Guides/Grading
We’ve prepared various guides to help new collectors get to grips with a hobby that can seem daunting at first. Everything from grading, to buying and selling is covered, and we’re happy to field any suggestions if we haven’t covered something important!
PSA vs BGS vs SGC: Who to use in 2024
*We’ve taken the time to update our PSA vs BGS vs SGC comparison, with prices and stats that are correct as of October 2023. PSA, BGS, or SGC? Who should you choose out of the…
Keep readingAre Mystery Packs Worth It?
As a rule of thumb, when the headline is a question, the answer is no. Are ‘Mystery Packs’ worth the risk? In the vast majority of scenarios, you’re likely to lose money, and you’re going…
Keep readingPSA 10 vs SGC 10 Graded Cards: Values, Guide
This article is designed to guide you through the intricacies of PSA and SGC graded cards, specifically comparing PSA 10 vs SGC 10 grades. Is there any real difference between the two? Diving into PSA…
Keep readingWhat Are Cracked Ice Cards? Guide
When it comes to the exhilarating world of collectible cards, there are countless varieties and special editions that pique the interest of collectors around the globe. One such eye-catching type that has been making waves…
Keep readingTop 11 Free Sports Card Collectors Tools
We’ve taken the time to look at the top 11 free Sports Card Collectors software and tools on the market. These tools, useful for hobbyists of all experience levels, can significantly enhance your trading card…
Keep readingFind the Value of Your Sports Cards For Free
Monitoring the fluctuating value of your sports cards is one of the most thrilling aspects of either collecting or investing. Traditionally, the pricing and trends of a card were determined by referring to a monthly…
Keep readingGrading One-of-One Sports Cards
The world of sports card collecting is vast and varied, filled with cards spanning decades, sports, and player careers. Among these, one-of-one (1/1) sports cards occupy a unique spot. As singular pieces in the vast…
Keep readingHobby Boxes vs Blaster Boxes: Which is Best?
For both newcomers and seasoned veterans in the world of sports card collecting, one key question often arises: should you invest in hobby boxes or blaster boxes? The answer isn’t straightforward and largely depends on…
Keep readingThe Junk Wax Era: A Remarkable Period in Sports Card History
The history of sports card collecting is filled with peaks and valleys, and perhaps one of the most intriguing periods is the so-called “Junk Wax” era. This unique time in sports card history, typically recognized…
Keep readingInvesting in Rookie Cards on eBay
In recent years, trading cards have seen a surge in popularity. From baseball and basketball to Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering, these cards are no longer just a nostalgic hobby—they’re a serious investment. Whether you’re…
Keep readingWhat Are Holographic Rookie Cards?
Holographic rookie cards have revolutionized the sports card industry, captivating collectors with their mesmerizing visual effects and intrinsic value. These unique cards represent the first professional appearances of athletes, making them highly sought-after among enthusiasts.…
Keep readingWhen to Get a Sports Card Graded
Navigating the world of sports card collecting can be an exciting journey. One key decision collectors often face is whether to get a sports card graded. Card grading is a process where a professional company…
Keep readingRookie Cards: Essential Facts You Need to Know
Rookie cards are a central piece in sports card collecting. They represent a player’s first official card, often making them the most desirable and valuable cards of that athlete. However, determining what makes a true…
Keep readingSports Card Investing: When & Where to Buy Cards in 2023
Sports card investing has surged in popularity over recent years, transforming from a nostalgic pastime into a viable investment strategy. However, much like any investment avenue, sports card investing requires knowledge, strategic planning, and a…
Keep readingWhat Is The Best Sports Card Company To Buy From?
In the ever-evolving world of sports card collecting, choosing the best sports card company to buy from can be a challenging task. Several prominent companies produce high-quality cards, each with its distinct features and appeal.…
Keep readingWhat is the Best Way to Sell Old Sports Cards?
Selling old sports cards can be a rewarding way to declutter your collection, generate extra cash, or monetize a profitable hobby. However, knowing the best way to sell your sports cards is crucial in getting…
Keep readingPanini Prizms: Why Collectors Pay the Price
Sports card collecting has always been a thriving hobby, but in recent years, it has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. Driving this surge is a brand that has become synonymous with the hobby itself…
Keep readingInvesting in Sports Cards: A Comprehensive Guide
Investing in sports cards is becoming increasingly popular. In recent years, the sports card market has experienced tremendous growth, largely driven by nostalgia, the thrill of the hunt for rare cards, and the potential for…
Keep readingWhat Are ‘Rated Rookie’ Cards? Guide, Best Cards
A Rated Rookie card is a designation given to specific RCs produced by Donruss, an American company that manufactures trading cards. This iconic label has become one of the most recognizable in the sports card…
Keep readingCan You Make Money Flipping Sports Cards in 2023?
