The Ultimate Guide to Grading and Protecting Your VeeFriends Trading Cards
With the release of three remarkable collectible card products — VeeFriends Series 1 Cards, VeeFriends Compete and Collect, and VeeFriends UNO — the VeeFriends IP has expanded upon the landscape of card collecting, adding an exciting dimension to the ecosystem. Whether you’re eagerly opening a box of Compete and Collect, unwrapping a deck of UNO, or on the hunt for your favorite Series 1 card, we’re thrilled to witness the proliferation of VeeFriends cards.
To ensure you make the most of your card collection, we’ve compiled helpful tips, tricks, and insights that will maximize the value and enjoyment derived from your VeeFriends cards.
We strongly advise educating yourself before making any purchases or investing in a grading service. It’s important to prioritize financial responsibility and never invest more than you can afford to lose. As the popularity of VeeFriends Cards continues to grow, it’s also important to remain vigilant and cautious of potential targeted scams. This guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about your VeeFriends Cards!
The Basics of Trading Card Grading
There are several ways trading cards can be kept: In the trading card world, the term “raw” refers to keeping a card ungraded. Grading a card means sending it to a third-party professional to evaluate and score the condition and confirm the authenticity of the card. Grading a card provides a reliable and standardized measure of condition and authenticity. Cards are graded based on their appearance and condition, with the process carefully evaluating the condition of a card’s corners, edges, surface, and centering.
When a card is graded, it is assessed a score between 1 (lowest) and 10 (highest), and then encapsulated in a protective plastic holder with a label stating the card’s title, authenticity, and condition.
The condition of a card is scored with a numerical grade indicating its condition on a scale from Gem Mint to Poor.It is important to understand that there are many variables that come into play when evaluating a card’s condition, and a perfect Gem Mint 10 grade is quite difficult to achieve. Even one tiny imperfection on the card could negatively affect the overall grade it receives. Moreover, a card does not have to be graded in order to collect and enjoy! Grading is a decision based on personal preference, value, cost, and turnaround time.
Important Pillars of Grading
Centering
A measurement of how well-centered a card comes out of the pack, both left to right and top to bottom is taken into consideration. It’s a measurement of how much more/less border there is on each side of the card relative to the other sides. A card does not need to have precise 50/50 centering to receive a perfect grade, but if it’s very noticeably off-centered, then you may be better off keeping it raw.
Corners
Sharp corners are quintessential across all grading companies. For a card to be evaluated as “Gem Mint,” it requires sharp corners on both the front and back of the card. It is also important to note that what may seem perfect to the naked eye may look different to a professional viewing it with magnification.
Surfaces
The surface of a card is an important factor in the grading process. Any scratches, indents, creases, blemishes, print defects, or fingerprints on a card’s surface could have a negative impact on the grade. This is why when opening cards, it is best to hold the cards by the edges to not get fingerprints on the card.
Helpful Tip: Hold your cards gently by the edges! Gloves are worth considering when opening packs if you prefer to be ultra careful, and a microfiber cloth is a great tool for cleaning the surface of a card. Carefully wiping the card clean with a microfiber cloth such as these can help avoid an unnecessary low grade due to fingerprints or dirt on the surface.
Edges
When looking at the edges of a card for it to receive a Gem Mint grade, there should be minimal evident chipping or whiting. Again, it could be difficult to see issues with a card’s borders with your naked eye, so a loupe or other type of magnifying glass could help get a closer look at the card. If there aren’t any notable blemishes on the edges, then you are probably in good shape for this part of the grading process!
Should You Grade Your VeeFriends Cards?
Deciding whether to grade your VeeFriends cards is a personal choice that balances your preferences and potential value. From a sentimental standpoint, grading a card can amplify its emotional significance if you feel strongly connected to a particular character or trait portrayed. In terms of value, if your card is in superb condition and holds substantial collectible demand, grading it has the potential to significantly boost its market worth.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to whether you should get your cards graded. It depends on what feels right for you as a collector. Opting for grading allows for official authentication and scoring, typically resulting in increased value. Conversely, some collectors prefer to keep their cards ungraded as part of their collection. Grading can also enhance and differentiate cards, particularly those with larger production runs, increasing their scarcity and desirability. It’s worth noting that grading entails costs and varying turnaround times for card return. Therefore, make this decision based on your personal desires and thorough research.
