Collecting sports cards is a popular hobby, and many people enjoy the challenge of grading their cards. But what does it mean to grade a sports card? How are they graded, and what factors influence the grade?
In this blog post, we will answer all of these questions and more! We’ll discuss how grading works, what factors influence the grade, and how you can grade your cards. You’ll be grading the value of ken griffey jr rookie card upper deck and other cards in no time!
Sports Cards and their Values
Every sports card is different, and each one has its value. The value of a card is determined by many factors, all of which are important to collectors. The most important factor in determining the value of a card is its condition, which is why grading is so important. Here are some of the factors that influence a card’s value:
The player and their performance
It’s common knowledge that cards featuring popular or iconic players will be worth more than cards featuring less popular or unknown players.
Similarly, the player’s performance also affects the card’s value. A card featuring a player who had a breakout season or was part of a winning team will be worth more than a card featuring a player who had a disappointing season.
The rarity of the card
Another important factor in determining the value of a card is its rarity. A rare card will be worth more than a common card, and a super rare card will be worth even more. The most valuable cards are usually produced in small quantities or only available for a limited time.
The condition of the card
As we mentioned before, the condition of a card is the most important factor in determining its value. A card in mint condition will be worth more than a card damaged or well-played.
Supply and Demand
Every now and then, a card will become more valuable due to supply and demand. If more collectors are interested in a certain player or team, the value of their cards will go up.
How Grading Works
Grading is assessing a card’s condition and assigning it a numerical grade on a scale from one to ten, with ten being the best possible grade.
Cards are graded on both the front and back, and each side is given its separate grade. The front is graded first, followed by the back. This makes sense when you think about it, as the front of a card is usually in better condition than the back.
The most important thing to remember about grading is that it is subjective. Different collectors will have different opinions on what constitutes a “perfect” condition card.
However, some objective factors influence the grade. Let’s go in-depth into some of the most crucial:
Creases
A crease is a fold or bend in the card. The severity of the crease will determine how much it affects the grade. A light crease might not affect the grade, while a deep crease could drop the grade by one or two points.
Discoloration
Discoloration is when the card’s color has faded or changed over time. This can be caused by exposure to sunlight or chemicals, which can significantly impact a card’s value.
Stains
Stains are dark spots on the card usually caused by water damage. Like discoloration, they can have a big impact on the value of a card.
Tears
You might not think a small tear would impact a card much, but it can drop the grade by one or two points.
Wear
Wear is any damage to the card that doesn’t fall into any of the other categories. This includes scratches, dents, and fraying edges.
Writing
Unfortunately, some think writing on their sports cards is a good idea. This will always result in a lower grade, no matter where the writing is or how small.
Centering of the image
Sometimes, the image on the card is not centered perfectly. This can result in a lower grade, depending on how off-center the image is.
Grading Sports Cards: Tools of the Trade
If you’re serious about collecting sports cards, you must have the right tools. Here are some essential items every collector should have:
A soft cloth
A soft cloth is important for cleaning your cards without damaging them. Most professional card graders use a microfiber cloth.
A magnifying glass
A magnifying glass is essential for looking closely at your cards and assessing their condition. Magnifying glasses typically have a magnification of at least three times. Here are some magnifying glasses worth checking out.
A storage system
You need a good storage system to keep your cards organized and in mint condition. Card sleeves, top loaders, and binders are all popular storage options for collectors. Read on how to preserve and store your trading cards for more information.
An LED light
An LED light helps look at cards in low-light conditions and spot damage that might not be visible to the naked eye.
How to Grade Your Cards
Now that you know what goes into grading a card, you might be wondering how you can grade your own cards. Although it’s not as simple as assigning a number to your card, there are some steps you can take to get an accurate assessment of your card’s condition:
1. Start by cleaning your card with a soft cloth.
You want to remove any dirt or fingerprints that could affect the grade. Wipe the card front and back with gentle pressure until it’s clean.
Do not use any cleaners or solvents on your card, as these could damage it. If you’re cleaning an older, rare card like ken griffey jr rookie card donruss, for example, be extra careful not to damage it.
2. Examine the card.
Assuming your card is now clean: Start by examining the front of the card for any damage. Once you’ve determined the grade of the front, move on to the back.
Examine both sides of the card and compare them to determine a final grade. You should give the card a lower grade if there are any major discrepancies between the two sides.
For example, if the front of the card is Near Mint (NM) condition, but the back is only in Excellent (EX) condition, you should grade the card as EX.
The same goes for cards that have been trimmed or altered. These cards will always be worth less than an untouched card in similar condition.
3. Use a magnifying glass.
Once you’ve examined the card with your naked eye, it’s time to break out the magnifying glass. Look closely at the front and back of the card for any damage that might have been missed.
This is especially important for cards in borderline condition (NM/EX or EX/VG). A small imperfection could drop the grade by one or two points, so it’s worth taking the time to examine your cards carefully.
You can also use a jeweler’s loupe, a magnifying glass designed to examine small objects. Remember that some damage is visible to the naked eye but not through a magnifying glass.
For example, a small crease in the corner of a card might not be visible until you magnify it.
Once you’ve looked at your card with a magnifying glass, you should have a good idea of its condition and what grade it would likely receive from a professional card grader.
4. Use an LED light.
If you’re still not sure about the condition of your card, try using an LED light. An LED light is a small, battery-operated light that emits a bright white light.
For example, an LED light can help you spot water damage, staining, or fading that might not be visible in normal lighting.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know everything there is to know about grading sports cards, you’re ready to start building your collection! Remember to use the proper tools and techniques when assessing your cards’ condition, and you’ll be sure to get an accurate grade every time. Thanks for reading!
