The Top Sports Card Grading Companies
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.
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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)
Image credit: 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)
Image credit: 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)
Image credit: 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
Image credit: 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
Image credit: 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
Image credit: 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
Image credit: 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!
