Grading and pricing a card relies on the expertise of a professional. Learning about what a grading scales and marked differences between each level is important for accurate and objective grading. Let's look as some of the distinguishing factors.
Magnifying the Details
Grading cards yourself helps train your eye for detail and while determining the price of your collection. Most scales follow strict guidelines to determine a cards grade that in turn determines it's worth.Using a magnifying glass to review the cards characteristics and attributes over and over again is the best way to learn how to grade cards.
This process is called pre-grading.We are looking at the details of a card and qualifying it for further review. At this point, do not spend a long time studying each card. As your skill and knowledge progress, pre-grading goes quickly. The two best tools for pre-grading cards are experience and a magnifying glass. It can be very exciting when you pre-grade a card, send it to a professional grader, and it comes back with the same grade.
Grading Scales
A typical scale (1 to 10) divides a card condition into a ranges from poor to pristine. The best cards in pristine condition (sometimes called mint or Gem mint) are flawless not only to the naked eye but under high magnification. Cards at the other end of the scale have been abused (sometimes severely) to the point where they cannot be accurately graded. Most cards fall somewhere in the middle or midrange. These cards are often given the notation excellent or near mint.
Grade Differences
Since so many cards fall somewhere in the middle it is helpful to know the details of each grade. For example, a card considered in excellent condition will contain some flaws. Some of these flaws are visible while other flaws can only be seen up close or with a magnifying glass. However, many of the flaws may not detract from the overall appearance making the card appear normal and in good condition.
A typical error the beginning grader will make is to mistake a card with a low grade for one with a high-grade. This is part because of the emotional attachment one has for their own cards.The differences between grades can be minimal which may explain why the typical standard is divided into 10 possibilities. Knowing the differences will help you remain objective and scientific about grading a card.
Excellent or Near Mint Condition?
Let's take some attributes and compare the two grades. The top surface or front of the card in near mint condition will show slight surface wear. The corners may have a slight fraying. The picture focus may be slightly out of register or have minor blemishes. The centering of the photo must not be offset too much and can appear almost perfect.
On the other hand, a card in excellent condition will show some surface where were printing defects are more visible. There may be minor chipping on the edges; loss of original gloss, and the focus may be slightly out of register. Centering can be off visibly and the corners can have minor rounding. With practice, one look at the corners, edges, and centering will tell you if a card is near mint or not.
Pricing Your Card
Pricing is never absolute. This is true when you notice a card that was sold for lots of money and was not in very good condition. Why? Secondary factors like popularity or notoriety can influence the price of the card. One such card is known as the T206 Honus Wagner baseball card. While the condition is below pristine condition, the card sold for over $1 million.
However, most cards you will encounter are valued according to their grade and rarity. It makes sense to be conservative when grading your own cards. After all, if you love your cards you give them a good grade. Learn to detach yourself from the process and be objective from start to finish. When you are done thoroughly looking at a card it's entirely OK to comment on eye appeal.
Pricing Guides
Once you have determined a grade for your card, it's time to consult a pricing guide. These can either be online or in trade magazines. Some pricing guides published by major grading companies can be found at a local library for free. Online subscriptions offer instant access from a large volume selection. A typical pricing guide will usually show the current market prices for cards in near mint or better condition.
Knowing that most cards fall below the near mint category you will have an approximate value of your cards compared with near mint prices. It is important to remember that pricing guides are meant as a firm but general guideline to actual pricing. In some cases, a card in excellent condition will be selling at a near mint price.
For more information and a complete list of grading standards,
- PSA Grading Standards
For more information about online pricing guides,
Quinn Collor - I enjoy writing about different topics. Research helps me define my approach leading to the essence of what I really want to say about a ...
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