October Grading Numbers

[parkplace33]

From Gemrate.

Overall grading activity was ⬆ 20% in October compared to September and ⬆ 41% YoY.
Grading activity reached a new high at 2.70 million cards in October (including TAG), up ~450k compared to September and nearly 250k more than the previous high.
PSA graded 1.97m cards - ⬆ 27% vs September, ⬆ 36% YoY.
CGC graded 530k cards - ⬆ 5% vs September, ⬆ 156% YoY.
Beckett graded 93k cards - ⬆ 21% vs September, ⬆ 86% YoY.
TAG graded 51k cards - ⬇ 3% vs September, ⬆ 43% YoY.
SGC graded 50k cards - ⬇ 16% vs September, ⬇ 69% YoY.

What's Next for PSA?

As suggested, PSA volume increased in October; however, the incremental grading volume was even more significant than expected. PSA graded nearly two million cards on the back of incredibly strong TCG activity.
While two million cards may not happen before the year ends, it’s clear that the milestone is well within reach for PSA.

What's Next for SGC?

SGC grading activity declined again in October. Barring any new developments, we continue to expect SGC to stabilize in the range of 30,000-40,000 cards per month in the near future.

What's Next for CGC?

TCG grading continues to grow month over month for CGC, with trends broadly mirroring those seen at PSA. Sports grading remains a bit difficult to read, though baseball activity showed a solid increase in October.

What's Next for Beckett?

October followed the same theme for Beckett, with TCG grading continuing to climb. The company has built consistent momentum this year, and maintaining it through year-end would signal strong footing for 2026.

[refz]

Looks like CGC is the new number 2 in town & probably for good. Beckett will more than likely stay the course as I see a ton of modern and autos being submitted/out there..

SGCs situation is truly sad. A lot of us used them and liked their service including my self. 20 years ago what pulled me in to use them was their very helpful & kind/understanding customer service. Their holders were attractive as well. I thought back then their vintage standards were better than the rest too. I get it’s 2025 and a lot has changed. This is what made me continue using them over the years.

There is not a ton of stuff I want to get graded right now. More or less on card autos. If I had to choose a grader I’m leaning towards CGC as they have JSA attached to the hip now.

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by refz

Looks like CGC is the new number 2 in town & probably for good. Beckett will more than likely stay the course as I see a ton of modern and autos being submitted/out there..

SGCs situation is truly sad. A lot of us used them and liked their service including my self. 20 years ago what pulled me in to use them was their very helpful & kind/understanding customer service. Their holders were attractive as well. I thought back then their vintage standards were better than the rest too. I get it’s 2025 and a lot has changed. This is what made me continue using them over the years.

There is not a ton of stuff I want to get graded right now. More or less on card autos. If I had to choose a grader I’m leaning towards CGC as they have JSA attached to the hip now.

The big question I have is if SGC can keep SGC die hards from moving to other grading companies. If they can, they remain. If they can't, well.......

[DeanH3]

I’ve felt like we, as a hobby, are playing right into Collectors hands. People are jumping ship on SGC so demand is dropping. Soon, Collectors will be able to say, we tried to keep SGC open but the demand just in any there and they will shut them down completely. If people who like SGC would just keep on using them maybe Collectors would actually keep them as a “Boutique” option. SGC has really always been a “Boutique” grader if you think about it. They’ve always specialized in vintage but dabbled in modern. We are headed down the whole self fulfilled prophecy territory of SGC’s demise to me.

[theshowandme]

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

I’ve felt like we, as a hobby, are playing right into Collectors hands. People are jumping ship on SGC so demand is dropping. Soon, Collectors will be able to say, we tried to keep SGC open but the demand just in any there and they will shut them down completely. If people who like SGC would just keep on using them maybe Collectors would actually keep them as a “Boutique” option. SGC has really always been a “Boutique” grader if you think about it. They’ve always specialized in vintage but dabbled in modern. We are headed down the whole self fulfilled prophecy territory of SGC’s demise to me.

What's Next for SGC?

SGC grading activity declined again in October. Barring any new developments, we continue to expect SGC to stabilize in the range of 30,000-40,000 cards per month in the near future.

