Pokémon card collectors can now have their cards professionally graded to determine their value and authenticity. The process involves several steps that help preserve the quality of the cards.
Before starting, collectors need to have a selection of Pokémon cards they believe are in good condition and potentially valuable. They will also need semi-rigid card sleeves, cardboard, and packing materials for shipping.
The process of getting Pokémon cards professionally graded begins with sorting out undamaged, valuable cards to be graded. Collectors should set aside any common cards or duplicates they have and take out any cards that are already damaged or have printing errors, as these will receive a lower grade.
Next, collectors need to start an online submission with the grading service they are using and list all the cards they are sending in. They should pack their cards in semi-rigid sleeves, stack them, and secure them between two pieces of cardboard to prevent damage during shipping. The cards should then be put in a box with the packing label and some bubble wrap before being sent out.
Once the grading service receives the cards, they will carefully inspect them to ensure they are authentic. If the service suspects that a card has been faked or tampered with, it will not receive a grade.
The grading service will then inspect and assign a grade to each card based on its condition. The condition is determined by factors such as whether the printing is centered, if the corners are unbent, if there is damage to the edges, and if there are any visible creases in the image. The card is then graded on a scale from 1 to 10.
After grading, the service will encapsulate and label the card. To preserve the quality of the cards, they are sealed in small plastic cases and labeled with the set and name of the Pokémon card, along with the grade number. This makes it easy to see the grading information at a glance.
A tip for collectors is to ask their local hobby shops if they will ship Pokémon cards to grading services on their behalf to save on shipping costs.
Grading Pokémon cards is important because it helps determine their value to collectors. Without grading, it can be difficult to sell cards to collectors, as they may be worried about being scammed. Once the cards are graded, it is easier to check how much similar cards have sold for online, making it possible to sell the cards for a similar price. The buyer can also be assured that the cards are legitimate.
After a service professionally grades a card, it is encapsulated in a clear case to preserve its quality and protect it from further damage. Since a card’s value is based on its condition, grading ensures that it remains safe in a collection or when being sold.
