How to Examine a Sports Card

So you think you've struck it rich with a Mark McGwire rookie card, right? Well, before you quit your day job, examine that card carefully to see what it's really worth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Magnifying Glasses
• Sports Cards
• Plastic Sports Card Sheets
• Sports Cards Price Guides

1. Rate your card in "mint" (MNT) condition if it's flawless with sharp corners, perfect centering, smooth edges, and original color and gloss. Photos should be in perfect focus with no print spots.
2. Grade your card as in "near-mint" (NRMT) condition if it has one minor flaw that will lower its value.
3. Call your card in "excellent-mint" (EX-MT) condition if it has some minor flaws.
4. Term your card in "very good" (VG) condition when there are signs of handling, rounded corners or discoloration, or if it isn't centered.
5. Resign yourself to owning a card in "good," "fair" or "poor" (G/F/P) condition if it shows obvious markings and disfigurement. Pre-1970 cards in these conditions may have value.

Tips & Warnings

• Dealers are good sources of information. Ask them for a second opinion.
• Price guides list further information on conditions and card protection.
• The Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA) use a grading number from 1 to 10. A 10 indicates that the card is in mint condition. Beckett uses a 10-point scale with incremental steps of 0.5, while Sportscard Guaranty (SGC) has a 100-point system, in which 10 is "poor," 98 is "gem mint" and the rare 100 is "pristine." These broader ranges are said to provide more consistency and accuracy as well as solve the problem of cards that fall between two ratings in the traditional system.
• Be cautious of counterfeit cards and pack tampering.
• Protect the condition of your cards by storing them properly.