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Grading

CGC Cards

Also called: CGC

CGC Cards is a newer grading company that expanded from grading comics and trading card games. It grades sports and TCG cards on a 1 to 10 scale and has grown quickly.

CGC built its name grading comics and Pokémon and other trading card games, then expanded into sports cards. It grades on a 1 to 10 scale and competes with the established services on price and turnaround.

Its acceptance has grown, though for sports cards PSA and BGS still lead on liquidity.

Why it matters: CGC is a real option, particularly for TCG collectors, but because grader preference affects resale, it is worth checking what buyers in your niche favor before choosing where to grade.

This glossary is a plain-language reference for collectors, not financial or purchasing advice. Card values move, so always check recent sales before you buy or sell.

Related terms

Card gradingGrading is sending a card to a company that authenticates it and assigns a condition grade, usually 1 to 10, then seals it in a protective holder called a slab.PSAPSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the most popular card grading company. It uses a 1 to 10 scale where PSA 10 is Gem Mint, and its slabs are the most widely recognized.BGS (Beckett)BGS (Beckett Grading Services) grades on a 1 to 10 scale with half points and four subgrades. A BGS 9.5 is Gem Mint, and a BGS 10 with four perfect subgrades earns the Black Label.SGCSGC (Sportscard Guaranty) is a grading company known for fast service and its black tuxedo slab, and it is especially respected for vintage cards. It grades on a 1 to 10 scale.