FAQ

GradeX is so much more than a website pertaining to graded cards and collectibles. Our goal is to become a core website within the hobby and the industry. Look at it as a never-ending living document offering key points for beginners as well as critical information for the experienced and discriminating collector. 

The name GradeX comes from the following…

1. Grading = professional grading
2. Grades = educational
3. Grad = educational
4. ex = expertise
5. ex = index (price guide and population data)
6. GradeX = sounds like “greatest”. We strive to be a go-to core resource for the hobby and industry.

In a word, yes. This site is for everyone eager to learn about the world of collecting.

Key cards and collectibles are listed in Market Report.

Key cards meaning — prominent rookies, stars, HOFers, variations, errors, autographs, serial numbered, memorabilia.

Key collectibles meaning — prominent magazines, tickets and video games (coming).

The cards and collectibles listed are ones that have been graded in prominent quantities by the major grading companies, and/or have prominence in that particular market.

For non-sports (or entertainment cards) we are starting with key cards from key sets of Marvel, DC and Star Wars.

We strive to list items that are “worth grading”. In other words, the market value of the card is above the cost of the raw card and having it graded.

The Price Guide is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all cards and collectibles.

If you are looking for complete card checklists, we recommend tcdb.com.

Our living Market Report is a tool that should be used to estimate the value of key collectibles, based on various factors. Here’s a general overview of our pricing philosophies:

Data Collection: Our researchers gather data from multiple sources, including recent sales from online marketplaces, auction houses, and in-store and show sales (when available).

Comparable Sales: Value is often determined by examining recent sales of exact or similar items. For example, in trading cards, if recent sales data for an exact card is not available, we look at comparable cards of comparable players (or subjects) in comparable sets (or subsets) that have sold recently under similar market conditions.

Market Analysis: Our analysts consider current market conditions, such as supply and demand, economic factors, and seasonal trends. This helps in understanding the broader context in which the item is being valued.

Expert Insights: Our team of analysts have different areas of expertise in collecting. We also consult experts in particular market segments to provide additional insights based on their experience and knowledge. This can help in identifying anomalies or trends that might not be immediately apparent from the data alone.

Publication: The compiled data, analysis and notes are then published in our Market Report, which can be used by buyers, sellers, and collectors to make informed decisions.

Our Market Report is a valuable tool for your collecting journey, but it’s important to remember that it provides estimates rather than exact values. Market conditions can change, and individual transactions may vary based on specific circumstances.

It’s also important to remember that cards and collectibles can sell for different values depending on when they are sold where they are sold.

We utilize a variety of resources to determine the secondary-market values of the cards and collectibles in our price guide:

1. Public online completed transactions from prominent auction houses and marketplaces, such as eBay, Fanatics Collect, COMC, mySlabs, Heritage Auctions, Goldin Auctions, Pristine Auctions, REA, Classic Auctions, Vintage Non-Sport Auctions, and more.
2. In-store and show sales as reported by trusted sources.
3. The relationship between grades: strong pricing data for a specific grade can influence the prices of cards with higher and lower grades.
4. We don’t just average confirmed sale prices; we consider the significance of certain sales. For example, an auction for a particular collectible might end at a time of day when fewer potential buyers are actively bidding, which we view as a potential anomaly requiring further research.
5. Similarly, ‘Buy It Now’ sales might be priced below the current market value and quickly purchased by a buyer. We do not necessarily consider this a dip in the market for the item; again, further investigation is needed.

Many of our images come from our personal collections. Others come from public sources such as eBay. Any other images are sourced and credited. All images have been color corrected, resized and clean up for a consistent feel and look.

We are always looking for input and expertise in particular market segments. Feel free to contact us with story ideas and/or pricing data or information.

You can also fill out our quick Contact Form.

Please fill out our quick Contact Form and select the “Advertising and Partnership Opportunities” option from the “I’m interested in…” pull-down menu. One of our advertising representatives will be in touch shortly after.