How Can Grading a Card Influence Price and Value?
Grading VeeFriends cards can have a significant impact on their value, as higher-graded cards tend to command higher prices in the market. The goal of grading is to protect the card while increasing its value and differentiating it from similar cards, making it easier to sell.
Typically, a strong grade for VeeFriends cards is considered to be 9 “Mint” or higher. While foil inserts may be less frequent to receive high grades, achieving a Mint 9 or higher is definitely something to be very happy about!
Graded cards generally sell for higher prices compared to ungraded cards due to the added assurances they provide. Grading offers a professional assessment of the card’s condition and authenticity, leaving no room for doubt. It increases buyer confidence by ensuring that collectors know exactly what they are receiving. Additionally, the encapsulation of the card in a protective case secures its long-term preservation.
Moreover, a graded card stands out and sets itself above others in the market. Even if a certain card has a larger production, having it graded enhances its rarity, desirability, and overall value. For example, there may be 5,000 of a certain card made, but only 50 of those graded as a perfect 10. The combination of scarcity, demand, and the professional evaluation of graded cards contributes to their higher market value.
So, if you’re considering grading your VeeFriends cards, keep in mind the potential impact on their value, the increased buyer confidence, and the enhanced rarity and desirability that grading can bring. It’s an exciting way to elevate your collection and potentially unlock even greater value in the market!
Comparing Different Grading Services
Certified Guaranty Company (CGC):
CGC is the trading card and pop culture grading company within the Certified Collectibles Group, which holds several companies at the top of its class for the authentication and grading of cards, comic books, coins, currency, stamps, video games, memorabilia, and more. Founded in 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group has graded more than 75 million collectibles, becoming one of the most respected and trusted third-party grading services in collectibles across all categories, from pop culture comics to gold coins and even space-flown memorabilia. CGC is renowned as the preeminent comic book grading company, and has continued to expand and grow services in trading cards. To learn more about CGC’s grading process, submission guidelines, and other relevant information, you can visit their official website.
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA):
PSA has solidified its position as the largest card grader in the market, earning a reputation for its strict grading standards and credibility. When it comes to aftermarket value, PSA-graded cards often command a premium compared to those graded by other third-party companies. The grading scale used by PSA ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 (Gem Mint) representing the highest possible grade. Unlike some other services, PSA does not assign half-point grades (such as 8.5 or 9.5) to cards. It is worth noting that achieving a perfect 10 grade from PSA is considered a significant accomplishment, as the card must exhibit near-flawless condition. Additionally, PSA offers the option to grade the autograph on a card, providing a separate grade ranging from 1 to 10.
For a comprehensive guide on how to submit your cards to PSA for grading, you can visit their website.
Beckett Grading Services (BGS):
Beckett Grading Services sets itself apart with its sturdy card slabs and a unique “Report Card” system. During the grading process, cards undergo evaluation in four key areas: Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface. Each of these aspects receives a separate sub-grade, allowing collectors to understand why a particular grade was assigned to their card. This “report card” approach provides transparent details about the card’s condition and contributes to the overall value assessment. BGS utilizes a scale that includes half-point scoring, and their “Gem Mint” grade is denoted by a 9.5, while a perfect “Pristine” 10 grade is an elusive accomplishment. Beckett also offers a special distinction known as the highest level of sports card grading: if a card receives a perfect 10 score on all four subgrades, it is awarded a black label to signify exceptional excellence. Similar to PSA, Beckett assigns grades to autographs on cards, ranging from 1 to 10.
To learn more about submitting your cards to BGS for grading, you can refer to their submission guide.
Sportscard Guaranty Company (SGC):
Sportscard Guaranty Company (SGC) has gained popularity among collectors for its sleek black insert used in their protective cardholders. SGC employs a grading scale from 1 to 10, with Gem Mint condition cards awarded a grade of 10. Cards that meet exceptional perfection receive a special gold label denoting a Pristine 10 grade. SGC also offers half-point grades (e.g., 8.5, 9.5) to provide a more nuanced assessment. Like PSA and Beckett, SGC evaluates autographs on cards, assigning grades ranging from 1 to 10.
