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PSA vs. BGS which grading company is better

PSA vs. BGS – Which Grading Company Should You Submit to?

In the debate of PSA vs BGS, the question often arises: which slab is superior? Trading cards, spanning categories from sports to trading card games such as Pokemon, Yugioh, and Magic the Gathering, are commonly submitted to PSA or BGS for third-party evaluation and grading.

While SGC is acknowledged by some as a significant player in the hobby, the market is predominantly occupied by cards graded by PSA and BGS. This discussion will focus on these two entities.

Impartiality is maintained throughout this comparison. Despite a personal preference for collecting PSA-graded cards, the assessment here will not be swayed by bias. The merits of PSA over BGS grading will be considered, yet an objective stance is adopted to examine the fundamental aspects of each service.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Overview:

BGS was founded by Dr. James Beckett, a statistician, which initially thrived as a price guide publisher before expanding into grading. Although BGS has faced challenges with grading consistency and branding, they have recently updated their labels for better consistency, with graded 8 or below cards now having a silver label, enhancing the aesthetic uniformity of collections.

Pros:

  • Detailed grading scale offering half-point grades, providing a nuanced understanding of a card’s quality.
  • Colored labels for top-graded cards, which are instantly recognizable.
  • Report Card feature detailing the reasons for a card’s grade, based on centering, surface, edges, and corners.
  • Historically strong performance with modern baseball rookie cards and basketball cards.
  • Ideal for grading thick patch RPAs due to robust case sizes and thickness​​.

Cons:

  • Variations in grading quality have been observed, leading to some inconsistencies.
  • Its website and resources have been less user-friendly, although recent updates indicate improvements​​.

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) Overview:

PSA is arguably the more recognized name in card grading, with a reputation for commanding higher resale values for graded cards. PSA grading scales are straightforward, lacking the half-point grades that BGS offers, which could be seen as a simplification for investors and collectors​​​​​​​​​​.

Pros:

  • High brand recognition and trust within the collector community.
  • Cards graded by PSA often fetch higher prices on the secondary market.
  • The slimmer case design of PSA slabs allows for better scanning and photo presentation.
  • PSA’s website provides extensive, free resources that are considered user-friendly and informative​​.

Cons:

  • PSA slabs are thinner and can be more prone to damage if not handled properly, particularly in transit.
  • The lack of half-point grades may not reflect the nuanced condition differences that BGS provides.

Resale Value

Selling price is really important for most people who collect cards because they want to make sure they can sell the card for as much as they paid, or even more later on.

How do you know if you’re getting a good deal on a card?

It’s easy: look up what similar cards have sold for on eBay recently. If you want to see what a card has sold for in the past, check out A Pro’s Guide to Navigating the World of Sports Card Values I’ll write more about this later, so keep an eye on my website for more info.

Now, let’s talk about how much money PSA and BGS cards sell for. Most of the time, a card with a PSA 10 grade sells for more money than a card with a BGS 9 grade. The only time this might not be true is with BGS 10 cards, which can sell for a lot because they’re much rarer. You can see this by looking at recent sales of the same card graded by both PSA and BGS.

What about the BGS 10 Black Labels?

BGS 10 pristine condition cards are a collector’s dream, significantly more sought-after than PSA 10s due to their rarity. These cards often command much higher prices, reflecting their exceptional status. The Black Label Pristine from BGS adds an extraordinary level of exclusivity, turning even the most common card into a coveted item once graded.

1989 Score Barry Sanders Rookie Card BGS 10 Black Label Pristine Condition
1989 Score Barry Sanders Rookie Card BGS 10 Black Label Condition
2018 Topps High Tek Shohei Ohtani (Black Magma Diffractor) Rookie #HT-SO BGS Pristine 10 - #'d 3/50
2018 Topps High Tek Shohei Ohtani Black Magma BGS 10 Black Label Condition

This rarity not only elevates the card’s worth but also its allure within the collecting community. Beckett’s BGS 10 label is their ace, potentially positioning them to overtake as the leading grading company, thanks to the long-term value and prestige attached to these labels.


PSA vs. BGS Labels

BGS’s multi-colored labels, including the coveted black label, offer a unique aesthetic advantage, setting them apart in the collectibles market. The black label, in particular, symbolizes the pinnacle of card condition, often fetching prices far beyond those of PSA’s highest grades due to its rarity and the prestige it carries.

1996 Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant Rookie Card Refractor graded BGS 10 Black Label Pristine
1996 Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant rookie card BGS 10 Black Label
1996 Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant rookie card PSA 10 Label

Beckett recently made their labels for card grades 8 or less all silver, which makes them more uniform when trying to complete rainbows or display them.

This level of differentiation reinforces the value of the card, not just as a collectible but as an investment. The black label’s exclusivity makes even base cards exceptionally valuable, showcasing Beckett’s influence in the hobby and their potential to rise to the top of the grading industry.


Turnaround times

Submitting cards for grading means waiting for them to be returned. PSA has longer turnaround times due to high demand, as they are a popular choice with a large customer base. They’ve graded over 74 million collectibles since 1998 and even after raising prices, remain in high demand.

In contrast, Beckett offers faster turnaround times and more affordable services. If you need your cards graded and returned swiftly, BGS is the efficient choice. Their quicker service is ideal for those looking to sell or trade cards promptly. When comparing PSA vs BGS turnaround times, its crucial to understand that they are always fluctuating depending on demand and market conditions.

➡️ Third-Party Grading Companies Comparision


Conclusion

The preference for PSA or BGS grading services varies among collectors. While PSA is widely recognized and holds a significant share of the market, it’s important for collectors to choose the service that best meets their needs.

For some, the affordability and quick turnaround of other services like GMA may be appealing. To form an unbiased opinion, collectors can consider submitting the same card to different grading companies and personally assess the results. Each company has its strengths, and the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.

5 thoughts on “PSA vs. BGS – Which Grading Company Should You Submit to?”

  1. Pingback: academic essay writers

  2. If BGS or PSA give you the wrong cards back, it is by mistake. You can easily contact them and tell them that you received the wrong cards back and they will more than likely fix it. I have seen this happen once or twice back during the 2020 sports card boom, however, the quantity of cards being submitted has dwindled significantly since then. So, you have nothing to worry about. I have submitted hundreds, if not thousands, of cards and never had an issue. I know many guys who have done the same. These grading companies are not out to steal your cards or lose them. Stick with the big guys though, PSA, SGC, BGS or CGC. Here is a link to an overview: https://gradedcardinvestor.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-card-grading-bgs-psa-sgc-explained/

  3. How do I know that I’m going to get my original one back. I have trust issues cause of a dealer that tried to screw me over.

  4. How do I know I am getting my original card back. I got a lot of great cards but I don’t trust card graders

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