Card grading is the process of having a professional company assess the condition of a sports card and assign it a numeric grade. The card is then sealed in a tamper-evident plastic case called a slab.
Why grade a card?
- Authenticity. Grading companies verify the card is genuine, protecting against counterfeits
- Condition certainty. Buyers know exactly what condition they're getting, eliminating guesswork
- Value. Graded cards (especially high grades) sell for significantly more than ungraded ("raw") copies
- Protection. The slab provides a rigid, sealed case that protects the card from handling, moisture, and UV damage
- Liquidity. Graded cards are easier to sell because buyers trust the grade
The major grading companies
| Company | Known for | Founded | |---------|-----------|---------| | PSA | Most widely recognized, highest resale liquidity | 1991 | | BGS / Beckett | Sub-grades (centering, corners, edges, surface), half-point grades | 1999 | | SGC | Popular for vintage cards, clean slab design | 1998 | | CGC | Newer entrant, known for comic grading too | 2020 (cards) |
Cubbby supports all four grading companies. When you add a card, select the correct grading company and grade for accurate pricing.
Should I grade my cards?
Grading makes the most sense when the grade premium exceeds the grading cost. Consider grading if:
- The card is from a popular player or set
- The card appears to be in excellent condition (potential PSA 9 or 10)
- The raw-to-graded price difference justifies the grading fee
- You plan to sell the card
For common base cards or cards in poor condition, grading typically isn't worth the cost. Use Cubbby to check the raw vs graded prices before deciding.
How Cubbby uses grades
When you set a grade on a card in Cubbby, we show you market prices specific to that grade. A PSA 10 and a raw copy are tracked separately with different price histories. Learn more about how grade affects value.