I wonder what would they do if it goes below 30k, lets say 20k or even 10k

[refz]

If they go under, is there a possibility seeing how collectors owns both maybe making an sgc style slab for vintage (black) ??

Or maybe perhaps bigger and better plans ?? (Haha yeah right)

[4815162342]

The overall grading summary makes it look like TAG has surpassed SGC. Most of that is the pokey mans.

[Brent G.]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

The big question I have is if SGC can keep SGC die hards from moving to other grading companies. If they can, they remain. If they can't, well.......

I think it's still the best-looking slab and service for vintage -- I just sent an order today. If they still did autos, I'd do more business with them.

[campyfan39]

This is exactly right IMO, and sad. I have only ever submitted to SGC, and that won't change. All of my collection is raw anyway. I send to SGC if I want something authenticated or am planning to sell it.
I won't ever send a thing to PSA

Originally Posted by DeanH3

I’ve felt like we, as a hobby, are playing right into Collectors hands. People are jumping ship on SGC so demand is dropping. Soon, Collectors will be able to say, we tried to keep SGC open but the demand just in any there and they will shut them down completely. If people who like SGC would just keep on using them maybe Collectors would actually keep them as a “Boutique” option. SGC has really always been a “Boutique” grader if you think about it. They’ve always specialized in vintage but dabbled in modern. We are headed down the whole self fulfilled prophecy territory of SGC’s demise to me.

[ncinin]

When PSA announced that SGC was going to be a boutique brand, I believe Ryan Hoge stated they wanted to bring SGC’s monthly number of cards graded to 2017 levels.

Offhand I can not find what 2017 levels were. Does anyone know or have any idea how many cards per month this be?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

The big question I have is if SGC can keep SGC die hards from moving to other grading companies. If they can, they remain. If they can't, well.......

There is no "they." You talk as though they were some separate entity with some control over their own fate. It is completely up to Nat Turner what happens to them. What will happen to them is what he wants to happen to them.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

I’ve felt like we, as a hobby, are playing right into Collectors hands. People are jumping ship on SGC so demand is dropping. Soon, Collectors will be able to say, we tried to keep SGC open but the demand just in any there and they will shut them down completely. If people who like SGC would just keep on using them maybe Collectors would actually keep them as a “Boutique” option. SGC has really always been a “Boutique” grader if you think about it. They’ve always specialized in vintage but dabbled in modern. We are headed down the whole self fulfilled prophecy territory of SGC’s demise to me.

We are on the exact same page. I just made this post in another thread...

"Also.... they have removed SGC from all regional card shows. This was the method by which a huge chunk of SGC's customers would submit (to avoid potential damage/loss in shipping). Since they've enacted this wonderful collector-friendly policy, SGC's submissions have plummeted.

They are squelching SGC on purpose, and will soon issue a statement something like.... "Due to dwindling customer demand, Collectors has made the decision to disband SGC, blah blah blah."

They intentionally create the problems, and thereby remove the vintage card collector's only viable option. Not the kind of company I would ever support.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Well Mark, I thought from day one they would view it as inefficient to maintain two brands, so if you're right about what's going on that is not surprising. But I was told by people here who professed to have great business acumen (or inside knowledge) that they would never shut down a profitable company.

[doug.goodman]

I'm a guy who hates grading.

Actual hate.

Capital letters HATE.


There is only one credible grading company that matters on any level.

It is PSA.


Arguing otherwise is like saying Pat Paulsen was a valid vote.

[Beercan collector]

Originally Posted by doug.goodman

I'm a guy who hates grading.

Actual hate.

Capital letters HATE.


There is only one credible grading company that matters on any level.

It is PSA.


Arguing otherwise is like saying Pat Paulsen was a valid vote.

I typically agree with everything you say about TPGs but PSA is credible ?? I’m scared you may be having a stroke

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by Beercan collector

I typically agree with everything you say about TPGs but PSA is credible ?? I’m scared you may be having a stroke

It pained me to use that word, but as the kidz say "the market has spoken"

[darwinbulldog]

Originally Posted by doug.goodman

Arguing otherwise is like saying Pat Paulsen was a valid vote.

You kids with your hip references

[Peter_Spaeth]

The latest.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Who is TAG? 2K cards graded?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Who is SGC?

