Have you ever wanted to know more about Pokemon TCG and card grading? What is the difference between collectible and graded cards? How does PSA grade them? If so, then this blog post is for you. We will cover everything from what cards are worth collecting to how to grade your own cards.

We'll also look at different ways of storing your collection, as well as provide advice on what can go wrong with trading card storage. So let's get started!

What is the difference between Collectible and Graded cards?

A trading card can be considered as "collectible" when it has not been certified by an authority such as PSA or Beckett Grading Services (BGS). These types of cards are usually sold at conventions like Pokemon League Challenge events, or online through dealers or auction websites.

Graded cards, on the other hand, have been certified by a professional service and will usually come with a tamper-proof seal and/or certificate of authenticity. These cards are generally more valuable than their ungraded counterparts and can be found in sealed packs or boxes.

Knowing the value to your Trading Cards

It is important to note that even ungraded cards can be worth something. This especially holds true for rare or early prints of popular Pokemon TCG cards. Unusual artwork, limited print runs and low distribution numbers usually increase the value of a card significantly.

In order to have your trading cards graded, you will need to send them off to a professional grading company. These companies use a variety of criteria to determine the grade of a card, including centering, corners, edges and surface quality.

The most popular card grading services are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS).

What does PSA grading Pokemon cards mean?

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is a third-party trading card authentication and grading service that was established in 1991 by David Hall and Jason Masherah. PSA has graded over 40 million collectibles, making them one of the largest and most trusted grading companies in the world.

PSA is known for their high-quality workmanship when it comes to card grading. They use a ten-point scale which looks at several factors including centering, surface wear, corner rounding, and any restoration or other flaws that may be present on the card.

How does PSA grade Pokemon cards?

PSA uses a ten-point scale to review and authenticate trading cards, which takes several factors into account including centering, surface wear, corner rounding, and any restoration or other flaws that may be present on the card. This helps them determine how well your Pokemon TCG card has survived the rigors of time and whether it is still in good condition.

Properly storing your Pokemon Cards

What can go wrong with trading card storage?

There are several problems associated with trading card storage. For starters, it is very hard to store them in a way that prevents damage from occurring over time. This usually leads many collectors to leave their cards unprotected and exposed which can lead to centering issues, color fading, water damage, etc.

Another common issue with storing your cards is that there are no industry standards on what is and what isn't acceptable. This means that one dealer's "good" condition may be another dealer's "poor."

How can I protect my cards?

There are several ways to store your trading cards in order to keep them safe from damage over time. The first is keeping them inside card boxes or storage pages, which will help keep them in good condition and organized. You can also place your cards in penny sleeves or top-loaders, which will help prevent them from getting bent, creased or scratched.

Lastly, you can store your cards in a comic book bag and board which will protect them from moisture and other environmental hazards. Whichever method you choose, make sure it is one that has been approved by professional grading companies like PSA.