I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!
Should You Grade Your Sports Cards?
One of the biggest questions collectors ask is whether grading sports cards is worth it.
The answer depends on why you collect.
If you collect simply because you enjoy the hobby, grading may not be necessary. If you plan to sell cards, protect valuable pieces, or build a high-end collection, grading can provide significant benefits.
In this guide, we'll explain when grading makes sense—and when it doesn't.
If You're Collecting for Yourself
There is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping cards ungraded.
Many collectors enjoy storing raw cards in top loaders, magnetic holders, or binders.
Grading costs money, and that money could instead be used to purchase more cards.
Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy looking at graded slabs?
- Do I simply want to protect an expensive card?
- Would I rather buy more cards instead of paying grading fees?
There isn't a right or wrong answer.
Grading Helps When You Plan to Sell
If you regularly sell cards to fund your collection—or operate a card business—grading becomes much more valuable.
A professionally graded card provides buyers with:
- Authentication
- A professional presentation
- An assigned condition grade
- Greater confidence when purchasing
Because buyers have more confidence, graded cards often sell faster and sometimes for more money than comparable raw cards.
Grading Can Increase Value
Not every card becomes more valuable after grading.
The final grade matters.
For example:
- A Gem Mint 10 can significantly increase value.
- A lower grade may add little value—or even reduce profitability after grading fees.
Before submitting a card, it's important to estimate its condition and compare recent sales of both raw and graded examples.
Protection Is Another Benefit
Grading isn't only about resale value.
A sealed slab helps protect your card from:
- Fingerprints
- Surface scratches
- Corner damage
- Moisture
- General handling
Many collectors grade favorite cards simply because they want long-term protection.
Which Company Should You Use?
Today's major grading companies include:
- PSA
- Beckett (BGS)
- SGC
- CGC
Each has strengths, but PSA remains the most widely recognized grading company and generally commands the strongest resale values.
The best company depends on your goals, budget, turnaround time, and the specific card you're submitting.
Should You Grade Every Card?
Definitely not.
Most modern base cards aren't worth grading.
Instead, consider grading cards that are:
- Valuable
- Rare
- Important rookie cards
- Low serial-numbered cards
- Cards in exceptional condition
- Personal favorites you want protected
Being selective helps maximize the value of your grading submissions.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you should grade your sports cards depends entirely on your collecting goals.
If you're collecting purely for enjoyment, raw cards may be the perfect choice.
If you're selling cards, protecting valuable pieces, or trying to maximize resale value, grading can be a worthwhile investment.
Choose the option that best fits your collection—not simply because everyone else is grading.
FAQ
Should I grade all of my sports cards?
No. Most collectors only grade valuable, rare, or sentimental cards.
Does grading always increase value?
No. The final grade and the card itself determine whether grading adds value.
Is PSA the best grading company?
PSA is generally the most recognized and often brings the highest resale values, but Beckett, SGC, and CGC all have their place.
Can I sell raw sports cards?
Absolutely. Many collectors buy and sell raw cards every day.
Is grading worth it for modern base cards?
Usually not unless the card is exceptionally valuable or has a realistic chance of receiving a Gem Mint grade.
Related Guides
- What Is Sports Card Grading?
- Which Sports Card Grading Company Should You Use?
- Sports Card Population Reports Explained
- Sports Card Grading Scale Explained
- What Are Sports Card Autograph Grades?
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Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4942 reviews.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice addition of Barry Bonds to my PC!
Great card and great place to do business with. Thank you!
Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
Loved it all.
Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
Matt and his team did it again. Highly recommend Powers to anyone looking for high end autographs
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Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
Awesome experience as usual!
Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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