The Ultimate Guide to Trading Card Grading
If you’ve been in the sports card hobby for a while, you’ve probably heard collectors talking about graded cards and how a high grade can turn a simple piece of cardboard into a valuable asset. But what exactly does card grading mean, and how does it work? Whether you're new to collecting or just need a refresher, we've got you covered!
At
Big Popps Sports Cards, we help collectors buy, sell, and trade raw and
graded sports cards, and we even
offer grading submission services to make the process easier for you!
What Is Card Grading?
Card grading is the process of having a professional grading company authenticate, evaluate, and assign a condition score to your trading card. The better the condition, the higher the grade, and the more valuable your card can become.
Grading companies assess everything from edges and corners to centering and surface before sealing the card in a tamper-proof case (also known as a slab) with its official grade.
So, if you’re wondering whether your Patrick Mahomes rookie card is worth top dollar or just sentimental value—grading can help settle the debate!
💡 Related Read:
Trading Cards 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Sports Cards
Big Popps Sports Cards & PSA Grading Services
At Big Popps Sports Cards, we work exclusively with PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) for grading. If you’re unsure whether you should grade your card, we can help!
✅ We accept cards from customers and evaluate them before submission.
✅ We’ll let you know if grading is worth it or if you should keep the card raw.
✅ If you decide to grade, we handle the submission process for you.
💰 Our Pricing:
$5.00 per card (plus shipping and PSA’s grading fees).
PSA grading fees vary based on the card’s declared value and service level.
Want to submit your cards for grading?
Stop by Big Popps, and we’ll walk you through it!
Why PSA?
PSA is the most respected and widely used grading service in the industry. Their cards typically hold higher resale value, making them the go-to choice for collectors and investors alike.
✅ Uses a 1-10 grading scale (with GEM-MT 10 as the best).
✅ Known for grading vintage and modern cards.
✅ Slabs feature a red and white label and are recognized worldwide.
How Is a Card Graded?
Grading companies use strict criteria to assess a card’s condition. Here’s what they look for:
1. Centering
- How well the image is positioned on the card
- If it’s too far left or right, it affects the grade
- Even
small centering issues can make a big difference!
2. Corners
- Sharp, crisp corners = 💰
- Rounded, dinged, or fuzzy corners can
drop the grade significantly
3. Edges
- Smooth, clean edges = better grade
- Chips, nicks, or print defects
bring it down
4. Surface
- Scratches, print lines, or dimples = lower grade
- A perfect surface means
higher value
Each of these factors contributes to the final
numerical grade, and some companies (like Beckett) even provide
subgrades to break it all down.
Card Grading Scale: What Do The Grades Mean?
Grade
Meaning
GEM-MT 10
Perfect card, flawless condition
MINT 9
Almost perfect, maybe a minor flaw
NM-MT 8
Near Mint, slight imperfections
EX-MT 7
Excellent condition, minor wear
EX 5-6
Some noticeable wear but still collectible
VG 3-4
Well-loved, visible wear, but intact
G 1-2
Heavily played, creases, damage
The goal? Get that GEM-MT 10 and watch the value skyrocket!
Should You Get Your Cards Graded?
Grading isn’t for every card, but it can increase value and protect your collection. Consider grading if:
✅ Your card is high-end or rare
✅ It’s a rookie card of a big-name player
✅ The card is in great condition and could get a high grade
✅ You want to preserve its condition long-term
However, grading can be pricey and takes time—so if your card isn’t worth much raw, it might not be worth the cost.
Not sure if your card should be graded?
Bring it to Big Popps, and we’ll give you an honest assessment!
How to Submit a Card for PSA Grading at Big Popps
If you’re ready to get your card graded, we make the process easy for you!
1️⃣ Bring your card to Big Popps Sports Cards.
2️⃣ We’ll evaluate it and let you know if grading is worth it.
3️⃣ If you decide to grade, we’ll handle the submission.
4️⃣ You pay $5 per card (plus shipping & PSA fees).
5️⃣ Wait for PSA to grade and return your card in a slab!
This service saves you time and the hassle of navigating PSA’s process yourself.
🚀 Visit Big Popps to get started! 🚀
Why Big Popps Sports Cards?
At Big Popps Sports Cards, we’re passionate about the hobby, and we love helping collectors navigate the world of graded and raw cards. Whether you’re looking for graded sports cards for sale, need advice on which cards to grade, or just want to talk shop, we’ve got you covered!
🔥 Stop by Big Popps to check out our selection of graded and raw cards, or bring in your collection to discuss your grading options!
💡 Want to learn more about us? Read our Meet the Owners blog to see how Big Popps got started!
🚀 Got a card you’re thinking of grading? Visit Big Popps Sports Cards today, and let’s talk!
Final Thoughts
Card grading is a great way to increase value, protect your collection, and authenticate your sports cards. Whether you’re grading to sell or to keep, knowing how the process works is key to making smart hobby decisions.
Have a question about grading? Drop by Big Popps Sports Cards, or hit us up on Facebook to chat with fellow collectors!
