Everyone hopes they have a rare gem of a card in their collection, but how can you know for sure? You can get an approximate price by looking up similar cards on a number of websites, but for high-value cards, that won’t be enough. Getting your cards appraised by a trustworthy service is the only way to determine their true value. So how do you go about getting your baseball cards appraised? The process is a bit more complicated than simply Googling or surfing eBay, but there are several options. In this post, we’ll cover all of the bases of baseball card appraisal online and in-person, as well as the purpose it serves. Subscribe to get our best content in your inbox By clicking “Submit” you agree to Dibbs Privacy Policy and You might be wondering how professional card appraisal is different from self-valuing your collection and whether it’s worth the expense. In many cases, you probably don’t need to go through the extra steps to get your cards appraised, particularly if the costs of appraisal services outweigh any potential profits from selling your cards. However, if your search for card prices shows that you could have some high-value items, you’ll typically need to have them examined by experts before any sale — this protects both the buyer and seller. After all, just because you think that Derek Jeter rookie card of yours is in gem mint condition doesn’t mean it actually is. Typically, appraisals come in the form of official certificates clearly identifying and stating a card’s value. Even if you don’t plan on selling any time soon, it’s still useful to have the most valuable items in your card collection appraised. This can help determine coverage for homeowners or rental insurance, as well as having it insured if and when it’s ever shipped.
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Should You Get Your Baseball Cards Appraised?
Where Can I Get My Baseball Cards Appraised?
Once you’ve determined that it’s in the best interests of your collection to get your most desirable cards appraised, the next step is finding a place to do it. No matter where you live, you likely have local options, and you can always turn to reputable online services as well. Be wary, though: The increased popularity of card collecting has also resulted in a higher level of fraud, particularly during the pandemic. Anyone offering quick and easy appraisal services — or trying to buy your cards as well — should be approached with caution.
What Services Should I use For Baseball Card Appraisal Online?
When it comes to online card appraisal, the gold standard is Professional Sports Authenticator, also known as PSA. PSA offers both grading and appraisal supported by verified market data, and because it has no vested interest in the value of your card, it can be trusted to give you accurate results. PSA does require grading, but offers both services, and the cost is determined by the estimated value of the card. One important thing to note: PSA doesn’t appraise anything worth under $2,000, so that’s a good baseline to keep in mind as you’re going through the appraisal process.
If your card has been signed by the player, Beckett Authentication Services offers appraisals for single-signature and multi-signature items. Beckett is more geared towards single cards than collections, and also offers Rookie Certification, certificates of authenticity, and grading services.
Finally, if you’re in a hurry to sell, Just Collect can speed up the process by appraising your cards and making an offer in one fell swoop. Because Just Collect is more focused on buying your cards, the appraisal itself is free, but the company is backed by decades of experience and over $20 million worth of sports cards and memorabilia transactions. This could be an option if your cards are in the range of hundreds of dollars, rather than thousands, but be aware that Just Collect does not offer grading or certificates of authentication.
How Can I Find Baseball Card Appraisal Services Near Me?
If you’d rather get your cards appraised in person, here’s how to find local resources:
- Ask your local card shop: Many collectible card and memorabilia shops provide appraisal services, so your favorite spot should be your first stop. Even if they can’t appraise your collection themselves, they may be able to point you towards other appraisal businesses in the area.
- Attend trade shows: Sports card and memorabilia shows frequently take place all over the United States. You’ll often find representatives from major appraisal services on the floor, so if you’re wary about mailing your cards, this could be a good alternative.
Check the PSA dealer directory: Professional Sports Authenticator has a helpful list of retail, wholesale, and appraisal companies throughout the US.
Baseball card appraisal can be an overwhelming process, but for especially rare and high-value cards, it’s a necessary part of the process. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to determine your collection’s true value, consider the appraisal services listed here and choose the one that best suits your needs.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in sports card collecting, particularly baseball cards, I've spent years navigating the intricate landscape of card appraisal, understanding the nuances of the market, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the industry. My deep involvement in the hobby, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge base, allows me to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article about baseball card appraisal by "The Dibbs Team."
The article delves into the importance of getting baseball cards appraised and explores the various aspects of the appraisal process. Let's break down the key concepts covered:
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Purpose of Appraisal:
- The article emphasizes that getting professional appraisals is crucial for high-value cards, highlighting the difference between self-valuation and expert assessment.
- It suggests that appraisals often result in official certificates, providing a clear identification and valuation of a card. This not only aids in potential sales but also safeguards both buyers and sellers.
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Determining the Need for Appraisal:
- It suggests that not every card in a collection may require professional appraisal, and the decision should be based on potential profits versus appraisal costs.
- The article advises that if a search for card prices indicates high-value items, it's prudent to have them examined by experts to ensure accuracy.
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Where to Get Appraisals:
- Local options and reputable online services are highlighted as potential avenues for getting cards appraised.
- Caution is advised regarding the rise of fraud in the card collecting market, especially during the pandemic, urging collectors to approach services with care.
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Online Appraisal Services:
- Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is recommended as the gold standard for online card appraisal. PSA offers grading and appraisal services supported by verified market data. It's noted that PSA doesn't appraise anything worth under $2,000.
- Beckett Authentication Services is mentioned, particularly for cards signed by players, offering single and multi-signature appraisals, Rookie Certification, certificates of authenticity, and grading services.
- Just Collect is introduced as a service focused on buying cards and expediting the selling process. While the appraisal is free, the company does not provide grading or certificates of authentication.
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Finding Local Appraisal Services:
- Recommendations include asking local card shops for appraisal services and attending sports card and memorabilia trade shows where major appraisal services may be present.
- The PSA dealer directory is suggested as a resource for finding retail, wholesale, and appraisal companies throughout the United States.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for collectors to navigate the baseball card appraisal process, offering insights into both online and in-person options, and stressing the importance of expert assessment for valuable cards.
