What is Card Grading?
Trading card grading is the process of submitting a raw (ungraded) card to an independent, third-party authentication company to verify its authenticity and evaluate its physical condition.
The grading process
- Authentication — experts ensure the card is not counterfeit, altered or trimmed.
- Evaluation — the card is graded on a 1–10 scale based on four attributes: centering, corners, edges and surface.
- Encapsulation — the card is sealed in a tamper-evident slab with a label showing its details, grade and a unique certification number.
Why grade your cards?
- Value protection & increase — high-grade cards consistently sell for significant premiums over raw copies.
- Preservation — durable, UV-resistant slabs protect against handling damage, moisture and wear.
- Authenticity guarantee — encapsulation removes doubt that a card is fake or altered.
- Liquidity — a documented condition rating lets collectors trade online with confidence.
The four grading pillars
- Centering — the ratio of borders on opposite sides. A PSA 10 typically needs 55/45 or better on the front.
- Corners — examined under magnification; any fraying, wear or rounding reduces the grade.
- Edges — checked for nicks, chips or roughness from handling, packs or storage.
- Surface — scratches, print lines, stains, creases and indentations are checked front and back under light.
How to submit your cards (Australia)
- Choose a grading company — a local Australian service for AUD pricing and no customs, or PSA for the most globally recognised resale value.
- Assess your cards first — self-grade using our Grading Scales page, and only submit cards you believe will achieve a 7 or higher.
- Package cards correctly — penny sleeve, toploader, team bag; add a rigid layer in a bubble mailer for international posts, and insure the parcel.
- Fill out a submission form — most graders require an online form first; declare the value accurately for customs and insurance.
- Wait for your slabs — track via the grader’s portal; allow local turnarounds of weeks or international economy of 60–150 days plus shipping.
- List on CardPop Marketplace — once slabs arrive, list with the grade and cert number; graded cards sell faster and for more.