If you are the proud owner of trading cards, you might get asked about grading and authentication — but what is the difference between card grading and authentication, and is it an important one? While grading and/or authentication is not a must for every card owner, it is useful to understand what these terms mean so that you can make an informed decision about what you want to do.
What Is Card Grading in the USA?
So, what is card grading in USA? Grading essentially means sending your collector card to a professional (like us) to analyze and evaluate, and we assign a numerical grade to it based on the card’s condition. Depending on where you get your services, and the specifics that you ask for, grading will also authenticate the card, and place it in a slab for protection.
Getting a card graded means that it will be easier to sell, but not every card needs to be graded, and you should pick and choose which cards you want to be graded. Generally, graded cards are worth more than ungraded cards since it eliminates potential doubts about the card from buyers, making the selling process quick and easy.
The difference between card grading and authentication comes down to what you are asking for in your service, and we will look at what authentication is next.
Key signs of damage that are taken into consideration when grading include (but not limited to):
- Scratches
- Water damage
- Bending in the structure
- Whitened borders
- Any stamps
- Planarity (if it lies flat on a table)
- Any tampering with the borders
- Clouding (colors are dulled)
- Discoloration from any source
- Any other visible damage
Benefits of Card Grading
Getting a card graded can mean that the card value is raised through professional services. When the quality of the card is determined through an objective third-party, selling becomes easier, and there is trust and understanding. Not only that, but graded cards are put in protective slabs to maintain the card’s quality and condition, so that it is protected moving forward—whether you want to keep it or sell it.
Key benefits of getting a card graded include:
- Card value can be raised
- Determines card quality
- Cards are easier to sell
- Cards are protected with slabs
How Is Grading Different From Authentication?
Card grading is different from authentication, as grading looks at the physical condition of the card and applies a numerical grade based on that, while authentication is all about determining if a card is an original or a counterfeit. The difference between card grading and authentication is an important distinction to make for any collector, and you should pick the one (or both) that suits your needs.
Is it Better to Grade or Authenticate Your Cards?
If you have a handful of cards that you are considering being graded or authenticated, you might find yourself getting stuck in choosing an option. However, while there is a key difference between card grading and authentication, this luckily is not a ‘this’ or ‘that’ scenario—you can get your cards graded and authenticated in one fell swoop!
Different companies offer different services, but most—if not all—companies that deal with authenticating trading cards will offer grading and authentication in one. You can choose to only get your cards authenticated at some places, but grading requires authentication as part of the process, so you can get two birds with one stone.
When Should You Choose Authentication Instead of Grading?
Sports card authentication USA is especially useful for card collectors due to all the fantastic signatures that you can come across, but grading can be important for all kinds of different card categories, from Pokémon to sports cards. With the benefits of card authentication USA vs card grading, it can be difficult to choose which option suits you best if you have to pick one or the other, and it will all come down to what you want to get out of the process.
Many people may choose to get their cards authenticated without grading to avoid a potentially unfavorable grading that might impact sale prices. Other reasons for authentication only could include personal interest or curiosity, protecting the card, or even cost-related reasons.
Does Grading Increase Card Value More Than Authentication?
Card value can change due to several factors. Pristine cards can be worth a lot of money after grading, but cards that are in poor condition will get a lower grading, and so be worth less. Similarly, getting a card authenticated can increase the value if the card is an original, or make the card worthless if proven to be a fake. Generally, the objective assessment of a card is what will add the most value, unless the card is extremely rare—in which case, authentication is vital in determining value.
Which Companies in the USA Offer Grading and Authentication?
Many companies in the USA offer grading and authentication of trading cards, and users will have options open to them across the company—including us at Get Graded. Big names like PSA, Beckett, and CGC all offer grading and authentication alongside us, but are prone to longer waiting times and higher costs compared to smaller grading companies like us.
If you are trying to choose between PSA grading vs authentication, or even Beckett authentication vs grading, it’s important to remember the difference between card grading and authentication, and ask yourself why you want to get it done. Authentication is a part of the grading process, but it can also be done on its own at companies like Beckett, PSA, and CGC & JSA. We wholly believe that grading is an important part of the process, and is beneficial unless you only want cars authenticated for personal reasons.
Get Graded Is the Perfect Option for Grading and Authentication
Here at Get Graded, we believe that grading is always beneficial, but for many collectors, authentication on its own is what is best for their personal needs. However, if you are planning on selling cards, we encourage grading beforehand so that you know what prices you should be asking.
Now that you know the difference between card grading and authentication, what do you think is best for your cards and future plans? Whether you want to get your cards graded for value, or authenticated for peace of mind and easier sales, Get Graded is the top option for your needs in the US market. Or, find out about our shop or service pricing, population report, or CERT checker, and create an account or find your nearest store now.