What is the difference between a graded and non graded card?

Answer 1

Graded CardsA Grade is a description of the condition of a sports card or Sports Memorabilia item. Grade is always a big component of price. The higher the grade, the more desirable, and consequently, the more valuable the item. Nowadays nearly all valuable sports cards are graded by a professional grading company using the 10 Point Grading Scale established by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) in 1991.

After a professionally graded card receives a grade the card is encapsulated in a sonically sealed card holder. Card collectors will refer to the encapsulated Graded card as being "Slabbed." This assures that the card is authentic and was the card given the grade. Popular companies that Grade cards include PSA, BGS SGC and GAI.

For example: After a PSA graded card is graded each card is sonically sealed inside a protective, tamper-evident PSA holder with a tagged label that shows its certification number, manufacturer, grade, date, unique bar code and player's name. This label appears above the card that is graded.

Graded cards could sell as high as double the book value or more of a non graded card in the same condition.