The Main Grading Companies (PSA, CGC, BGS…) and How They Work
PSA, CGC, BGS: learn how the top grading companies for cards and comics work, how they assign grades, and why it matters in the collecting world.
In card and comic collecting, grading is the standard. It doesn’t just guarantee authenticity—it assigns an official condition score that directly impacts value. In a market defined by subtle but critical differences, grading is what makes a card or comic truly collectible and globally tradable.
PSA – Professional Sports Authenticator
Founded in 1991, PSA is the world’s leading authority for grading collectible cards (Pokémon, Magic, sports, Yu-Gi-Oh…).
- Scale from 1 to 10 (Poor → Gem Mint)
- PSA 10 cards represent just 1–3% of all submissions
- Every slabbed card has a serial number and public verification database
PSA leads in volume: in 2023 it surpassed 40 million graded cards worldwide. Its database is a reference for collectors, dealers, and auction houses.
BGS – Beckett Grading Services
Renowned for technical precision, BGS uses a decimal scale (e.g., 9.5, 9, 8.5…) with subgrades for centering, edges, corners, and surface.
- BGS 9.5 is often seen as the technical match to a PSA 10
- Black Label cards (10 in all subgrades) are extremely rare and valuable
- Highly respected in the world of sports and Magic the Gathering cards
CGC Cards & Comics
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) started with comic grading but later expanded to cards.
- Comics: scale from 0.5 to 10
- Cards: similar system to BGS with technical subgrades
CGC Comics is now the standard for Marvel, DC, and vintage U.S. comics. CGC slabs are used by major auction houses like Heritage, Goldin, and PWCC, and are considered museum-grade for resale and archiving.
Why grading changes everything
A Pokémon Charizard PSA 10 may sell for over $300,000. The same card in PSA 8 drops below $20,000. Comics follow the same pattern: Amazing Fantasy #15 (first Spider-Man appearance) graded CGC 9.6 reached $3.6 million, while a CGC 6.0 copy struggles to fetch $150,000.
Grading isn't just about condition—it's a global passport that makes the item liquid on the secondary market.
How much does grading cost?
- PSA: $19 to $300+, based on declared value
- BGS: $20 to $250+
- CGC Comics: ~$25–$75 per comic, depending on value and turnaround
Turnaround times vary from 2 weeks to 3 months, with express services available at premium prices.
In a market that rewards accuracy, transparency, and traceability, grading is the starting point for any serious collector. Collecto offers only slab-certified cards and comics, verified by PSA, CGC, or BGS, so you can collect with full confidence.
