Frequently Asked Questions

What is card grading?

Card grading is the process of evaluating a sports card's condition based on a standardized scale. Professional graders assess factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality to assign a numerical grade, typically on a scale from 1 to 10. This grade provides an objective assessment of the card's condition and helps determine its value in the marketplace.

Why should I get my cards graded?

Getting your cards graded offers several benefits:

• Establishes authenticity and condition
• Potentially increases the card's value
• Provides protection through professional encapsulation
• Makes it easier to sell or trade cards
• Creates a standardized way to compare cards

What types of cards do you grade?

We grade all major sports cards including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and more. We also grade trading cards from popular games and collectible series. If you're unsure if we grade a particular type of card, please contact our customer service team.

How do I verify a Hallmark graded card?

You can verify any Hallmark graded card by using our Certificate Verification tool. Simply enter the certificate number found on the label of the graded card to view its details and confirm its authenticity.

What is your grading scale?

We use a 1-10 scale with half-point increments:

• 10 (Gem Mint): Virtually perfect in all aspects
• 9-9.5 (Mint): Nearly perfect with minimal flaws
• 8-8.5 (Near Mint-Mint): Excellent condition with minor imperfections
• 7-7.5 (Near Mint): Very good condition with some minor flaws
• 5-6.5 (Excellent): Above average condition with noticeable imperfections
• 3-4.5 (Very Good): Average condition with significant wear
• 1-2.5 (Poor-Fair): Heavy wear and significant damage

What factors do you consider when grading?

Our grading process evaluates four main categories:

• Centering: How well the image is centered on the card
• Corners: Sharpness and condition of the card's corners
• Edges: Smoothness and condition of the card's edges
• Surface: Overall condition of the card's front and back surfaces

We also consider print quality, color saturation, and other factors specific to certain card types.

How long does the grading process take?

Turnaround times vary based on the service level you choose:

• Basic Grading: 10 business days
• Premium Grading: 5 business days
• Express Grading: 2 business days

These times represent our processing time once we receive your cards and do not include shipping time.

How do I submit cards for grading?

To submit cards for grading:

1. Create an account on our website
2. Fill out the online submission form
3. Print your submission form
4. Package your cards securely with the printed form
5. Ship your package to our grading facility

For detailed instructions, visit our Submission page.

How should I package my cards for submission?

For optimal protection during shipping:

• Place each card in a penny sleeve
• Put sleeved cards into individual top loaders or card savers
• Secure top loaders with painter's tape (never use scotch tape or masking tape)
• Place cards between pieces of cardboard for rigidity
• Use a sturdy box with bubble wrap or other cushioning material
• Include your printed submission form

Can I check the status of my submission?

Yes, you can track the status of your submission through your account dashboard. We provide updates at each stage of the grading process, from receipt of your cards to final shipping.

How much does grading cost?

Our grading fees vary based on the service level and any add-ons you select:

• Basic Grading: $15 per card
• Premium Grading: $25 per card
• Express Grading: $50 per card
• Authentication Only: $10 per card

For a complete list of services and pricing, visit our Services page.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and bank transfers. Payment is required at the time of submission.

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes, we offer volume discounts for large submissions:

• 25-49 cards: 5% discount
• 50-99 cards: 10% discount
• 100+ cards: 15% discount

Discounts are automatically applied during the submission process.