Grading

SGC

Also called: Sportscard Guaranty

SGC (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.

SGC grades on a 1 to 10 scale and is widely trusted, with a strong reputation in the vintage market. Its distinctive black-bordered "tuxedo" slab is popular for how it frames older cards.

Collectors often choose SGC for pre-modern cards and value its consistency and turnaround.

Why it matters: for vintage especially, an SGC grade is well respected and liquid, so the choice between PSA, BGS, and SGC can come down to the era of the card and buyer preference.

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.CGC CardsCGC 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.