10 Best Pokémon Card Grading Companies: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re a Pokémon card collector, then having your valuable cards graded by a reputable company is a crucial step to preserving their worth. Grading not only authenticates the card’s legitimacy but also provides a professional evaluation of its condition, which plays a significant role in determining its value. But with so many grading companies out there, it’s essential to know which ones offer the best service, accuracy, and reputation in the industry. In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 Best Companies to Grade Pokémon Cards.
Each company will be discussed under three main headings: an overview of the company, why you should choose it, and the services it offers.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
PSA is the largest and most well-known card grading company in the world. Founded in 1991, PSA has built a strong reputation for grading various trading cards, including Pokémon. PSA’s certification is often regarded as the gold standard, and their graded cards typically sell at a premium in the market due to their high credibility and consistency. They use a strict grading scale ranging from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint).
Why Choose It
You should consider PSA if you’re serious about maximizing the value of your graded Pokémon cards. PSA has a significant global presence and a loyal customer base, which helps increase the visibility and demand for PSA-graded cards. PSA’s encapsulation process ensures your card is sealed safely, making it a solid long-term investment. Moreover, if you plan to resell, PSA-graded cards usually command a higher resale value compared to other companies.
Services
- Grading and encapsulation: PSA offers accurate grading services, and once graded, the card is encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder.
- Authentication: PSA can authenticate Pokémon cards, ensuring they’re not counterfeit.
- PSA Population Report: You can check how many cards have been graded and what grades they’ve received, adding transparency to the service.
- PSA Set Registry: This allows you to register your graded cards and compare them with others to see where your collection stands globally.
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
Beckett Grading Services (BGS) is another major player in the card grading industry. They are known for their comprehensive grading scale, which includes sub-grades for different aspects like corners, edges, surface, and centering. BGS is a favorite among collectors who want a more detailed analysis of their cards.
Why Choose It
BGS is ideal for those who prefer a detailed breakdown of their card’s condition. With BGS, you can see the strengths and weaknesses of your card through the sub-grades. BGS-graded cards are also highly regarded, and like PSA, they fetch high market value. BGS offers both standard and premium grading services, making it suitable for both casual and hardcore collectors.
Services
- Sub-grades: BGS provides individual grades for centering, edges, corners, and surface.
- Encapsulation: The cards are placed in sturdy, tamper-proof holders after grading.
- Beckett Registry: You can register your cards to track and compete with other collectors.
- Fast turnaround options: For those needing their cards graded quickly, BGS offers faster service options.
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
CGC is a newer entrant to the Pokémon card grading market, but they’ve quickly gained popularity due to their precision and reliability. CGC has been grading comic books and currency for years, but they recently expanded into trading cards, including Pokémon.
Why Choose It
You should choose CGC if you’re looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality. They have a strong reputation for accurate grading and clear communication with customers. CGC is ideal for collectors who want a solid grading service that’s recognized by the hobby community but is also budget-friendly compared to PSA or BGS.
Services
- Grading and encapsulation: CGC offers professional grading and places your cards in clear holders.
- Custom labels: They offer custom labels that enhance the display of your graded cards.
- Fast submission options: CGC offers a variety of grading tiers to meet different needs, including faster submission for urgent cases.
SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Corporation)
SGC has been around since 1998, primarily serving sports card collectors. However, they’ve recently expanded their services to include Pokémon cards. Known for their strict grading standards, SGC has built a solid reputation for providing accurate grades and high-quality encapsulation.
Why Choose It
SGC is a great choice if you’re looking for a grading company that emphasizes accuracy and has a longstanding reputation in the industry. Their black-bordered holders make the cards stand out visually, which many collectors appreciate. While SGC may not be as widely known in the Pokémon community as PSA or BGS, their grading services are respected among serious collectors.
Services
- Grading and encapsulation: They offer precise grading and secure encapsulation for long-term protection.
- Black-bordered holders: Their unique black-bordered cases are visually appealing and make your cards look sharp.
- Submission tracking: You can track your submissions online through their platform.