For detailed instructions on how to submit your cards to SGC for grading, you can consult their submission guide.
How do I pick the grading company I want?
Selecting a grading company is a subjective and individual choice, with various options available for collectors of all kinds. While VeeFriends has provided several reputable companies above, there are also numerous other graders who can assess and authenticate cards. Regardless of your choice, there are some factors to consider when deciding which company to entrust with your cards.
Holder and Label Appearance:
Consider the visual aspects of the grading labels and protective holder! This is a significant part of selecting where to send your cards, especially if they are for your personal collection! Different collectors are drawn to certain labels for various reasons. For example, some collectors prefer the SGC black “Tuxedo” case, some like the strength of BGS slabs, some like the slender PSA cases, and many like the clear and rounded CGC holders! Many collectors will enjoy all brands, going with the popular motto “Buy the card, not the slab.” Ultimately, all major graders are widely collected and the holder is a major part in deciding which one you may like the most!
Pricing and Turnaround Times:
When sending your cards to get graded, consider the company’s respective grading cost and turnaround times. Each company has different timetables and prices for receiving your cards back in hand, and this can vary substantially. Aligning your grading choices with your collecting objectives can help you maximize the value and enjoyment of your grading process.
Grading Standards:
Evaluate the grading standards and options of each service. All grading companies aim to provide consistent and reliable grading. While they all focus on the key pillars of corners, edges, centering, and surface, there may be slight variations in their criteria and processes. For example, BGS provides electable sub-grades, while other options may not. It is key to understand the company’s grading scale to ensure confidence when sending your cards in.
*Extra tip* Check online for upcoming trading card shows near you! Oftentimes, you can find a trusted grader to submit your cards in-person to! This layer adds a huge sense of ease and reliability to your experience.
Can I grade cards with a brand not listed here?
Absolutely! This blog is designed to outline the most major and reputable grading companies. However, there are dozens of incredible graders in the industry, and more that continue to emerge and evolve as the industry grows. Grading is an ever-changing landscape with so many options to choose from!
How to Protect Cards without Grading!
If you have cards that you would like to keep as “raw”, also known as ungraded cards, there are a couple of great ways to keep them safe and sound! Here is what you will need to protect your VeeFriends trading cards:
Standard Protection: Penny Sleeve + Top Loader
To keep your cards safe, you will want these two essential pieces:
Penny Sleeve
A penny sleeve is a soft sleeve that holds the card safely, and protects it from any scratching, fingerprints, or moving around in the larger top loader case.
Top Loader
A top loader is a harder, plastic sleeve that acts as a shell to keep the card truly protected. With this method, the cards are protected and easily stored.
All of the VeeFriends Compete and Collect and UNO cards fit in a standard-sized, 20pt top loader. VeeFriends Series 1 trading cards use thicker cardstock and while they do fit in standard penny sleeves and top loaders, a 59pt top loader is great too! There are many available brands and quantities to purchase standard top loaders, and most card shops carry these supplies as well.
Another item that protects all VeeFriends cards is called semi-rigid card savers. These are hard plastic sleeves and are preferred to be sent in this way by grading companies. These cases will fit all types of VeeFriends cards in penny sleeves. For protection purposes, both semi-rigid card savers and top loaders are perfect and you could go with whichever you prefer!
For the highest level of protection, there is a hard case called a one-touch magnetic. They are very sturdy, use a magnet to hold the case together, and have corner slots to keep the card in great condition! They are more expensive, but provide great protection and display for your cards! For these, be sure to use 35pt holders, the thinnest available size.
Amazon Links to Protect Your Cards!
Standard Penny Sleeves — Works for all cards
Standard Top Loaders — Works for all cards (or 59 pt for Series 1)
Penny Sleeve and Top Loader Combination
Card Savers — Works for all cards
Ultra Pro Magnetic Cases — works for all cards
Grading and protecting your VeeFriends trading cards play crucial roles in preserving their condition and enhancing their value. By understanding the grading process, comparing different grading services, and considering the factors that determine card worth, you can make informed decisions as a VeeFriends Cards collector.