The act of buying sports cards at a low price and selling them for a profit, commonly known as “flipping,” has become a popular activity in recent years. The potential to make money flipping sports…
Keep readingShould I Invest in Sports Cards?
Investing in sports trading cards has become an increasingly popular hobby and investment strategy over the past several years. With stories of rare cards selling for millions of dollars circulating in the news, it’s no…
Keep readingTopps EQL: First Impressions
Today was my first time using Topps EQL. Here are our first impressions of the new distribution method which should make things easier for collectors. Topps has partnered with EQL. If you didn’t know; “EQL…
Keep readingHow Much is a 1-of-1 Card Worth?
How much is a 1-of-1 card worth? In the world of trading cards, rarity is a attribute that drives value and captures the attention of collectors. Among the most sought-after rarities are 1-of-1 cards, also…
Keep readingDo Magnetic Holders Damage Cards?
If you’re a card collector, you’ve probably come across magnetic holders at some point. They’re a popular way to display and protect cards, but some collectors worry that using magnetic holders could damage their cards.…
Keep readingHow to Increase the Value of Your Collectible Cards Over Time
Collecting cards can be a rewarding hobby, both financially and personally. For some collectors, their cards are their most prized possessions. If you’re looking to increase the value of your collectible cards over time, there…
Keep readingHow to Buy and Sell Collectible Cards Online Safely and Securely
Interested in buying or selling collectible cards online? Collectible cards, such as sports trading cards, Pokémon cards, and Magic: The Gathering cards, have gained a resurgence in popularity in recent years. With more collectors turning…
Keep readingUnderstanding PSA Grading Labels: A Beginner’s Guide
Collecting graded cards has become increasingly popular in recent years, with Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) leading the way when it comes to card grading and authentication. But for many collectors, understanding the PSA graded card…
Keep readingCollectible Cards in Popular Culture: Movies, TV Shows, and More
Collectible cards have been around for decades, and they have become a mainstay in popular culture. From movies and TV shows to video games and literature, cards have featured in lots of media over the…
Keep readingTop Card Buying Tips: 2023
Here are 10 top card buying tips for 2023 and beyond. I’m focusing on the market as of March 2023, but these tips should be relevant for the next few years. I’m always buying cards. …
Keep readingPSA Grading 2023 Guide
In a follow-up to one of our more successful articles from last year, we’re aiming to find out whether PSA grading is actually worth it in 2023. The original article was released back in March…
Keep readingTopps NFT sales & trades suspended, Wyre adds withdrawal limits
At the current time of writing, it has been almost two weeks with no access to Topps NFTs. Who is Wyre, and is the platform responsible? I’m not the biggest fan of NFTs, as I’d…
Keep readingWill There Be A New Junk Wax Era? 2023 Guide
The Junk Wax Era took place between the late 1980s and early 1990s, and nearly took the hobby down completely when the bubble eventually burst. Here’s a guide taking you through everything you need to…
Keep readingWhere to buy sealed hobby boxes in the UK
For anyone getting started with the card collecting hobby in the UK, one of the first questions you’re probably wondering is; ‘where can I buy sealed hobby boxes?’ Here’s what you need to know. If…
Keep readingWhy aren’t card printing plates worth more money?
Why aren’t printing plates worth more money? They’re a certified one-of-one collectible, and you’d think they’d sell for a premium price tag. Here’s everything you need to know. If you’ve found a printing plate in…
Keep readingWhat Are The Average Soccer Card Prices Per Player Position?
