The Foundation Of All Great Collections.
Since 1998, SGC has been a well-established leader in the authentication and grading of trading cards. Our ability to provide accurate and consistent grades in a timely manner is a service that is unique to the card-collecting community and has made SGC one of the pillars of card grading for over 23 years. As our team continues to grow and our footprint continues to expand, our mission remains the same — to help build a better hobby for all collectors.
At SGC, we believe you should not have to pay to have your pack-pulled autographs graded. Find out more about our stance on this very impactful service.
Industry leading features, including
Manufacturing & subject Labeling
Understanding a SGC graded card label is key for collectors. Here’s a concise breakdown:
Manufacturing Label
Card Manufacturer: The brand that produced the card (e.g., Topps, Panini).
Year of Production: The year the card was made.
Set Name: The specific series the card belongs to.
Subject Label
Player or Subject Name: The name of the featured player or subject.
Card Number: The card’s number within its set.
Special Features: Notable traits like “Rookie Card” or “Autograph.”
SGC 10 Point Grading Scale
Understanding the SGC 10 Point Grading Scale is essential for trading card collectors. SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) uses a 10-point scale, with half-point increments, to assess card condition.
SGC Grading Scale Overview:
SGC 10 (Gem Mint): Perfect condition, sharp corners, no flaws.
SGC 9.5 (Mint+): Nearly perfect, minor imperfections only.
SGC 9 (Mint): Very minor defects, still looks near perfect.
SGC 8.5 (NM-MT+): Near mint with slight visible wear.
SGC 8 (Near Mint-Mint): Minor corner wear or light scratches.
SGC 7.5 (NM+): More noticeable wear than an 8.
SGC 7 (Near Mint): Small corner dings or light creases.
SGC 6.5 (EX-NM+): Moderate wear, visually appealing.
SGC 6 (Excellent-Near Mint): Noticeable wear but structurally sound.
SGC 5.5 (EX+): Significant wear, retains collectible quality.
SGC 5 (Excellent): Visible defects, multiple creases.
SGC 4.5 (VG-EX+): Obvious handling signs.
SGC 4 (Very Good-Excellent): Substantial wear but some appeal.
SGC 3.5 (VG+): Considerable wear and surface damage.
SGC 3 (Very Good): Significant wear and damage.
SGC 2.5 (G-VG+): Heavy wear with major issues.
SGC 2 (Good): Major wear, heavy creases.
SGC 1.5 (FAIR): Severe damage but intact.
SGC 1 (Poor): Extremely damaged, missing pieces.
Unique Certification Number
When you submit cards for grading, SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) provides a unique certification number. This number authenticates your card’s grade and helps verify its legitimacy.
What is an SGC Unique Certification Number?
An SGC unique certification number is an identifier assigned to each graded card. It is printed on the card’s holder label and serves as a reference for verification.
Benefits of an SGC Certification Number
Verification: Confirms the card’s authenticity and grade through the SGC database.
Traceability: Records the card’s grading history and any updates.
Value Assurance: Enhances the card’s market credibility, potentially increasing its value.
How to Use the SGC Certification Number
Verification: Enter the number on the SGC website to access card details.
Documentation: Keep a record for personal inventory or insurance.
Market Transactions: Use it in sales or trades to assure buyers of authenticity.
Tamper evident edges
When grading cards with SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), it’s crucial to know about their tamper-evident edges, which help ensure card security and integrity.
What are Tamper-Evident Edges?
These edges are designed to show if a card case has been opened or tampered with, ensuring collectors can trust the card’s authenticity and condition.
Benefits of Tamper-Evident Edges
Security: Protects against fraud by indicating if the case has been opened.
Peace of Mind: Collectors can trade confidently, knowing the grade is unchanged.
Value Retention: Untampered cards maintain their market value better.
Trust in Grading: Preserves the credibility of SGC’s grading process.
How to Verify Tamper-Evident Edges
When you receive your graded cards:
Inspect the Edges: Look for signs of tampering or damage.
Check for Consistency: Compare edges with other SGC cards.
Verify the Seal: Ensure the seal is intact and undamaged.
Manufacturing
& Subject Labeling
10 Point
Grading Service Scale
Unique
Certification Number
for Online Verification
Tamper-Evident Edges
Why Choose SGC?
SGC Card Grading Options
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2001 and Newer
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$10/card
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ALL YEARS
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7-10 DAY TURNAROUND
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RETURN TIMES BEGIN
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Conceirge service for your card grading by industry experts.
Our grading specialist will navigate the complexities of your submission, from evaluation to selecting the right grading company. With our expertise, you can rest assured that your cards are in capable hands, enhancing your chances for a successful grading experience.