Grading your trading cards is one of the best ways to protect their value, prove authenticity, and showcase them in the best condition possible. Whether you’re holding onto a prized pull or preparing to sell, grading gives your cards the recognition and confidence they deserve.
Trading card grading is the process of having a professional third party evaluate the condition and authenticity of your card. After careful inspection, the card is assigned a grade — usually on a scale of 1 to 10 — and sealed in a protective case (often called a slab). This ensures that the card’s condition is preserved and recognized wherever it goes.
There are plenty of reasons to consider grading your cards:
Grading companies evaluate every aspect of a card’s condition, including:
These factors together determine the overall grade.
Not every card needs to be graded. It’s most worthwhile to grade:
Different grading companies offer unique styles, scales, and reputations. At HK Collectibles, we offer grading through TAG Grading.
Grading isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you want to maximize value, protect your collection, or sell with confidence. If you’re interested in getting started, check out our TAG grading page for more information.