Cards that lose value after being graded typically do so because the grade assigned is lower than what collectors expect or what the card’s raw condition suggests. Grading does not always guarantee an increase in value; in fact, if a card receives a grade below a certain threshold, it can be worth less than the ungraded version. This phenomenon is especially common when a card is graded below a 7 or 8, depending on the market and card type.
The grading process involves professional companies evaluating a card’s condition based on centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. While a high grade (such as a 10, often called “Gem Mint”) can significantly boost a card’s value, grades of 9 or lower sometimes do not add value and can even reduce it. For example, a card graded 7 or below is often valued similarly or less than the raw card because collectors may prefer to keep the card ungraded rather than accept a mediocre grade that highlights flaws[1][2].
In recent years, the market has shown a trend where only perfect or near-perfect grades (PSA 10, BGS 9.5 or 10) command premiums. Cards graded 9 often sell for about the same price as raw cards, and sometimes less, because the grading fee and the risk of damage during grading may not justify the price difference[2][3]. This is particularly true for modern cards, where the supply is high and the difference between a raw card and a 9 grade is minimal in the eyes of many collectors.
The grading process itself can sometimes cause damage or reveal imperfections that were not obvious before grading, which can reduce a card’s value. For example, cards with slight surface scratches, off-centering, or minor edge wear might receive a grade that is lower than expected, making the card less desirable. Additionally, the encapsulation (the plastic case) can sometimes cause glare or make the card look less appealing to some buyers.
From a financial perspective, grading costs can range from $10 to over $100 per card depending on the service level and declared card value[4][5]. If the card’s market value does not increase enough to cover these costs, the owner effectively loses money. This is a common pitfall for casual collectors who grade cards hoping to increase value but end up with a grade that does not justify the expense.
Regarding medical or health-related conditions affecting card grading or value, there is no direct connection between medical conditions and trading card grading or value. However, if a card’s condition is affected by environmental factors such as moisture, mold, or other damage that could be linked to poor storage conditions (which might be indirectly related to health or environmental factors), this can impact grading outcomes. For example, cards exposed to humidity or improper storage might develop surface issues or warping, which grading companies will note and downgrade accordingly. Authoritative sources on card grading, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and Beckett Grading Services, emphasize the importance of card condition and storage environment but do not link grading to medical conditions per se.
In summary, cards lose value after grading primarily when the assigned grade is lower than expected or when the grading cost outweighs the increase in market value. The grading process can expose flaws or cause minor damage, leading to a lower market price than the raw card. Only top-tier grades typically add significant value, while mid to low grades often do not justify the grading expense.
