WHICH GRADING SERVICE TO USE?

CoinGuy42

Hello all,

I have a couple of "better" Lebron James rookie cards that I'd like to have professionally graded. I have no knowledge about sport card grading. Knowing that PCGS is the most respected coin grading service, which company is the most respected sport card grading service? And, how would I go about getting only two cards graded? Thanks for any advice. Arthur

wallst32

You are required to purchase a PSA membership before you can submit cards to them, so if you only have 2 cards, you should probably look elsewhere. I believe the membership fee is $99 and would include the grading of 6 cards, but again, no value there if you are only going to use two.

I would suggest BGS for newer cards (http://www.beckett.com/grading/). Just follow the directions there, very similar process to submitting to PCGS. You won't need to purchase any membership fees, just the grading, insurance, and shipping costs.

ldferg

similar question regarding modern cards: i just purchased a modern collection (baseball, football, baskeball and hockey) and was curious from a financial stand point only, would you submit to BGS or PSA? i've noticed the BGS 9.5 and 9.0's selling for much higher than PSA 10 and 9 respectively for similar modern cards.

i will have several to submit once i'm finished wading thru them.

again, i'm only talking modern 1990-1999 with a few 89 griffey's (3) and johnsons (5).

Doppelganger

I would only add to the advice given that you thoroughly examine the card you are grading; be aware that the factors considered in card grading include the centering front and back, the edges, the corners and the surface of the card.

If the card has any marks, print dots or other imperfection, it would not be worth the cost of grading.

Finally, not all Lebron James cards are created equal...meaning that there are those whose "raw" value is more significant than others; unless the card has a raw value of at least $30 to begin with, I don't see the point in grading...but thats just my opinion.

MrRookie

send modern to BGS

Aknot

From a financial standpoint you may get "better" money on the return with modern if you go BGS.