How to Get Pokemon Cards Graded: A Comprehensive Guide

Pokemon is more than just a popular video game; it is a worldwide phenomenon that has spawned movies, TV shows, merchandising, and even a competitive card game. For fans and collectors, the allure of owning rare and valuable Pokemon cards is a temptation that is hard to resist. However, getting the most out of your collection requires ensuring their authenticity and condition. One way to do this is by getting your Pokemon cards graded. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get Pokemon cards graded, discuss the benefits of grading, compare grading services, offer tips for high grading, and provide predictions on the future value of graded cards.

Step-by-Step Guide

Before sending your Pokemon cards for grading, it is essential to take some necessary steps to ensure the best results. Cleaning, sleeve, and identifying the condition of the card can set you up for success when sending them for grading. Once this is complete, you can get started on sending your cards to be graded by following the steps below.

Pre-Grading Preparation

Before submitting your Pokemon cards for grading, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Clean the cards: Make sure the Pokemon cards are cleaned before submitting them. Ensure they are free of dust and dirt because any blemish will affect the final grade.
Protect the cards: Use sleeves when transporting your cards to avoid scratches and other types of damage. It is essential to select a sleeve manufactured explicitly for the Pokemon TCG Card.
Identify the card’s condition: Knowing the condition of the cards before submitting them for grading will help you select the appropriate grading service and avoid disappointment. Low-quality cards will not receive high grades, and the submission fees will not be refunded.

Choosing a Grading Service

There are several grading services for Pokemon cards, each with varying prices, turnaround times, and levels of quality. Below are some of the few grading services offering Pokemon card grading:

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)
Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)

When selecting a grading service, choose one that specializes in Pokemon card grading. Each service has its criteria for grading cards, so select one that aligns with your needs and budget. Consider the following:

Turnaround time: Some grading services might take longer than others, depending on the package you select, so check to make sure that the turnaround time suits your needs.
Cost: Each grading service has different pricing for each package, so select one that aligns with your budget. Also, check to see if there is a bulk submission discount when submitting multiple cards.
Grading standards: Check the grading service’s grading standards to ensure they align with your expectations. Some services differentiate between a card’s surface, corners, edges, and centering and may have stricter criteria.

Submission Process

Once you have selected a grading service, you can begin the submission process. Some grading services offer a submission calculator that calculates the estimated cost based on card value and service level. Below are some steps to consider when submitting the Pokemon cards for grading:

Print the submission form: Most grading services require a printed form to be filled out and shipped with the cards
Fill in the submission form: Provide accurate and detailed information about the cards submitted. This includes the card type, name, and set. If you are unsure of any details, check with the grading service or the Pokemon Trading Card Game database
Package the cards: When packaging the cards, ensure that they are protected with proper sleeves and a hardcase. This will help avoid damage in transit. Check with the grading service to ensure that the packaging meets their standards.
Submit the cards: Once you have completed the submission form and packaged the cards, ship them to the grading service. Most services will provide you with a tracking number to track the package’s status throughout shipment.

Receiving the Graded Cards

After submitting the cards for grading, they will be sent back to you once grading is complete. Below are some things to expect upon receiving your graded cards:

Condition report and grade: Each graded card will come with a condition report detailing the grade and other comments about the card’s appearance. The grade is a number between 1 and 10, with 10 being the highest. Most graded services provide a scoring system, including both card’s appearance and the condition of the card’s edges, centering, and surface.
Card encapsulation: Graded cards come in a plastic case called a slab, which encapsulates the card, protecting it from damage. Some grading services provide a more detailed label describing the card’s type, name, set, and grade.
Additional services: Some grading services offer additional services such as grading reconsideration or card restoration.

Benefits of Grading

Grading Pokemon cards has numerous benefits for collectors.

Increase Card Value

Getting your Pokemon cards graded is an excellent way to increase their value. Graded cards are more valuable than ungraded cards because they have been authenticated and certified by an independent third party. Because the grading service has inspected the card and provided it with a grade, buyers can be confident that they are getting what they paid for.

Authenticity

Grading also guarantees the card’s authenticity, which is critical in the collector market. Authenticity is essential because it allows collectors and buyers to know that they are getting what they paid for. Counterfeit cards are prevalent in the collector market, so grading adds an extra level of security.

Preservation

Another benefit is that grading preserves the cards’ longevity. Grading services encapsulate the card in a plastic slab, which protects it from environmental factors, handling, and other types of wear and tear that can degrade the card’s condition.

Comparing Grading Services

Below is a comparison of different grading services. This is not an exhaustive list of all grading services, but they are some of the most popular.

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)

PSA is one of the most popular grading services and is widely regarded as the industry leader for Pokemon cards. PSA specializes in sports cards, but has a grading service specially dedicated to Pokemon cards. PSA is known for its conservative grading standards and provides better value for high-grade cards. PSA offers a turnaround time of several weeks to several months, depending on the level of service selected.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS)

BGS is another grading service popular with collectors. BGS offers a quicker turnaround time than PSA and is known for its precision in grading. BGS evaluates the card’s edges, corner, surface, and the centering of the card to determine its final grade. BGS provides a label that includes the card’s name, type, and set, and the grade assigned to it.

Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)

CGC, known for its grading services for comic books, recently announced grading services for Pokemon cards. CGC is unique in the sense that they scan and store a high-resolution image of each card they grade. While this feature might not be necessary for most collectors, it is useful in case of loss or damage.

Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)

SGC is another grading service provider that provides a quick turnaround time for graded cards. SGC uses a 1-100 scale for grading and assigns a prominent label that includes the card’s name, type, and set.

Tips for High Grading

To get the highest grade possible, follow these best practices:

Handle the Cards Carefully

Handle the cards carefully to avoid fingerprint smudges, scratches, or any types of damage. Handling the card with bare hands could also affect the card’s condition.

Identify Flaws Before Submission

Before sending your Pokemon cards for grading, inspect them carefully for any known flaws that could affect their condition. If you are unsure, you can ask the grading service for their opinion.

Choose the Right Grading Service

Select a grading service that aligns with your needs and budget to increase your chances of getting a high grade.

Future Value Predictions

With the rise in popularity of Pokemon cards, graded cards are expected to appreciate in value.

Market Trends

Market trends are an essential factor in determining the future values of Pokemon cards. Based on trends, some cards that were affordable a few years ago are now worth thousands of dollars.

Rarity of Certain Cards

Rarity is another factor that affects a Pokemon card’s value. Some rare Pokemon cards are harder to find in good condition, making them worth significantly more than their lesser counterparts.

Demand for Specific Grades

Demand for specific grades affects a Pokemon card’s value. High-grade Pokemon cards are in demand, and the demand increases their value.

Conclusion

Grading Pokemon cards is an excellent way to increase their value, preserve them for the long term, and guarantee their authenticity. Before submitting your Pokemon cards for grading, take some necessary steps to ensure the best results. Choose the right grading service that aligns with your needs and budget, handle the cards carefully, identify flaws before submission, and follow the best practices for high grading. When sending your cards for grading, package them appropriately and expect a unique plastic case and condition report upon receiving them.

As Pokemon continues to dominate pop culture, the future value of graded Pokemon cards continues to rise. So, if you are a collector, consider getting your Pokemon cards graded and preserve the value of your collection.