Graded-card guide

Raw Versus Graded Card Value

Authentication, grade certainty, liquidity and total submission cost.

Graded cards combine a physical collectible, a third-party opinion, a holder and a market premium. Each part deserves separate verification.

1. Estimate raw condition

Estimate raw condition should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

2. Use realistic grade outcomes

Use realistic grade outcomes should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

3. Add fees

Add fees should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

4. Consider authentication

Consider authentication should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

5. Compare net proceeds

Compare net proceeds should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

Marketplace research

Verification rule: Never buy an expensive slab only because its certification number returns a valid result. Compare the physical item with the official record.

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