If you collect sports cards long enough, you eventually hit this moment.
You pull a card.
It looks clean.
Your brain immediately says, “This could be a PSA 10.”
Then you look up grading prices… and suddenly you’re not so sure.
So the real question isn’t “Can this card be graded?”
It’s “Should it?”
I’ve made good grading decisions and bad ones. This guide is what I wish I had read before sending my first cards off to be slabbed.
What “Worth Grading” Actually Means
A card is worth grading if at least one of these is true:
- The graded value is significantly higher than raw
- The card is rare or condition-sensitive
- You want it graded for your personal collection
If none of those apply, grading usually doesn’t make sense.
Grading doesn’t magically turn a $5 card into a $500 card. Math still matters.
Step 1: Check the Raw Value First
Before thinking about grading, look up recent sales of the card raw.
If a card sells for:
- $1–$10 raw → grading almost never makes sense
- $15–$30 raw → maybe, but only with strong condition
- $50+ raw → now it’s worth considering
Skipping this step is how most collectors lose money.
Step 2: Compare PSA 9 vs PSA 10 Prices
This is where decisions are made.
Look up:
- PSA 9 sold prices
- PSA 10 sold prices
If a PSA 10 only sells for slightly more than raw, grading is risky.
Always ask: “What happens if this comes back a PSA 9?”
If the answer is “I lose money,” don’t grade it.
Step 3: Be Honest About Condition
Most cards don’t gem.
Check for:
- Corner whitening
- Surface scratches
- Print lines
- Centering issues
If you’re telling yourself “it’s basically perfect,” it probably isn’t.
A safer approach is assuming the card grades one level lower than you hope.
Step 4: Factor in Total Cost
Grading costs more than just the submission fee.
You’re also paying for:
- Shipping
- Insurance
- Time
If grading costs $20–$30 total, the value increase needs to clearly exceed that.
Breaking even is not a win.
Step 5: Timing Matters
Some cards make sense to grade immediately.
Others are better graded later.
Some should never be graded at all.
Hype grading feels exciting but often ends badly. Established players and rare cards are usually safer bets.
When Grading Makes Sense
Grading usually makes sense when:
- PSA 10 prices are 2x or more than raw
- The card is rare or short-printed
- You’re confident in the condition
- You’re patient
It also makes sense if you’re grading for your personal collection and not resale.
When Grading Is Usually a Mistake
Grading is usually a mistake when:
- The card is easily replaceable
- Raw prices are low
- PSA 9 prices are weak
- You’re grading out of habit instead of logic
Final Thought
Instead of asking “Is this card worth grading?”
Ask “Am I okay with this coming back a PSA 9?”
If the answer is yes, grading makes sense.
If not, save your money.
On Pack Smash, sellers keep more of what they earn. That makes smart grading decisions even more important.
Grade with intention, not hope.