Grading Houses

[amazingrandy1]

Hello Everyone,

I would like to get some opinions/experiences with the different grading houses. I am thinking about sending some cards to SGC, and was looking for some input. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[jplcom]

In terms of aesthetics, I rate it as BGS 1, SGC 2, PSA 3. I like the look of the Beckett holder plus the inner sleeve gives me a little more piece of mind. The higher level grades will get a silver or gold label which is classy looking. SGC I always appreciated the black inset they use in the case to make the card pop in the holder. PSA has been around the longest and has an iconic look.

In terms of protection, I rate it BGS 1, SGC 2, PSA 3. Again the Beckett holder seems the sturdiest from what I've seen, they use an inner sleeve to prevent the card from sliding around. SGC has notches in each corner to prevent damage though the card can slide around. PSA offers good protection too but I would prefer if they put small corner notches.

In terms of resale for modern cards, I rate it PSA 1, BS 2, SGC 3. I don't have hard data on this opinion, but I know PSA's registries get ultra competitive leading collectors to spending some serious coin on it. Beckett has marketed themselves well with the sub-grades functioning as a selling point. However if you are talking vintage cards SGC is by far the best one out there for resale.

Given my ratings, you might think I would say Beckett is the best. However they have an annoyingly large backlog that is causing the inexpensive grading options to get pushed out 6+ months now. Until they get their backlog under control, I wouldn't submit anything to them.

[doniceage]

If your doing new cards Beckett imo. If your doing vintage PSA is the way to go for pre 80’s.

Have more question feel free to ask. By the way we have groups on here that send cards in for grading.

Don

[pwaldo]

It really depends on what cards you were getting graded and what purpose you are getting them graded for. I ask because some of the card grading companies charge more based on the value of the card you are getting graded. Also some cards are more sought after (for some reason) with a certain grading company. The 1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter rookie card is much more desirable in a PSA holder than it is a in BGS or SGC one. So let's say you had one that was perfect and would get a 10 you would be losing potentially 10s of thousands of dollars going with the "wrong" grading company on that card.

[amazingrandy1]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I appreciate it. I am not looking to get my cards graded so that I can sell them. I just want them graded and encapsulated for myself and my PC. Maybe pass them down to my twin boys eventually. Does anyone know what the lead time is for PSA? I just contacted BGS, and they told me non-guaranteed is 11+ months.