What Cards Should Be Graded?

In the world of trading cards—whether sports, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, or other TCGs—grading plays a crucial role in establishing a card’s value, authenticity, and long-term appeal. But not every card is worth the cost or effort of grading. For both collectors and investors, understanding what cards should be graded (and why) is key to making smart, informed decisions.

Why Grade Cards in the First Place?

Grading offers several benefits:

  1. Authenticity: Confirms the card is not counterfeit
  2. Condition verification: A standardized assessment of the card’s condition (e.g., PSA 10, BGS 9.5)
  3. Protection: Encapsulation protects cards from environmental damage
  4. Resale value: Graded cards typically sell for more than raw ones
  5. Liquidity: Graded cards are easier to sell and often attract more buyers

That said, grading comes with a cost—typically $20 to $100+ per card—so it's essential to be strategic.

From a Collector’s Perspective: What Cards Should Be Graded?

Collectors often prioritize sentimental value, completeness, and display appeal. Here's what grading makes sense for:

High-Condition Personal Favorites

If a collector has a favorite player, character, or set, and owns a card in mint or near-mint condition, grading can preserve it for a lifetime and enhance its display value.

  • Example: A pristine Charizard from 1999 Base Set
  • Example: A rookie card of a childhood favorite player

Vintage and Historical Cards

Cards from older sets, even in lower condition, are often worth grading due to their scarcity, historical significance, or legacy appeal.

  • Example: 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan
  • Example: 1st Edition Shadowless Pokémon cards

Key Set Completion Cards

Collectors working on graded set registries (especially PSA Set Registry) will grade cards to meet uniformity and display standards.

  • Example: Grading all cards from a vintage Topps set or a full E-Series Pokémon collection

From an Investor’s Perspective: What Cards Should Be Graded?

Investors are primarily focused on return on investment (ROI) and market demand. Here’s what grading makes sense for:

High-Value Cards

Cards that already command high raw value can see a significant premium when graded highly.

  • Example: Patrick Mahomes rookie autos
  • Example: Black Lotus from Alpha MTG
  • Example: Big hits like the Bubble Mew from Paldean Fates

Gem Mint Candidates

Cards in near-perfect condition have the best odds of scoring PSA 10s or BGS 9.5+, which can dramatically increase resale value.

  • Example: A clean Mew EX from Paldean Fates with perfect centering and corners
  • Example: A Topps Chrome Messi card pulled fresh from a pack

 Tip: Even a $100 raw card can become a $1,000+ card with a PSA 10 grade.

Limited Print and Short Print Cards

Scarcity drives value. Cards that are numbered, low-population, or part of limited releases often justify grading.

  • Example: /10 Gold Parallels in Panini Select or Optic
  • Example: Secret Rare Pokémon cards or alternate arts

Autographed or Memorabilia Cards

Grading provides authentication for autos and protection for high-end relics or jersey cards.

  • Grading services can also grade the autograph separately (Auto 10 being most desirable)

Cards That Probably Shouldn't Be Graded

While grading offers many benefits, not all cards are good candidates. Avoid grading:

  • Low-value base cards, especially modern ones (e.g., 2024 Topps base commons)
  • Damaged or heavily played cards, unless they’re vintage and rare
  • Custom, fake, or proxy cards — these won’t receive numeric grades and may be rejected
  • Cards worth less than the grading fee, unless for personal reasons

Tools for Making the Decision

Before submitting, use the following strategies:

  • Check recent sales: Look up PSA 9 and 10 prices on platforms like eBay, Goldin, or PWCC
  • Use population reports: See how many graded copies already exist (lower pop often means higher value)
  • Pre-grade your card: Look for centering, corners, edges, and surface issues
  • Calculate potential ROI: If the graded value isn’t at least 2–3x the raw value, it might not be worth it

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in it for the love of the hobby or as a long-term investment, grading cards is a powerful tool—but it requires strategy. For collectors, it preserves history and showcases personal passion. For investors, it’s about maximizing value and future-proofing assets. The best cards to grade are those that combine rarity, condition, and desirability.

Before sending your next submission, ask yourself:

  1. Is this card worth protecting for the long term?
  2. Will grading increase its value or market appeal?
  3. Does this card mean something to me—or to the market?

If the answer is yes to any of those, it might be time to slab it.

Back to blog