FAQ

Can't find what you're looking for?

Our listings do not include our entire inventory. Additionally, we plan on expanding into more collectibles in the future. If there are specific products or lines you are looking for, feel free to visit our Contact Us page to submit a request. We will reach out to you to determine whether or not we can help you find your desired item(s) at this time.

 

What is a Graded Card?

Like other well-known collectibles, graded cards are authenticated, evaluated, then encapsulated in a plastic case. Numerical grades are assigned to specific attributes of the card and printed on the label. This label also lists the card’s specifics such as title, language, and edition, and is also secured inside of the case.

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Why grade cards?

Trading and collectible cards are sought after by both collectors and players, and many of the oldest cards are extremely rare. This scarcity combined with the power level and uniqueness of some cards give them significant value, and having a card encapsulated will preserve its condition and guarantee authenticity.  

Additionally, the grading scale and subgrades allow investors and collectors to determine if they have the best-known copy of any card available and make pricing much more accurate based on these numbers. A grade of 9 or higher typically means the graded card will sell for more than a NM ungraded copy, with 9.5s and 10s commanding significant premiums.

Cards don’t always have to be expensive to get graded either. Many collectors get cards graded, or purchase them for a variety of reasons such as completing sets of specific expansions, acquiring each card displaying artwork by a particular artist, or because they want to enshrine certain cards they like playing with.  

 

Who grades cards?

There are three primary companies that grade cards: Certified Guarantee Company (CGC), Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA), and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both PSA, and BGS are well-known, established, and trusted by the community, but we prefer CGC for a few reasons:

  • Their cases are both lightweight and durable
  • Cards fit perfectly in the mold with no room for movement
  • The labels are large which allow for detailed card descriptions
  • Faster turnaround times  
  • CGC is established in many key collectible marketplaces

 

Common Graded Terms

  • Quad: Used to describe a card with subgrades, where each of the subgrades is equal to or greater than the final grade
  • Basic: Used to describe a card that is not a Quad
  • Slab: Used to describe most professionally graded collectibles in thin plastic cases
  • Raw: Used to describe a card that is not professionally graded

 

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