If you’re an SGC grading regular, this SGC Grading Updates post is for you. Bookmark it and check back any time you have a question. It will be updated frequently as needed.
The SGC message boards are often flooded with the same few questions asked over and over again.
Here are some of the current FAQ as of March 2025:
Is SGC a bit slower than usual? Why are my cards sitting at the post office?
Yes, SGC is definitely slowed down by some recent grading specials. Your cards are delivered to a P.O. Box, and it seems that SGC does not pick up daily. So if your cards are sitting but marked as “delivered,” rest easy. There are current reports of cards sitting at the post office for over 1 week before pickup.
Unfortunately, SGC seems to start your “clock” upon check-in of your order. In my mind, the clock should start once my order arrives at the P.O. Box.
I submit to SGC through Boca Card Subs, which speeds up the processing time on both the front and back ends currently.
Update 4 March 2-25:
Is USPS slow right now? My cards have been in (insert hub here) for 5 days! Do I panic?
As of March 1, yes, USPS is running slower than usual. In any case, it is not at all uncommon for your cards to sit at a single hub for several days. And a single snow storm in the Midwest can snarl traffic across the entire U.S. A list of current delays can be found here. It is frustrating, but there’s no need to panic.
When does the current grading special end?
They often give short notice about the end of their specials. The current special is for 1970’s-80’s cards. Eric Drew from Boca Card Subs often posts end dates when they are announced. The Boca Card Subs Facebook group is an excellent source of current info.
Does SGC grade my card / set?
The best way to check is to simply look at the Pop Report. The only caveat is that there are some sets they have stopped grading. Desert Shield is one example. But if the set is not even in their pop report, then no, they do not grade it. If in doubt, the best source of current info is their Customer Service form.
Will SGC accept my card in a sealed mag holder? Toploader?
Yes, they will accept them and grade them. But they prefer Card Savers, so just do that if you can.
Does SGC authenticate autographs?
No–pack-pulled autos only. They will return anything else.
Why aren’t my autos graded?
SGC only puts the auto grade on the slab if it is a 10. Otherwise, you will have a card grade only.
Other SGC Grading Updates?
If there is another category of SGC grading updates you would like to see included in this article, just drop a comment of contact us here.
