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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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Great experience once again! From start to finish Powers Sports Memorabilia hit it out of the park on my Ricky Williams Newpapers.
Finally caught the ghost!!!
Great to add another one to the 70 Topps set. Fantastic service!
All hail the Chief!!! Robert Parrish .. 4x NBA champion inscription.. Double 00..
I waited a long time for this one especially being a huge fan of the Showtime era Lakers. Kevin Mchale was a thorn in my side but I have the utmost respect for him and the Celtics.. A great addition to my growing collection..
The Hall of Fame ticket!! Earl Campbell thanks to the team at PSM!! Keep up the good work!!
My new favorite Funko!! #1 … Warren Moon
Nice autograph
The autograph looks great and full
Signature smaller than I requested...
Came out great!
Came out good
PSM always does an excellent job. They took care of my Dream rookie card. I like the fact that when I send my items into PSM I never have to worry about them.
The CJ auto hits for me. Upper Deck, sharp placement, and honestly, it makes my collection much better. Greatly appreciate the auto.
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Beautiful piece of memorabilia!!!
To finally get one of my baseball idols is an absolute dream come true but to get this card with an on card auto really made it all worth the wait! Thank you!!
Excellent service with this signing. Thank you!
Autograph came out great!
Awesome experience as always, I’d highly recommend Powers to anyone looking to expand their sports memorabilia collection!
Once again, Powers Sports came through big time! I had been waiting for many, many years to have this mini helmet signed by Carson Palmer. With special thanks to Natalie and Mathew, they were able to coordinate this endeavor exactly as I wanted it. Excellent autograph, perfectly positioned, using the exact paint pen requested and the C.O.A. sticker positioned right where I wanted it. Thank you folks so very much!
Matt and his team did a great job as usual. I highly recommend power’s!
Always great dealing with Powers. Got to watch Earl Singing on their website. Couldn't be happier with the helmet and the signature. Another perfect purchase. Thanks Powers crew!
I submitted 2 cards for signing by Dennis Rodman and came back very nice but one of the cards corner was damaged when returned back. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
I submitted 2 cards for signing by Hakeem Olajuwon & came back very nice. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Power Sports Memorabilia is the best and always my "go to" autograph company to deal with. They are so accommodating and always get what you want and how you want it !!!! A+ on ALL counts !!!
I wasn't at the convention to be there for his signing. However, he has a killer autograph very happy with this autograph
Another great jersey signing!
PSM never let's me down. Another great auto on my multi signed piece. Thank you again.
The Barry Larkin auto in my PC is pure heat. Crisp ink, great placement, total keeper.
Just received by Bo Jackson Rookie Card back from Powers Sports Memorabilia. Once again, Powers Sports was able to get my card signed exactly as requested. Excellent signature, perfectly positioned and using the right kind and color marker.
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