Sending Your Pokemon Card in for PSA Grading Made Easy

JAGPoke
Jul 21
4 min read

If you're a Pokemon card collector, you understand the importance of your cards' condition and authenticity. Proper grading can significantly influence your cards' value. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is a leading organization in this field. They offer trusted grading services specifically for Pokemon cards. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of sending your Pokémon cards to PSA for grading, making it easy and manageable.

Understanding PSA Grading

PSA grading assesses your card's condition and authenticity on a scale from 1 to 10. Cards that receive a 10 (Gem Mint) are highly coveted and often sell for premium prices. For instance, a recent sale of a Pikachu Illustrator card graded 10 reached approximately $900,000 at auction. In contrast, a card graded 5 (Good) can drop in value by up to 70%. This disparity highlights why grading is crucial. Submitting your card for grading not only offers an accurate appraisal but also ensures it is protected in a sealed case, increasing its potential resale value.

Preparing Your Pokemon Card for PSA Grading

Before you send your card to PSA, follow these essential steps to ensure a smooth submission process.

Clean Your Card: Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean your card, removing any dust or fingerprints without any cleaning solutions.
Inspect Your Card: Examine your card under bright lighting for scratches, bends, or other imperfections. Higher conditions yield better grades, so the more pristine your card appears, the better it will score.
Check the Market: Research current market values for your specific card. For example, a Charizard card from the Base Set, in PSA 10 condition, can sell for over $200,000. Knowing your card's value can help you determine whether the grading fee justifies the expected increase in value.
Secure Your Card: Use a protective sleeve (penny sleeve) and card saver to guard against any damage during transit.
Fill Out the Submission Form: Complete the PSA submission form, which is available on their website. Ensure all necessary information about your card is included to avoid delays in processing.
1999 Pokémon Game Charizard Holo card graded PSA 10, Gem Mint Condition.

Choosing the Right Submission Option

PSA offers various submission options based on your card's value and how quickly you need it graded.

Economy Service: A slower service for cards valued at less than $199, ideal for common cards that don’t hold high value.
Regular Service: Suitable for cards valued between $200 and $999, typically taking a few weeks to process.
Express and Super Express Service: Designed for cards valued over $1,000, these options provide faster turnaround times, often within a week.

Consider your budget and urgency when selecting the best option for your card.

Packaging Your Card for Shipment

Proper packaging is vital for ensuring that your card arrives at PSA in excellent condition. Follow these guidelines for safe shipping:

Use a Rigid Mailer: Select a sturdy mailer designed for trading cards to protect against bending or other damage. Also, be sure to secure the card with two pieces of cardboard on either side and wrap it with bubble wrap. This is to further protect your card during transit.
Include the Submission Form: Make sure to add the completed submission form with your order number visible.
Seal Carefully: Use packing tape to securely seal the mailer, preventing it from opening during transit.
Label Clearly: Clearly write the PSA address on the mailer and include a return address for peace of mind.
Select a Shipping Carrier: Choose a reliable shipping carrier and consider options that include tracking and insurance. UPS and FedEx are popular choices for valuable items.

Shipping Your Card to PSA

Your card is now packed and ready for shipment! Here’s what to do next:

Drop It Off: Deliver your package to the selected shipping carrier's location or schedule a pickup for convenience.
Retain Tracking Information: Keep your tracking number to monitor your shipment and ensure it arrives safely.
Wait for Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email once PSA receives your card, marking the start of the grading process. You can track its progress through the PSA system.

The Grading Process

Upon receiving your card, PSA usually takes several weeks to grade it, depending on the submission tier selected. Experts will thoroughly evaluate the card's condition and authenticity. Many collectors share their grading timelines online, offering insights on what to expect.

After grading, PSA will return your card in a protective case displaying its grade and a unique certification number for verification.

Understanding Your Graded Card

Once your graded card arrives from PSA, there are several important aspects to consider:

Graded Case: Your card will be housed in a protective case with the PSA logo and grade prominently displayed for easy identification.
Market Value: A high PSA grade can drastically increase your card's value. For example, cards graded PSA 10 can fetch prices up to 80% higher compared to their lower-graded counterparts.
Storage and Care: Store your graded card in a cool, dark place to maintain its condition. UV light can fade cards, so a storage box may offer the best protection.

Final Thoughts on Your Grading Journey

Sending your Pokemon card to PSA for grading can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently prepare and ship your cards for professional grading.

Whether you're aiming to enhance your collection's value or simply want to ensure your favorite cards remain in pristine condition, PSA grading is a wise investment. So gather those cherished cards and elevate your collection to new heights!

Remember, each card has a story. From rare collectibles to beloved childhood treasures, PSA grading can help you safeguard their legacy. Happy collecting!