice for collectors who want their cards professionally graded without spending as much or waiting as long. Its clean looking slabs have also become a favourite among vintage collectors!
So, now that you know the difference between each grading company, which one is the best? It depends on what you want to get out of your card grading! If you’re concerned about the resale value and market recognition, PSA is probably your best bet. If you love the idea of sub-grades or chasing a Black Label, MGS might be the way to go. And if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a faster turnaround time, SGC is worth considering!
If you’re a Canadian collector, there are a few extra things to keep in mind before sending your cards away for grading! The price you see for grading isn’t necessarily the total amount you’ll pay since shipping, insurance, and cross-border fees can add to the cost. Turnaround times can also change, so make sure you check the company's current estimates before submitting your cards. If you’re sending multiple cards for grading, submitting them together can also help make the shipping cost per card more affordable!
At the end of the day, there is no single grading company that’s the best! PSA is a go-to for many collectors because of its reputation, BGS is popular for its detailed sub-grades, and SGC is the most affordable overall. Whichever company you choose, make sure you do your own research and that the card is worth grading. Check out our wide selection of trading cards from Topps & Panini at SoccerCards.ca!
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