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Who is SGC?

I wonder how long until Scott becomes senior head grader right under Reza at PSA.

[raulus]

It is interesting/surprising/exciting to see CGC getting this much love. It seems like it’s a challenge to break into this space, and yet they seem to be making a decent showing of it, much to my surprise. But maybe it’s just a sign of the market craving for another option.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by raulus

It is interesting/surprising/exciting to see CGC getting this much love. It seems like it’s a challenge to break into this space, and yet they seem to be making a decent showing of it, much to my surprise. But maybe it’s just a sign of the market craving for another option.

Over 85% of CGC’s grade count is TCG and other non-sports.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Over 85% of CGC’s grade count is TCG and other non-sports.

True... But a huge chunk of PSA's numbers are TCG as well. Sportscards only account for 35.6% of PSA's total numbers. And the vast majority of that is ultra-modern.

Just going by the "eye test", I agree with raulus that CGC is starting to make some significant in-roads. I am seeing a lot more sportscards in CGC slabs these days.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

I wonder how long until Scott becomes senior head grader right under Reza at PSA.

Well John, once again, I was told by people here professing to have superior knowledge of how businesses were run that this could never happen.

[BobbyStrawberry]

What is TAG?

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Well John, once again, I was told by people here professing to have superior knowledge of how businesses were run that this could never happen.

Could never happen… I’ve heard that a lot over the last 10 years in regards to the collecting community

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Could never happen… I’ve heard that a lot over the last 10 years in regards to the collecting community

Superior Knowledge or Superior Opinions lol

Time will tell…

My question is what impact does the downfall of the grading number at SGC have on the the previous higher end vintage graded cars in SGC slabs.

Will the youth remember SGC ?

[jchcollins]

SGC is the only grader I’ve ever personally submitted with, going back to 2006. They are my grader of choice - and I will be sad to see them go.

That said, with the larger hobby sentiment right now and what a verified joke PSA / Collectors has been for at least the last 5 years if not longer with vintage cards - I’m finding myself hard pressed to really get outraged over what is happening to SGC. Grading at the end of the day is just an opinion (often a laughable one, even by “professional” standards these days) - and a slab is just a holder.

I will continue to reserve my hobby passion for the cards themselves and the nostalgia they evoke and pleasure they provide. Maybe it’s just that I’m finally getting older but I really don’t care anymore.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

Superior Knowledge or Superior Opinions lol

Time will tell…

My question is what impact does the downfall of the grading number at SGC have on the the previous higher end vintage graded cars in SGC slabs.

Will the youth remember SGC ?

I have many SGC cards and certainly hope they retain value, but for reasons we've discussed, my expectation would be that inevitably and eventually a defunct brand is going to suffer some devaluation.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I have many SGC cards and certainly hope they retain value, but for reasons we've discussed, my expectation would be that inevitably and eventually a defunct brand is going to suffer some devaluation.

I agree with you...hopefully it will be very minimal devaluation.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

I agree with you...hopefully it will be very minimal devaluation.

The other thing is, while I expect exceptions will be made for certain favored people (just how the grading game works), crossovers are going to be very tough given the pretty dramatic changes in PSA grading standards.

[CollectingAmericasPastime]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

What is TAG?

TAG is the most transparent of the bunch IMO. Their slabs are clear with the flip being etched into the slab (clean look IMO). It contains a QR code that anyone can scan and get all of the details as to why the grade is what it is. I have no idea if they have the ability to hold on as a player in the market, but the transparency they provide is second to none. I see them a lot more on the Pokemon side of things.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

The other thing is, while I expect exceptions will be made for certain favored people (just how the grading game works), crossovers are going to be very tough given the pretty dramatic changes in PSA grading standards.

A few cards come to my mind...the T206 Wagner and the 52 SGC 9.5 Mantle...only issue is PSA does not have a 9.5 Grade... You know they won't 10 it...Marshal and Kendricks would have a Shit Hemorrhage.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

I agree with you...hopefully it will be very minimal devaluation.

As long as everyone around here continues to value them at full value, including buying them at full value, they will retain that value. And over time, this group will probably end up buying up the vast majority of them.

