Grading Your Basketball Cards: The Complete Guide

Grading your basketball cards is an essential step for any collector looking to ensure the value, authenticity, and long-term preservation of their prized possessions. Understanding how the grading process works can help you make the most of your collection.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about basketball card grading, from preparing your cards to choosing the best grading company and beyond. Let’s dive in!

Explore our NBA singles collection for the latest and best options available for grading.

What is Card Grading?

Card grading is a professional process in which experts evaluate your basketball cards for their condition, authenticity, and overall quality. The grade a card receives has a significant impact on its market value and desirability. Graded cards are encased in protective slabs, which ensures that the card is safeguarded against damage and can be easily identified for its quality.

The grade is typically assigned by a third-party grading company, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or BGS (Beckett Grading Services), based on a scale of 1 to 10. A higher grade (e.g., 9 or 10) indicates a better-conditioned card and often results in a higher resale value.

For more information on the grading process, you can visit our grading services page.

Why Grade Your Basketball Cards?

Grading your basketball cards can offer several benefits for collectors and investors alike. Here are the key reasons why you should consider grading your cards:

1. Increased Resale Value

Graded cards, particularly those in mint or gem mint condition, can fetch a higher resale price than ungraded cards. This is because grading provides potential buyers with confidence about the card’s condition and authenticity.

2. Authenticity Verification

For high-value or rare cards, grading is essential for confirming their authenticity. A graded card ensures that it is a legitimate, unaltered item, which is particularly important for autographed or vintage cards.

3. Protection & Preservation

Grading helps protect your basketball cards from further wear and tear. Graded cards are placed in secure, tamper-proof holders, safeguarding them from environmental factors like dust, moisture, and physical damage.

If you want to understand more about the potential long-term value of grading, check out our blog on basketball card investment.

How to Prepare Your Basketball Cards for Grading

Before you submit your basketball cards for grading, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure they receive the highest possible grade. Here’s how to get your cards ready:

1. Use Soft Sleeves & Toploaders

Place your cards in soft sleeves to protect them from scratches and dust, then insert them into toploaders for added security.

2. Inspect for Surface Issues

Check your cards for any scratches, dirt, or print lines that might affect their grade. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface if needed.

3. Assess Card Centering

Well-centered cards tend to grade higher, so examine the card’s borders to ensure they are even and aligned.

4. Handle Cards with Care

Always hold your cards by the edges to avoid fingerprints and bending. Proper handling can help prevent damage before submission.

5. Pre-Grading Services

Some collectors choose to use pre-grading services to get an estimate of their card’s condition before officially submitting it for grading.

For more graded basketball card options, visit our NBA collection page.

Choosing the Best Grading Company

Two of the most popular grading companies for basketball cards are PSA and BGS, each with its own grading scale and submission process. Here’s how to choose the right one for your needs:

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

PSA is one of the most recognised and respected grading companies in the world. Their grading scale is based on a 10-point system, and their graded cards come in a red-label slab. PSA is an excellent option for collectors who want to increase the resale value of their cards.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

BGS offers a 10-point grading system similar to PSA but with additional subgrades that break down the card’s condition into centering, corners, edges, and surface. BGS is a great choice for collectors who want a more detailed evaluation of their cards.

To help you choose between PSA and BGS, check out our blog comparing PSA vs BGS grading.

Submitting Your Basketball Cards for Grading

Once your cards are prepared, it’s time to submit them. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose Your Grading Service

Decide whether you want to submit your cards to PSA or BGS. Cherry Collectables offers submission services for both grading companies, making the process easier for you.

2. Fill Out the Submission Forms

Make sure all the details about your cards are accurately listed on the submission forms to avoid any delays or errors.

3. Package Your Cards Securely

Use bubble wrap and a sturdy box to prevent damage during transit. Proper packaging is key to ensuring your cards arrive safely.

4. Track Your Submission

Once your cards are shipped, use a tracked shipping method to monitor your submission’s progress.

To submit your cards for grading, visit our grading services page.

Turnaround Times & Costs of Basketball Card Grading

The time it takes to grade your basketball cards depends on the service level you choose. Standard grading can take 4 to 12 weeks, while express services offer faster turnaround times (1-3 weeks) at a higher cost.

Grading fees generally start at $40-$50 per card, with additional charges for premium services based on the declared value of the card.

What Happens After Grading?

Once your cards are graded, they will be encased in protective slabs, and each card will have an official grade displayed on a label. The higher the grade, the more valuable your card will be. You can then choose to:

• Keep the card and enjoy its increased value.
• Sell or trade it based on the graded value.
• Crack it out of the slab and resubmit it for re-evaluation (a risky option).

To explore graded basketball cards or find new ones to submit for grading, visit our NBA singles collection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grading Your Basketball Cards

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when grading your basketball cards:

• Improper packaging: Ensure your cards are securely packed to avoid damage during shipping.
• Submitting damaged or off-center cards: If a card has noticeable defects, it may not be worth grading.
• Choosing the wrong grading company: Select a grading service that best suits your needs.
• Not cleaning the cards properly: Dust, dirt, and fingerprints can negatively impact your grade.

Start Grading Your Basketball Cards Today with Cherry Collectables

If you're ready to take the next step in your basketball card collection, get your cards graded today with Cherry Collectables. We offer PSA and BGS grading services, and our team is here to guide you through the process.

Explore our NBA singles collection to browse available cards and start your grading journey today!

Grading your basketball cards not only protects their condition but also enhances their value in the collector’s market. By following these steps and submitting your cards for grading, you can ensure your collection reaches its full potential. Happy collecting!