What is trading card grading?
Trading card grading is when you have experts evaluate and authenticate your trading card (sports cards, TCG, etc.). Grading assesses condition, authenticity, and quality. The card is inspected across a number of parameters by the experts and once the grading is complete, the card is sealed into a protective hard plastic sleeve. The protective sleeve comes with an official grading that is printed at the top of the sleeve. The grading usually follows a scale of 1-10.
Why should I grade trading cards?
Grading your card can add value, protection, and a guarantee of authenticity to your collectible card. Here are some reasons why many people choose to grade their cards:
Grading your trading cards can increase the value of the card
- A high PSA rating (especially PSA 10 Gem Mint) can significantly increase the card's value both in the short and long term.
- Buyers on the secondary market will typically pay more for a graded card. The grading is done, which can take time and cost you money, and the buyer trusts the grading and that the card is in good condition and authentic.
- Example: An ungraded card can sell for 1000 SEK, while a PSA 10 can sell for 5000+ SEK. Note, that in most cases graded cards can sell for more than an ungraded card is when you have a grade of 9-10. The grade of 9 is a matter of debate among collectors. Some believe that a Raw card is valued at the same level.
When you grade your trading cards, you protect your cards
- Grading seals the card in a tamper-proof casing, protecting it from wear, dust and damage.
- Helps preserve the condition of the card over time, especially for rare or valuable cards.
You confirm authenticity when you grade your trading cards
- Prevents counterfeits, reprints and manipulated cards from entering the market.
- PSA, BGS and SGC certify that the card is genuine and unmodified, giving buyers peace of mind.
Grading your trading cards is good for investment & collection
- Grading standardizes condition, so collectors and investors can compare values.
- A graded collection has better long-term investment potential.
- Popular for rookie cards, autographs and rare inserts.
Selling becomes easier when you grade your trading cards
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Graded cards are usually easier to sell, as the buyer knows exactly what condition the card is in.
How does PSA grading from Sweden work?
PSA grades on a 1-10 scale, with PSA 10 (Gem Mint) being the best.
- PSA 10 - Gem Mint → Perfect (sharp corners, flawless surface, perfectly centered)
- PSA 9 - Mint → Near perfect (small defect, very light wear)
- PSA 8 - Near Mint-Mint → Minor defects (slight centering error or minor surface wear)
- PSA 7 and below → Visible wear, soft corners, surface damage
The goal? To get PSA 9 or 10 for maximum value increase!
Which trading cards should be graded?
- Rookie Cards (Yamal RC, Messi RC, Ronaldo RC, LeBron James RC, Tom Brady RC)
- Autograph cards & Memorabilia cards
- Rare Inserts & Short Prints (SP, SSP)
- Vintage cards (pre-1980, e.g. Michael Jordan RC, Wayne Gretzky RC, etc.)
- Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering & TCG cards
Is PSA grading worth it?
YES, if:
The card is rare, valuable, or in top condition.
The card has investment potential.
You want to protect and confirm its authenticity for resale.
NO, if:
The card is in poor condition (folds, heavy wear).
The card is very common and will not increase in value.