Trying to figure out which soccer cards are worth the most money? Here’s a quick guide that takes you through what to expect from each position. It’s easy to tell if a soccer card is…
Keep readingYes, PSA Graded Funko Pops Are Now a Thing
An interesting email hit my inbox today. PSA have announced that they’re ready to begin grading Funko Pops, which is major news for high-end collectors. After all, nothing says premium like a PSA graded box…
Keep readingDo you know your collectible card terms? 101 explained
The collectible card hobby is packed full of confusing terminology and acronyms, so we’ve put together a glossary with 101 entries that explain everything you need to know to get started. If you don’t know…
Keep readingBuying and Selling Cards with eBay: Tips and Advice
eBay is one of the largest markets for buying and selling cards, but how do you secure the best prices? Here are our top tips for buying and selling cards with eBay. We do the…
Keep readingSGC Lowers Grading Rates: October 2022
SGC has substantially lowered the cost of card grading with their service, in the latest major move by one of the larger US-based companies. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about the…
Keep readingHow to find out what a valuable card is worth
How do you know if a collectible card is valuable? It can be tough for anyone who’s just getting into the hobby, especially if you don’t know where to look to get an idea of…
Keep readingUK Card Grading: Guide & Comparison
UK card grading companies have their role to play for customers in and around the region, but which is best for protecting your collection and increasing their value? We’ve put together a guide looking at…
Keep readingWhy Are Rookie Cards So Valuable?
Why are rookie cards valuable? There’s no denying that rookie cards tend to be the most popular versions to collect, whether it’s an athlete like Kobe Bryant, or a fictional character like Pikachu. (After all,…
Keep readingPSA 9 vs SGC 9 Graded Cards: Values, Guide
Let’s compare PSA 9 vs SGC 9 graded cards. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) has been around since 1991, while Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC) (founded in 1998) helped to pick up the slack during lockdowns when…
Keep reading2022 June PSA Update: Value Service Level Returns
What do we make of the 2022 PSA Update? Finally, the news that many collectors and traders have been waiting for. PSA has announced the return of their Value service level, coming in at a…
Keep readingAce Grading Review
Ace Grading is the latest UK-based service to be tested here at Card Review Club, as we aim to find out whether it’s worth sending them your most valuable Pokémon cards. Our Ace Grading review…
Keep readingIs Platinum Card Grading (PCG) Worth it?
Given the long wait times and higher prices associated with larger US-based grading companies like PSA and BGS, we’ve decided to take a look at some of the fledgling alternatives like Platinum Card Grading (PCG). …
Keep readingFake Pokémon Cards: A Comprehensive Guide
Fake Pokemon cards are more abundant than you might have expected, especially if you’re looking at older copies. Many can sell for thousands of dollars, or even more if you’re planning to get them graded…
Keep readingIs PSA Grading Worth it Right Now?
*UPDATE, January 2024: PSA has recently announced the return of their Value service level. It comes in at a price that works out to just $25 per card. They’ve also brought back the $15/card Special…
Keep readingGetGraded: Review & Guide
Our detailed GetGraded review aims to answer any questions you may have about the service. Given the substantial timescales and higher prices associated with larger US-based grading companies like PSA, we decided to take a…
Keep readingIs Majesty Grading Company (MGC) Worth It? Guide & Review
Is Majesty Grading Company worth it? Our MGC review aims to find out. Given the substantial timescales and the problems associated with larger US-based grading companies like PSA, we decided to take a look at…
Keep readingPSA Grading News: January 2022 Update
We’re back with an update for an article released back in September, looking at the massive backlog suffered by PSA, and whether they’d offer more affordable levels of service in the future. I’m happy to…
Keep readingAre New Pokémon Cards a Good Investment?
Pokémon cards are still one of the most popular markets right now, with products flying off shelves at a crazy rate. On a personal note, I went to Comic-Con recently, and all anyone seemed to…
Keep readingWhen to Buy Soccer Cards: 2022
If you’re just getting started within the collecting hobby, or you’re hoping to brush up on your skills, we’ve come up with a quick guide that will take you through everything you need to know…
Keep readingWhen to Buy or Sell Graded Cards: 2024
Interested in when to buy or sell graded cards? If you’re looking at graded cards, you’re already one step ahead of the average collector! But when is the best time to buy or sell, and…
Keep readingWhere to Buy Sports Cards: 2024
If you’re interested in building up a personal collection, or you’re just getting started within the hobby, it can be difficult to know where to buy sports cards. After all, there are many sellers who…
Keep readingBaseball and Elvis – Why Fans Matter For Any Hobby
Statistics show that interest in baseball skews towards an older audience. In and of itself, that’s not a bad thing, and all sports go through ebbs and flows depending on rulesets and current stars. However,…
Keep readingPSA Grading in the UK: September 2021 Update
Considering the sheer amount of interest in the collectible card hobby at the moment, it’s a shame that PSA are still suffering from a backlog that came to a head during lockdown last year. What…
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