What Are Card Crossovers and Should You Do It?

What Are Card Crossovers and Should You Do It?

So, you’ve got a graded card in your collection, but you can’t help but wonder if it could fetch a higher price or look better in a different company’s slab. That’s where the concept of a “crossover” comes in. In the trading card world, a crossover is the process of submitting a card that has already been graded by one company to a different grading company for them to re-evaluate and, hopefully, encapsulate in their own holder.

Why Would You Crossover a Card?

The primary motivation for most collectors to attempt a crossover is the potential for increased value. Certain grading companies, like PSA, often command higher prices in the secondary market. Moving a card from a lesser-known grading service to a top-tier one can significantly boost its appeal and resale value. Another reason is the hope of achieving a higher grade. Perhaps you feel your card was graded too harshly and believe another company might see it differently, bumping it up from a 9 to a coveted 10.

The Crossover Process: How It Works

Let's use PSA as an example, as it's one of the most popular choices for crossovers. The process involves submitting your already-slabbed card and specifying a “minimum grade.” This is the lowest grade you’re willing to accept from the new company. For instance, if you have a card graded as a 9 and you're only interested in a PSA 10, you would set your minimum grade to 10.

PSA will then assess your card while it's still in its original holder. If they determine that the card meets or exceeds your specified minimum grade, they will crack it out of its old slab and encapsulate it in a brand-new PSA holder with their assigned grade. However, if they decide it doesn't meet your minimum grade, they will return the card to you in its original slab. It's crucial to understand that you will be charged the grading fee regardless of the outcome.

The Risks and Downsides of Crossovers

While the potential rewards are tempting, crossovers are not without their risks. Many collectors have shared stories of submitting high-grade cards from other companies, only to have them fail to cross over at the same or a higher grade. There's a common sentiment that grading companies can be biased against their competitors and may grade more stringently when assessing a card that's already been slabbed.

Another significant risk is the cost. Crossover services are not cheap, and as mentioned, you pay the fee whether the card crosses over or not. This can be a costly gamble, especially with high-value cards.

To Crack or Not to Crack? The Great Debate

This brings us to a major point of discussion among collectors: should you crack the card out of its slab yourself before submitting it for a crossover? Many experienced collectors argue that submitting a raw, un-slabbed card gives you a better chance at an unbiased grade. The thinking is that the grader will be looking at the card with fresh eyes, without the preconceived notion of a grade from a rival company.

Cracking a slab is a delicate process that can damage the card if not done carefully. However, for those willing to take the risk, it can potentially lead to better results. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, there are services that can do it for you.

Actionable Tips for a Successful Crossover

• Do Your Research: Understand the grading standards of both the original grading company and the one you're submitting to.
• Be Realistic: Don't expect a card with visible flaws to jump from an 8 to a 10. Set a reasonable minimum grade.
• Consider Cracking the Slab: If you're confident in your ability to do it safely, submitting a raw card may improve your chances.
• Factor in the Cost: Make sure the potential increase in value justifies the grading fees and the risk of the card not crossing over.