PSA Express
PSA Express is an expedited service offered by PSA for those who need quicker grading services. This option is more affordable than PSA’s standard grading tiers but still provides reliable results.
Why Choose It
If you’re in a hurry to get your cards graded, PSA Express is an excellent choice. This service is perfect for collectors looking to get their cards graded quickly without waiting in long queues. Though the grading process isn’t as exhaustive as the standard PSA grading, it’s still highly reliable and trusted within the community.
Services
- Faster turnaround time: The main advantage of PSA Express is its fast processing speed.
- Encapsulation: Like PSA’s standard service, the cards are encapsulated in protective holders.
- Quick resale: PSA Express-graded cards can quickly be listed for sale, making it ideal for collectors who want to flip their cards.
Global Authentics
Global Authentics is a company that specializes in grading trading cards and other collectibles. They’re known for offering a wide range of services and a transparent grading process.
Why Choose It
You should choose Global Authentics if you’re looking for a company that is transparent about its grading process and offers reliable customer support. Though not as mainstream as PSA or BGS, Global Authentics provides a good alternative for collectors who want their cards graded quickly and efficiently.
Services
- Grading and encapsulation: They offer full grading services with tamper-proof holders.
- Online verification: You can verify your card’s grade online by entering its certification number.
- Customer support: They provide solid customer support and guidance for collectors new to the grading process.
Card Guaranty (CG)
Card Guaranty (CG) is a lesser-known grading company that offers affordable grading services for Pokémon cards and other collectibles. They are committed to providing a high-quality grading experience for budget-conscious collectors.
Why Choose It
CG is ideal if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to get your Pokémon cards graded. While they may not have the same market recognition as PSA or BGS, CG offers a quick and reliable grading service, especially for newer collectors or those with smaller collections.
Services
- Basic grading and encapsulation: They offer simple and affordable grading services with secure card encapsulation.
- Affordable tiers: CG provides various pricing tiers that make grading accessible for all collectors.
- Online grade verification: Their certification system allows you to check your card’s grade online.
Authenticated Collectibles
Authenticated Collectibles is a smaller company focused on grading Pokémon cards and other types of collectibles. Though not as widely known, they have carved out a niche by providing personalized and reliable grading services.
Why Choose It
You might choose Authenticated Collectibles if you’re seeking a personalized and customer-focused grading experience. Their small size allows for more one-on-one interaction, and they work closely with collectors to ensure satisfaction.
Services
- Personalized grading: They offer personalized grading services to cater to individual collectors’ needs.
- Secure encapsulation: Cards are protected in tamper-proof holders.
- Quick service: Fast turnaround times for collectors who need quick grading results.
National Sports Authenticator (NSA)
National Sports Authenticator (NSA) has been providing card grading services for many years, initially focusing on sports cards but now extending their expertise to Pokémon cards. Their strong reputation in the sports card community gives them credibility when grading Pokémon cards as well.
Why Choose It
NSA is a reliable option for Pokémon card collectors who want to work with a company that has decades of experience. Their attention to detail and robust grading process makes them a solid choice.
Services
- Comprehensive grading: NSA offers full grading services that include detailed evaluations of your card’s condition.
- Tamper-proof holders: Their encapsulation process ensures long-term preservation of your cards.
- Online grade verification: You can verify your card’s grade through their website, adding transparency to the process.
American Grading Services (AGS)
American Grading Services (AGS) is a newer company in the card grading scene, but they’ve quickly gained traction due to their modern approach and customer-friendly services.
Why Choose It
AGS is a great choice if you want a grading company that uses modern technology to grade Pokémon cards. They offer competitive pricing, and their focus on customer service has made them a popular choice among newer collectors.
Services
- Digital grading reports: AGS provides detailed, digital reports on your card’s condition.
- Quick turnaround: They offer expedited services for collectors who need fast results.
- Encapsulation: Cards are placed in tamper-proof holders for protection.
Final Words
In conclusion, whether you’re grading for personal satisfaction or to increase the market value of your collection, choosing the right company is essential. The 10 companies listed above are some of the best options available, each offering a unique set of services and benefits.
