🏈 Grading 101: Everything You Need to Know About Card Grading
Presented by Gridiron Gems
If you're new to the hobby or just getting into card grading, welcome! At Gridiron Gems, we believe every collector should understand the value of grading — whether you're protecting a PC gem or prepping a card for resale. Here's a quick and easy breakdown of what grading is, why it matters, and what to expect.
💎 What Is Card Grading?
Card grading is the process of professionally evaluating a sports or trading card's condition. After review, the card is sealed in a tamper-proof case (aka "a slab") and assigned a grade — usually on a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 being Gem Mint.
📏 What Do We Look For?
At Gridiron Gems, we use a consistent and transparent grading method focused on 4 key areas:
Corners
Are they sharp or dinged? Whitening or wear?
Edges
Clean cut or frayed/chipped?
Centering
Is the image aligned top-to-bottom and side-to-side?
Surface
Any scratches, dents, fingerprints, or print lines?
These are combined into an overall grade that reflects the card's true condition and value.
💡 Why Grade Your Cards?
Grading offers 3 big benefits:
Authenticity
Confirms your card is real and not a fake or reprint.
Protection
Seals your card in a durable slab for long-term safety.
Value
A graded card can increase resale value, sometimes by hundreds or thousands.
💲 How Much Does It Cost?
At Gridiron Gems, we make it simple:
No minimums. No hidden fees. Just clean, consistent, affordable grading.
📸 What Makes Gridiron Gems Different?
Unlike other graders, we focus on:
Whether you're a veteran in the hobby or just cracked your first pack, we're here to help protect what matters to you.
📬 Ready to Submit?
Shoot us a message or email us at GridironGems@yahoo.com
We'll send you everything you need to start the process, including secure payment options and how to ship your cards.
🛡️ Protect the Card. Preserve the Value. Grade with Gridiron Gems.
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