Grading companies compared: which is the best for collectibles?

All important grading companies at a glance
First a short definition - what counts as a grading company (GU) anyway? Well, in a nutshell, GU are specialized service providers that appraise and grade collectibles such as sports or trading cards, coins, comics, and other items. These companies often have strict standards and guidelines to ensure that valuations are accurate and consistent. They also use special packaging methods to preserve the integrity of the appraised collectibles.

PSA stands for Professional Sports Authenticator and is one of the most well-known and respected grading companies for sports cards and other collectibles. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in California, USA.

Processing time: Approx. 28 months.

Market popularity: Probably the most famous grading company in the world.

Cost: 20€ to 10,000€ depending on the rarity of the item.

Beckett is a grading company specializing in the grading and authentication of sports- and trading cards. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Texas, USA.

Processing time: Approx. 4-9 weeks.

Market popularity: Shares 2nd place with CGC.

Cost: 16€ to 60€ depending on priority selection.

3) CGC Trading Cards

CGC stands for Certified Guaranty Company and is a leading grading company for comics, magazines and other printed collectibles. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Florida, USA.

Processing time: Approx. 1-4 weeks.

Market popularity: Shares 2nd place with Beckett.

Cost: 15€ to 200€ depending on the rarity of the item.

WATA Games is a grading company specializing in the valuation of video games and other electronic collectibles. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in New Jersey, USA.

Processing time: Approx. 1-6 months.

Market Popularity: Together with VGA, the most famous video game grading.

Cost: 80€ to 240€ depending on the rarity of the item.

VGA stands for Video Game Authority and is a grading company specializing in the valuation of video games and other electronic collectibles. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Illinois, USA.

Processing time: Approx. 1-6 months.

Market Popularity: Together with WATA, the most famous video game grading.

Cost: 80€ to 240€ depending on the rarity of the item.

What is the advantage of grading?
Grading offers the advantage of an objective assessment of the condition and authenticity of collectibles such as sports cards, comics, video games and other collectibles. Through grading, collectors and investors can be assured that they are receiving an authentic, high-quality collectible that has been accurately appraised and reflects current market value. Grading can also help increase the value of collectibles and make them more attractive in the marketplace.

Here is a long list of (some) of the most important advantages: