Well, I’ve always been into NBA cards, and I got really curious about graded cards. So, I started my journey to figure out how to choose them.
Step 1: Do Some Research
I first hopped onto the internet. I started reading all sorts of stuff about NBA graded cards. I checked out forums where people were talking about their experiences. I found out that graded cards are basically cards that have been evaluated by a third – party company for their condition. I learned that companies like PSA and BGS are pretty well – known for grading cards. I also read some expert advice saying that about 70% of graded cards in the market are from these two big names. That’s a lot!
Step 2: Set a Budget
Next, I sat down and thought about how much I was willing to spend. Graded cards can range from super cheap to crazy expensive. I decided I’d start small. I set a budget of around $200. I knew I wasn’t going to get a LeBron James rookie graded card with that, but I was okay with that. I just wanted to dip my toes in the water.
Step 3: Look for Reputable Sellers
I then started looking for places to buy these graded cards. I went to some local card shops. I talked to the guys there. They seemed pretty knowledgeable. One guy told me that he’d been in the business for over 10 years. I also checked out some online marketplaces. I made sure to only look at sellers with good reviews. I didn’t want to get scammed.
Step 4: Check the Grades
When I found some cards I liked, I really paid attention to the grades. The grades go from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. I learned that a card with a grade of 8 or above is usually in pretty good condition. I was looking for cards with at least a grade of 7. I found this one Michael Jordan card with a grade of 7. It was a bit beat up around the edges, but it was still cool.
Step 5: Authenticity Check
Before I pulled the trigger and bought a card, I always double – checked the authenticity. I looked at the holograms and the serial numbers on the grading slabs. I also asked the sellers if they had any certificates of authenticity. One seller even showed me some photos of the card being graded. That made me feel a lot better about buying it.
Step 6: Make the Purchase
Finally, I found a few cards that met all my criteria. I bought a couple of them. One was a Kobe Bryant card and the other was that Michael Jordan card I mentioned. I was so excited when I got them in the mail. They were even cooler in person.
Summary
Choosing NBA graded cards isn’t rocket science, but it does take some work. You gotta do your research, set a budget, find good sellers, check the grades, and make sure the cards are real. By following these steps, I was able to get some really cool cards that I’m proud to show off. So, if you’re thinking about getting into the world of NBA graded cards, give it a shot!
