Unveiling the Mystery Behind Grading: How Are Trading Cards Graded?
Trading cards have evolved into a multimillion-dollar market, with rare cards commanding jaw-dropping prices at auctions. But amidst the excitement, whispers of manipulation and unfair practices occasionally surface, shaking collectors' trust. Let’s delve into the world of card grading, exploring its importance, the actual process, and addressing some common conspiracy theories—with a touch of collector insight! The Grading Process: An Overview Have you ever held a pristine card in your hands and wondered, "Could this be a PSA 10?" Professional grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) evaluate trading cards based on specific criteria, including: Centering: The alignment of the card's design—are the borders even, and is the image perfectly placed? Corners: The sharpness and integrity of the corners—bent or frayed corners can significantly lower a grade. ...