Understanding The Card Grading Review Process

What is a Card Grading Review?

So, you've got a graded card back, but you have a nagging feeling it deserved a higher grade. We've all been there. You look at the corners, the centering, the surface, and you just don't see the flaws that would justify the grade it received. This is where the card grading review service comes in.

A review is a process offered by major grading companies like PSA, where you can resubmit an already graded and encapsulated ("slabbed") card to be re-evaluated for a higher grade. It’s a second opinion, but from the same experts who graded it the first time. The key here is that it's a "no-risk" proposition. If the graders agree with your assessment and bump up the grade, you get a new slab with the higher grade. If they don't, your card is returned to you in its original slab with the original grade intact. Your grade can't go down during a review.

The Grading Review Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process for submitting a card for review is similar to a regular grading submission, but with a few key differences. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

1. Submission: You'll fill out a submission form with the grading company, specifically selecting the "Review" service. You'll need to provide the card's certification number and other details.
2. Shipping: You'll ship the card to the grading company in its current holder. It's crucial that you do not crack the card out of its slab. The card must be in its original holder to be eligible for review.
3. Evaluation: Once the grading company receives your card, it goes into their queue. A team of graders will then re-examine your card, looking at the four key characteristics: centering, corners, edges, and surface. They will compare their findings to the original grade.
4. The Verdict:
   • Upgrade: If the graders determine that the card deserves a higher grade, they will crack the card out of its original slab and re-slab it with a new label reflecting the higher grade.
   • No Upgrade: If the graders feel the original grade was accurate, the card is returned to you in its original slab. You will not receive a refund for the review fee.

Tips for a Successful Review

While there's no guarantee of an upgrade, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of a successful review:

• Do Your Homework: Before submitting for a review, carefully examine your card under a strong light and with magnification. Compare it to other cards with the grade you think it deserves. Look for any hidden flaws you might have missed.
• Consider the Grading Company: Some collectors believe that it's easier to get a grade bumped on a card that was graded several years ago, as grading standards can evolve over time. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it's something to consider.
• Be Realistic: Not every card is a candidate for a review. If your card has a clear issue, like a soft corner or a noticeable print dot, it's unlikely to get a higher grade. Reviews are best for cards that are on the cusp of the next grade up.

Is a Review Worth It?

Ultimately, whether or not a review is worth it depends on the card and your goals as a collector. If you have a high-value card that you believe is clearly under-graded, a successful review could result in a significant increase in value. However, you also have to factor in the cost of the review and shipping, as well as the time your card will be away. For lower-value cards, the cost of a review might not be justified.

Before you submit for a review, ask yourself: "If this card gets the grade I think it deserves, will the increase in value be worth the cost and effort of the review process?" If the answer is yes, then a review might be the right move for you.