At least, until this group finds a need to cash out.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by raulus

As long as everyone around here continues to value them at full value, including buying them at full value, they will retain that value. And over time, this group will probably end up buying up the vast majority of them.

At least, until this group finds a need to cash out.

The purchasing power of the "enclave"!!

[BRoberts]

Originally Posted by raulus

As long as everyone around here continues to value them at full value, including buying them at full value, they will retain that value. And over time, this group will probably end up buying up the vast majority of them.

Respectfully, I think you are greatly overestimating both the buying power of "this group" and, more important, the percentage of prewar collectors in the hobby that "this group" comprises.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

The purchasing power of the "enclave"!!

Pretty much.

Except my guess is that when prices start falling, the knives will come out and buyers here will demand big discounts.

But in the meantime, we can all profess our love for the tux and how we’ll gladly pay full price for them.

[BoxOfOldCards]

I really liked the look of the SGC holders and the turn around time. I wonder if they ran another $12 special, especially for pre war stuff if they would see a giant spike again like the one special they ran for 80s cards?

CGC seems like mostly pokemon type stuff? I wouldn trust them for really old cards?

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by BoxOfOldCards

I really liked the look of the SGC holders and the turn around time. I wonder if they ran another $12 special, especially for pre war stuff if they would see a giant spike again like the one special they ran for 80s cards?

CGC seems like mostly pokemon type stuff? I wouldn trust them for really old cards?

I think specials are in the past.

[NonSportDaniel]

Originally Posted by BoxOfOldCards

I really liked the look of the SGC holders and the turn around time. I wonder if they ran another $12 special, especially for pre war stuff if they would see a giant spike again like the one special they ran for 80s cards?

CGC seems like mostly pokemon type stuff? I wouldn trust them for really old cards?

No grading company is perfect, but the fact that CGC considers this a 5.5 will likely keep me sending my vintage cards to PSA.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by BRoberts

Respectfully, I think you are greatly overestimating both the buying power of "this group" and, more important, the percentage of prewar collectors in the hobby that "this group" comprises.

Probably right. Although in all fairness, my original comments were largely sarcastic.

[DeanH3]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I have many SGC cards and certainly hope they retain value, but for reasons we've discussed, my expectation would be that inevitably and eventually a defunct brand is going to suffer some devaluation.

The change in grading standards has also created a negative perception of older PSA slabs too. I wonder if those take a hit in value down the line

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by CollectingAmericasPastime

TAG is the most transparent of the bunch IMO. Their slabs are clear with the flip being etched into the slab (clean look IMO). It contains a QR code that anyone can scan and get all of the details as to why the grade is what it is. I have no idea if they have the ability to hold on as a player in the market, but the transparency they provide is second to none. I see them a lot more on the Pokemon side of things.

Thanks, I appreciate the info! It is a nice looking slab. This is the first time I have heard of them.

[BRoberts]

Originally Posted by raulus

Probably right. Although in all fairness, my original comments were largely sarcastic.

That would not have been the first thing to go over my head.

[BoxOfOldCards]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

I think specials are in the past.

I was hoping not. since SGC normally didnt run them, but did after PSA acquisition i was hoping they would continue.
then again the PSA specials have been very disappointing for several months now

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

The change in grading standards has also created a negative perception of older PSA slabs too. I wonder if those take a hit in value down the line

That has certainly been the case with modern high grade.

[CollectingAmericasPastime]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

Thanks, I appreciate the info! It is a nice looking slab. This is the first time I have heard of them.

You're welcome. I hope they become a mainstay and become more mainstream in the sports market. I don't think any of their business model is proprietary, but their business practices when it comes to transparent grades should be the standard. At the very least, I hope other companies adopt that aspect of their model. They are partnered with Card Party (ran by DeepPocketMonster, a huge player in the YouTube Pokemon space), which has become a massive Pokemon-specific show held annually or now biannually.

Here is more info on their DIG Report (Digital Image & Grading). It's really solid stuff that takes all the guesswork out of the equation.

[BoxOfOldCards]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

The change in grading standards has also created a negative perception of older PSA slabs too. I wonder if those take a hit in value down the line

it is really really noticeable with the t206 cards i collect. what used to be a 3 is almost a 1 now when you compare old old slabs to modern ones. goes back to the "buy the card not the grade"