Is my card worth grading?
Grading costs money and takes weeks, so it only pays off for the right cards. Use this checklist, or let CardScout estimate the grade and compare raw vs graded value from a few photos.
Try the grade estimateQuick checklist
- Is it valuable raw? If the raw card sells for under about $20, grading rarely pays.
- Is the centering close to even? Look at the borders. Roughly 55/45 or better is needed for top grades.
- Are all four corners sharp? Check front and back under good light.
- Are edges and surface clean? No chipping, whitening, scratches or print lines.
- Does the math work? Likely graded value minus raw value should comfortably beat the grading fee plus shipping.
How CardScout's grade estimate works
Choose Quick (front and back) or 10-point (front, back and a close-up of all 8 corners). CardScout scores centering, corners, edges and surface, gives a likely PSA range with a confidence level, and shows the raw value next to the graded value so you can decide before you pay to send it in. Grade estimates are part of CardScout Pro.
Common questions
How do I know if a card is worth grading?
Compare the likely graded value with the raw value plus grading and shipping costs. If a realistic grade (often PSA 8 or 9, not a guaranteed 10) is worth well above that total, grading usually makes sense.
What do graders look at?
Four things: centering, corners, edges and surface. A single soft corner or surface scratch can drop a card a full grade or more.
Can an app estimate my card's grade?
CardScout Pro gives an AI grade estimate from photos: a likely PSA range, sub-scores for centering, corners, edges and surface, and raw vs graded value. It's an estimate, not an official grade, since tiny flaws may not show in photos.
Which cards are usually not worth grading?
Common cards under about $20 raw, cards with visible creases or heavy wear, and modern base cards with huge print runs rarely earn back the grading fee.