Collecting PSA-graded cards is more than just a hobby. It’s a passion, and one that can be quite costly. PSA-graded cards are the most trusted third-party graded cards available in the market today. They offer accurate verification of a card’s authenticity and condition. If you’re thinking about starting your own collection or even expanding an existing one, this article should help you get started on the right foot and avoid some obvious rookie mistakes.

Know the Basics

First and foremost, know the basics of the hobby before you dive in. There are some key elements of collecting PSA graded cards that every collector needs to know.

• The host of the show is the card itself, but the host of the show is the box. The value of a box of cards is more than just the cards that came in it. The unique box can determine the value of the set.
• Rarity is key. In fact, the rarer a card is, the more valuable it is. Rarity can be affected by many different factors. Some examples include how many cards were printed in the first place, how many leagues or sports a card covers, and how many of those cards have survived.
• Condition is critical. When it comes to PSA graded cards, condition is everything. That’s because any imperfection on the card can affect its value.

Only Buy From Reputable Dealers

The first mistake that many new and even experienced card collectors make is buying cards from unreliable dealers. Whether it’s from a shady person on the side of the road, or an online dealer that’s not trusted, buying cards from places that aren’t reputable can cause big problems. When buying cards online, make sure that you only buy from reputable dealers. Reputable dealers will have a rating on the site and a high-volume of sales. If you’re buying cards from a local place, make sure they’re reliable too. Check their reviews and talk to others who’ve bought from them before.

Avoid Cards That Look Too Good to Be True

Next, avoid cards that look too good to be true. When it comes to collectible PSA cards, many people will try to pass off fakes as authentic cards. If you see a card that has all the characteristics of a valuable card but is priced way below, something’s probably fishy. That card might be a fake. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just look at the price of a card and know if it’s authentic or not. There are many factors that determine the price of a card. If a card is priced extremely low, double- and triple-check the authenticity of that card.

Stick to Buying Games and Cards You Know

When it comes to what to buy, stick to buying games and cards you know. When first starting out in the hobby, it’s best not to buy cards of games that you don’t know. Most of the valuable PSA graded cards of new games are usually found in the first few printings of those games.

If you follow these tips and make sure to do your research before buying cards, you can avoid making some common mistakes that many new collectors make.