To Grade or Not to Grade

Should I grade my cards? I hear this question very often. The first question you need to answer is why you are considering grading the cards in the first place. Is it because you collect a certain player and want to ensure the card is protected forever? Or maybe you want to resell/trade the card, and grading it might possibly add value? Both are very valid reasons for wanting to grade your cards.

Grading will ensure your card is not altered in any way and properly protects the card from damage. The value of a graded card is something you really must consider. Just because you put a card in a graded slab doesn’t instantly increase its value. That is very much not the case. You must consider the condition of the card. My rule of thumb is to thoroughly evaluate the card in these areas.

Corners, dinged or sharp?
Edges, chipped or clean/sharp?
Surface, print lines/defects, fading, scuffs, ink, or is it clean?
Centering, off centered or centered top/bottom and left/right?

If you have multiple issues with the card, I recommend not grading it. You are far better off buying a nice magnetic case for a couple of dollars to ensure the card is protected moving forward. Multiple issues will most likely get your card an 8 or less. In my opinion, an 8 keeps the card at the same value of a raw (non-graded card). Receiving a 9 adds 1.5 times and 9.5/10’s can potentially add 7 times the value. There are several factors that go into the value of the cards: market trends, population print, player likeness, etc.

Please keep in mind this is my perspective; there are many other articles you will find by Googling that talk about sports card grading. I’m always willing to help disc golf card collectors. Reach out if you want me to check out your cards! Link to the website