SGC $10 Grading + PSA Puts Pressure on Card Auction Houses

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) and PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) are two of the most well-known third-party grading companies in the sports card hobby. They provide authentication and grading services to evaluate the condition and legitimacy of trading cards. Grading by these companies can significantly impact a card's market value.

1. SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)

Overview:

• Established in 1998, SGC is known for its expertise in grading vintage cards but also grades modern cards.
• Recognized by its black-bordered slab design, which many collectors appreciate for its aesthetic appeal.

Grading Scale:

• Uses a 100-point grading scale, though the grades are typically expressed as whole numbers (e.g., SGC 10, SGC 9.5).
  • Gem Mint 10: Equivalent to PSA’s Gem Mint 10.
  • Excellent 70: Mid-grade, for well-worn but visually appealing cards.

Strengths:

• Respected for its accuracy and consistency, particularly with vintage cards.
• Competitive pricing and often faster turnaround times compared to PSA.
• Preferred by vintage card collectors for its reputation and trusted grading of older sets.

Slab Features:

• Cards are encased in a sturdy, tamper-proof holder with a black background, which enhances the card’s visual appeal.
• Includes a label with the grade and card details.

2. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

Overview:

• Founded in 1991, PSA is one of the most widely recognized grading companies in the hobby.
• Known for grading both vintage and modern cards, PSA is often considered the gold standard in the industry.
• Part of Collectors Universe, which also provides coin and memorabilia authentication.

Grading Scale:

• Uses a 10-point grading scale, with half-point grades in some cases (e.g., PSA 9.5).
  • Gem Mint 10: A flawless card with sharp corners, perfect centering, and no surface flaws.
  • Poor 1: A heavily worn card, often with creases, stains, or significant damage.

Strengths:

• Cards graded by PSA generally have high resale value, especially for modern cards and high-demand items.
• Extensive population reports, helping collectors determine rarity by showing how many cards of a certain grade exist.
• PSA’s Set Registry allows collectors to build and compete with their graded card sets.

Slab Features:

• Tamper-proof clear holders with a red and white label displaying the grade and card details.
• Labels often include certification numbers that can be verified online.

Key Differences Between SGC and PSA:

Both SGC and PSA have strong reputations in the hobby. The choice often depends on the type of card, the collector’s preferences, and their goals (e.g., collecting vs. reselling).