SGC Grading takes a turn, as SGC speaks out after the PSA/Collectors Acquisition.

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty), located in Boca Raton, FL, is one of the leading companies specializing in the authentication and grading of trading cards, particularly sports cards. They evaluate the condition and authenticity of cards based on factors like corners, edges, surface, and centering, assigning them a grade that reflects their condition and value.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) was established in 1991. It quickly became one of the most reputable and well-known grading services for trading cards, particularly in the realm of sports cards. PSA grades cards based on their condition and authenticity, providing collectors with a reliable assessment of their value.

Sports Card collectors grade sports cards for several reasons:

  1. Authenticity: Grading provides assurance that the card is genuine and not a counterfeit or altered version. This is particularly important for valuable or rare cards.
  2. Condition: Grading assesses the condition of the card, including factors like corners, edges, surface, and centering. This helps collectors understand the quality of the card they are buying or selling.
  3. Preservation: Grading encapsulates the card in a protective case, preserving its condition and preventing further deterioration over time. This is especially important for older or more fragile cards.
  4. Value: Graded cards often command higher prices in the market compared to ungraded ones, especially if they receive a high grade. The grade serves as a standardized measure of the card's quality, helping buyers and sellers determine its fair market value.
  5. Authentication: Grading companies employ experts who are skilled at identifying authentic cards and detecting alterations or counterfeit versions. Having a card graded adds an extra layer of assurance regarding its authenticity.

Overall, grading provides collectors and investors with confidence in the authenticity, condition, and value of their sports cards, making it an essential process in the trading card hobby.