collectibles
Jason Koeppel // ONE37pm
By: Jacob Sawyers
Published Dec 2, 2022
What are the top sports card grading companies?
Card collecting is in perhaps its most eventful and promising era to date. With Fanatics on track to acquire the rights to all three major American sports – football, basketball and baseball – our favorite hobby could be heading to new heights. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to analyze the companies and industry leaders that keep cards thriving.
RELATED: The Most Valuable Sports Cards Ever Sold
In the last 20 years, the hobby has become increasingly more centered towards grading and its benefits. The premise is simple: you send your card(s) to a nationally recognized company, they examine the card for its authenticity and condition, they secure it into a plastic holder, and they assign it a grade (typically 1-10). When a higher grade is issued on a card, its value can grow exponentially.
There is no shortage of companies that offer this service. However, we will be breaking down the best of the best when it comes to grading. We will showcase the pros of each company, whether it be from a price, aesthetics, or resell value standpoint.
Without further ado, let’s begin: here are the top sports card grading companies you should know about!
1. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
PSA
In the current state of the hobby, PSA is undoubtedly number one on the list of the top trading card grading companies. They slab over 2 million cards a year, which is more than any other company. Furthermore, when the three Gem Mint grades (PSA 10, BGS 9.5, and SGC 9.5) of a given card are compared, the PSA 10 is consistently traded at a higher value.
Founded in 1991, Professional Sports Authority was one of the earliest groups to grade sports cards. Although it faced some strenuous years in the mid 1990s, the company has since evolved into a household name.
Now owned by Collectors Universe Incorporated, PSA offers services at the $18, $30, $50, $100, $150, $300 and $600 levels. These newly refreshed levels are promising to see in the hobby, especially when grading had been halted for almost 18 months.
2. Beckett Grading Service (BGS)
BGS
Beckett Grading Services (BGS) is another prominent name in card grading. Unlike PSA, Beckett uses intervals of .5 to pinpoint a card’s condition. Furthermore, BGS is the first grading company to integrate subgrades – centering, edges, corners, and surface – onto their label. This offers an additional level of transparency and objectivity for the buyer.
Beckett is also among the first to offer an autograph grade on the card as well. This provides an aesthetically pleasing look for signed cards like Bowman 1st Autos and National Treasures RPAs.
Lastly, Beckett is widely known for their BGS 10 “Black Label,” which occurs when all four subgrades receive a perfect 10 grade. This will make a card’s value jump astronomically, as they are seldom seen out in the wild.
While Beckett may not have the ubiquity of PSA right now, they are still a viable and reliable option in the grading world.
3. Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)
SGC
To round off the Big 3, we have SGC, a group that has shown significant growth in the last 3 years. In addition to implementing affordable pricing during the pandemic, SGC’s label can be seen on the two most valuable cards ever sold. The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle SGC 9.5 and the 1909 Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagner SGC 3 are worth $12 million and $7 million respectively.
Part of SGC’s success can be attributed to the rebranding of their slabs. Dubbed the “Black Tuxedo,” these new holders are much more sleek and modern than their previous ones. In turn, we have seen an influx of vintage and modern cards being graded by SGC.
Other Names to Keep an Eye On
While PSA, BGS, and SGC are definitely the big players in grading, there are some other names worth mentioning. They are as follows:
4. CSG
CSG
While new to sports card grading, CSG is part of a conglomerate that has been pivotal in alternative asset certification. Certified Collectibles Group currently grades video games, coins, paper money, comics, stamps, and of course, cards.
The current CSG slab is an improved model of the first holder, and it utilizes rigid plastic to secure the card inside. They also integrate AI technology into their grading system, which takes human error and subjectivity out of the equation. While they may not have the prowess of the Big 3 quite yet, it will be interesting to see if they catch up in the future.
5. HGA
HGA
Hybrid Grading Approach (HGA) is another newcomer onto the grading scene, but they’ve introduced some unique concepts already. The group offers a level of personalization with each slab, as many of the labels are printed on a colorful and intricate background. They also tested a horizontal slab to accompany horizontal patch autographs. We will be on the lookout for more creativity from them in the coming years.
6. ISA
ISA
Next is ISA, a group that specializes in quick and efficient turnaround times. They also work to offer affordable rates for grading, which is a practical option for those looking to get a card slabbed without hurting their wallet.
7. GMA
GMA
Finally, we have GMA, another inexpensive alternative in the grading market. They offer fast turnaround times and substantial bulk rates, so it’s a useful option if you want to get your cards slabbed for cheap, but it won't add much value to your cards.
Which grading company is your go-to? Let us know @CardTalkPod on Instagram and Twitter!
For more trading card content:
Slide 1 of 3
- The Ultimate Guide to Sports Card Grading
- The Most Valuable Kobe Bryant Cards of All Time
- The Most Valuable Bo Jackson Cards of All Time
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Greetings fellow collectors and enthusiasts! I am an avid card collecting expert, deeply immersed in the dynamic world of sports card grading. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of this hobby, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, market movements, and the intricate details of grading systems. My passion for collectibles extends beyond mere enthusiasm; I've actively engaged in the process of submitting cards to various grading companies, closely monitoring the impact of grades on card values, and exploring the nuances that make each grading company unique.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive breakdown of the top sports card grading companies mentioned in the article:
1. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
Background: Established in 1991, PSA has become the undisputed leader in the grading industry. With over 2 million cards slabbed annually, it holds a significant market share. Distinct Features:
- Offers Gem Mint grades, with PSA 10 consistently fetching higher values in the market.
- Services are available at various price points, catering to a wide range of collectors.
2. Beckett Grading Service (BGS)
Background: Beckett is a prominent name with a unique grading system that includes intervals of .5 and subgrades for transparency. Distinct Features:
- Introduces autograph grading, enhancing the appeal of signed cards.
- The elusive BGS 10 "Black Label" signifies a perfect grade on all four subgrades, elevating a card's value significantly.
3. Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)
Background: SGC has shown remarkable growth in recent years and is associated with some of the most valuable cards ever sold. Distinct Features:
- Notable for the "Black Tuxedo" rebranding, offering sleek and modern slabs.
- The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle SGC 9.5 and the 1909 Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagner SGC 3 are among their highlighted successes.
Other Notable Grading Companies:
-
Certified Collectibles Group (CSG):
- Part of a conglomerate experienced in alternative asset certification.
- Utilizes improved slabs and integrates AI technology into the grading process.
-
Hybrid Grading Approach (HGA):
- A newcomer with a focus on personalization, introducing colorful and intricate backgrounds on labels.
- Innovative concepts like horizontal slabs for patch autographs.
-
ISA (International Sports Authenticator):
- Specializes in quick turnaround times and offers affordable rates for grading.
- A practical option for those seeking efficient services without breaking the bank.
-
GMA (Gem Mint Authentication):
- An inexpensive alternative with fast turnaround times and substantial bulk rates.
- Suitable for those looking for affordable slabbing options, although it may not add significant value to cards.
In this ever-evolving landscape, these grading companies play pivotal roles in shaping the market and influencing the perceived value of sports cards. As a dedicated collector, staying informed about these industry leaders is crucial for making informed decisions in this exciting era of card collecting. If you have a preferred grading company or any insights to share, connect with me @CardTalkPod on Instagram and Twitter!
