Hi everyone,
Thought there was already a thread like this but I cannot find it now. I am looking for a breakdown of all of the differences between BGS and CGC. For example, I am wondering the difference in turnaround times (for someone US based), liquidity of cards graded mint and lower grades, difference in size and quality of the cases, and which is more expensive to use for a few dozen cards. Thank you!
CGC has better turnarounds and pricing. BGS lower grade (9 and under) tend to be very inconsistent. CGC grades are very consistent for their respective numbers. BGS cases are basically bricks, and for a few dozen I’d go with cgc
From what I have seen, CGC is the most accurate though harsh on grades.
From my limited experience of about 30 cgc cards I would say CGC is more harsh consistent and that most BGS cards would be about 0.5 grade higher then the card if it was sent to cgc. Atleast in the below 9 grades
From what I have seen CGC is much cheaper and has a shorter turnaround time compared to BGS. I haven’t yet submitted to them or bought a CGC graded card but they look like they do an amazing job and I want to try them out at some point in the future.
They appear to grade cards tough from what I seen. They only grade Magic the Gathering & Pokemon cards which in personal opinion is beneficial as the graders only focus on the two card series and they aren’t lumped in with sports cards. They appear to have more knowledgable than BGS for Pokemon and label everything correctly from what I have seen. Keep in mind I haven’t used the service and I am going off personal observations.
Beckett grade Pokemon tough and scrutinise every small imperfection from what I have experienced when I have submitted to them. Most of the cards I have submitted have been in the 8.5 - 9 - 9.5 and 10 range as final grades and most seem to be accurate in personal predictions.
I have tested them with a few cards and they have been somewhat accurate with identifying what imperfections in that grade range.
Turnaround times lately have been long for the 5 day and 30 day service but the current estimated times on the website have been on point for me.
Labeling is questionable with some cards I have sent in and some cards I have graded don’t appear on the Beckett pop report for whatever reason.
I’ve noticed well known cards get added to it and lesser cards if they are population one don’t get added to the report. As an example quite a few Japanese Tag Team GX All Stars cards have been graded by Beckett and have been sold on ebay and they don’t appear on the pop report when you use the search function.
Some of the first sent in legendary heartbeat Amazing rare cards on the pop report haven’t been recorded to it. I remember a certain over hyped poketuber getting a few pristines and a couple of black labels.
Kind of makes the pop report pointless in personal opinion if graded cards are missing from it.
Well known modern english set cards appear on it no issue but it still makes me question if some previously graded cards are missing.
Personally if you have the means to send into CGC I would as they seem to provide the better service from personal observations. You get sub grades if you choose to do so, accurate labels, tough grading and a faster turnaround time.