A Guide to Trading Card Grading Companies in the USA: A Comparison with SSINT

A Guide to Trading Card Grading Companies in the USA: A Comparison with SSINT

Trading card grading has become an essential part of the hobby, giving collectors a way to preserve and showcase their most prized possessions while ensuring authenticity and condition. In the USA, several major players dominate the grading industry, each with its own reputation, specialisations, and grading standards. Let’s explore the biggest names in the US market and how they compare to the rising star of the UK: SSINT Grading.

Top Grading Companies in the USA

1. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

  • Founded: 1991
  • Speciality: Sports cards and Pokémon cards.
  • Key Features:
    • Known for its 10-point grading scale, PSA is one of the most widely recognised grading companies worldwide.
    • Offers a registry system for collectors to compare and showcase their graded cards.
    • Extensive secondary market value for PSA-graded cards.

2. Beckett Grading Services (BGS)

  • Founded: 1999
  • Speciality: Sports and trading cards, especially modern-era cards.
  • Key Features:
    • Known for its sub-grades that break down the card’s condition into four areas: centering, corners, edges, and surface.
    • Popular among collectors for its Black Label (pristine 10) cards.

3. CGC Trading Cards

  • Founded: 2020
  • Speciality: Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and non-sports cards.
  • Key Features:
    • Offers competitive prices and fast turnaround times.
    • Well-regarded for its comprehensive grading standards and aesthetically pleasing labels.

4. SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)

  • Founded: 1998
  • Speciality: Vintage cards.
  • Key Features:
    • Praised for its expertise in authenticating and grading vintage cards.
    • SGC’s black slab design is a favourite among collectors of older trading cards.

Introducing SSINT Grading: A Rising Star

While many of the leading grading companies are based in the USA, SSINT Grading, founded in the UK in 2024, is quickly establishing itself as a trusted name in the world of trading card grading. Though relatively new, SSINT is setting the standard for innovation, quality, and security in grading services, with aspirations to grow into a major global grading authority.

What Makes SSINT Unique?

  1. The SSINT Legacy Spectrum
    Our exclusive grading scale transcends traditional methods, capturing a card's condition, historical significance, and aesthetic value for a comprehensive evaluation.

  2. Custom Aluminium Labels
    Unlike many companies that use paper or sticker labels, SSINT employs laser-engraved aluminium labels. Each label is custom-designed to include detailed card information and is finished by hand, complete with a hand-set authenticity badge. This ensures unmatched durability, protection against counterfeiting, and a premium aesthetic for collectors.

  3. Ultrasonically Sealed Cases
    Cards are secured in UV-protected, tamper-proof cases, ensuring their longevity while maintaining a sleek and professional presentation.

  4. Secure Verification
    Every graded card is logged into SSINT’s internal database, enabling quick and reliable verification.

  5. Wide Compatibility
    SSINT grades a wide range of trading cards, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Panini, Topps, Kayou, Card.Fun, and custom artist cards.

As a UK-based company, SSINT is proud to bring a fresh perspective to the grading industry, combining advanced technology, meticulous attention to detail, and artisan craftsmanship.

Why SSINT is the Future of Grading

SSINT is not just another grading company—it’s a brand committed to innovation, authenticity, and providing collectors with a superior experience. From our custom-made aluminium labels to our secure, ultrasonically welded cases, every detail is designed to enhance and protect your collection.

Ready to grade your cards? Explore our services and experience the SSINT difference today.

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