Grading Your Cards

Card grading is the process of having your Pokémon cards examined by a professional grading company to assess their condition and assign a numerical quality grade. Most grading companies use a scale of 1 to 10, with a 10 indicating that the card is in perfect condition with no defects. In addition to receiving a grade, all cards that go through the grading process are authenticated to protect against fakes and copies.

Each grading service has its own grading standards and fees, so it's important to research and choose the service that best fits your needs. Grading your cards can be an excellent way to preserve and maximize the value of your collection.

How Do I Grade My Cards?

1. Sort and Pre-screen:

• Carefully examine your cards and eliminate any that are obviously damaged.

• Look out for the following elements when pre-screening cards to identify those that might have a high chance of receiving a good grade:

  • Centering: Ensure the card's borders are even on all sides. Off-center cards may receive a lower grade.

  • Surface Condition: Check for scratches, scuffs, dents, or other imperfections. Mint cards should have a flawless surface.

  • Corners: Inspect the corners for sharpness and any signs of wear or damage.

  • Edges: Ensure the edges are clean and free from nicks, dings, or chipping.

  • Printing Quality: Look for any misprints, ink smears, or other printing issues.

  • Borders: Check that the border design is intact and undamaged.

  • Holographic or Foil Elements: For cards with holographic or foil elements, ensure they are free from scratches or wear.

  • Surface Cleanliness: Make sure the card is clean and free from dirt, fingerprints, or other contaminants.

  • Creases: Look for any creases or bends in the card, as they can significantly impact the grade.

2. Sleeve and Package:

• Follow the specific packaging instructions from the grading service you choose. Typically, this involves placing the cards in penny sleeves and toploaders for protection, and wrapping them in bubble wrap to ensure minimal movement during shipping.

3. Submit to a Grading Service:

• Select a professional grading service, complete their submission form with your card’s details and requested services, and mail your cards according to their guidelines.

• Optional: If you want your graded cards sent directly to our vault for tokenization, specify the vault as the return address during the submission process. Once the grading is complete and you receive your return tracking number, complete the form here so we can link the shipment to your Phygitals account.

4. Await Results:

• After submitting your cards, be patient. Depending on the service level you selected, it may take several weeks or more to receive your graded cards back.

What Grading Services Does Phygitals Accept Graded Cards From?

Phygitals accepts graded Pokémon cards from the following grading companies:

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

• BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

• CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

• SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)

Got questions? Connect with our community on Discord and Twitter, or reach out to us directly at [e-mail].