Grading & Authentication
Grading & Authentication at South 17 Collectibles
At South 17 Collectibles, we believe informed collectors make the best decisions. This guide explains how third-party grading works, which grading services we carry, and what grades mean for the value and condition of your collectibles.
What Is Third-Party Grading?
Third-party grading is the process of sending a collectible to an independent, professional grading company for evaluation. The grader assesses the item's condition, authenticity, and quality, then assigns a numeric grade and seals the item in a tamper-evident protective case called a slab. This process removes subjectivity and provides buyers and sellers with a trusted, standardized condition assessment.
Grading Services We Carry
PSA – Professional Sports Authenticator
PSA is the world's largest and most recognized trading card grading service. PSA grades cards on a scale of 1 to 10, with PSA 10 (Gem Mint) being the highest achievable grade. PSA-graded cards are widely accepted in the hobby and often command strong premiums at auction.
Beckett – BGS / BVG
Beckett Grading Services (BGS for sports cards, BVG for non-sports/gaming) uses a 1 to 10 scale with half-point increments and provides sub-grades for Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface. A BGS 9.5 or BGS 10 (Black Label) is considered among the most prestigious grades in the hobby.
CGC – Certified Guaranty Company
CGC is the leading grading authority for comic books, trading cards (CGC Cards), and magazines. CGC uses a 1 to 10 scale and is widely trusted for comics and Pokémon/TCG cards. CGC labels are color-coded by grade tier for easy identification.
NGC – Numismatic Guaranty Company
NGC is one of the premier grading services for coins and currency. NGC grades coins on the Sheldon scale (1–70) for circulated and mint-state coins, and uses designations like MS-70 (perfect uncirculated) and PF-70 (perfect proof). NGC-certified coins are recognized globally by dealers and collectors.
PCGS – Professional Coin Grading Service
PCGS is one of the most respected coin grading services in the world, alongside NGC. PCGS grades coins on the Sheldon scale (1–70) and is known for its strict, consistent standards. PCGS-certified coins are highly liquid in the numismatic market and often carry a price premium due to collector confidence in the grade.
ICG – Independent Coin Graders
ICG is an established coin grading service that also uses the Sheldon scale (1–70). ICG is recognized by major coin dealers and auction houses and offers a more accessible entry point for collectors seeking certified coins at competitive price points.
Understanding Grade Scales
| Service | Category | Scale | Top Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | Trading Cards | 1–10 | PSA 10 Gem Mint |
| BGS | Sports Cards | 1–10 (half points) | BGS 10 Black Label |
| BVG | Non-Sports / Gaming | 1–10 (half points) | BVG 10 Black Label |
| CGC | Comics / Cards | 1–10 | CGC 10 Pristine |
| NGC | Coins | 1–70 (Sheldon) | MS-70 / PF-70 |
| PCGS | Coins | 1–70 (Sheldon) | MS-70 / PF-70 |
| ICG | Coins | 1–70 (Sheldon) | MS-70 / PF-70 |
Why Buy Graded?
- Authenticity guaranteed — graded items have been verified as genuine by independent experts
- Condition transparency — no guessing; the grade tells you exactly what you're getting
- Protected storage — slabs provide long-term protection against handling damage
- Resale value — graded items typically hold and grow in value more predictably than raw copies
Have Questions?
Not sure what a grade means for a specific item, or want to know more before purchasing? We're happy to help. Contact us and we'll walk you through it.