CSG Scores a Major Victory: 1 Million Cards Graded!

As sports card enthusiasts eagerly prepare for the National Sports Collectors Convention, Certified Sports Guaranty® (CSG®) will attend the show celebrating its 1 millionth sports card graded! The lucky card is a 1997-98 UD3 Season Ticket Autographs #MJ Michael Jordan graded CSG 7, with the autograph graded CSG 10. The CSG certification label also includes an important attribution: One Millionth Card Graded.

The one-millionth card graded by CSG! Click images to enlarge.

CSG has hit the 1 million milestone faster than any third-party card grading service. From vintage to modern sports cards, the world-class experts at CSG use advanced technology to authenticate, grade and protect cards with the industry’s best holder and label. The value of CSG services has already been reflected in prices realized and the sought-after cards that CSG has certified.

“CSG hit the ground running, and we’re proud to have built on that momentum,” said Andy Broome, Vice President of CSG. “After this incredible milestone, I look forward to seeing CSG’s innovations continue to help the sports card collecting hobby grow.”

All-star players

Since launching last year, collectors have entrusted many amazing cards featuring legendary players to CSG’s expert certification services. The first card graded was a 2003-04 Topps Chrome Refractor #111 LeBron James. Pedigreed as the First Card Graded, this rookie card in a CSG holder sold for an outstanding $98,100 in a March 2021 flash auction through PWCC.

2003-04 Topps Chrome Refractor #111 LeBron James graded CSG 10 Click images to enlarge.

Another card to pass through the grading room was a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays graded CSG 8. Very few examples are in Near Mint condition, and this particular card is currently the highest-graded example recorded in the CSG Population Report. In an auction, this card would be expected to sell for well over $100,000.

1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays graded CSG 8 Click images to enlarge.

CSG was also delighted to certify a card that is as legendary as its subject: an ultra-rare 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle, which received a CSG grade of 3. This iconic card would likely realize over $50,000 in today’s market. Another example, graded CSG Authentic Altered, sold for $11,877 in an eBay sale in March 2022.

1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle graded CSG 3 Click images to enlarge.

Premium sets

Many premium modern sports cards have also been graded by CSG. One example are the cards in the Topps Dynasty Formula 1 set, which has increased in value and popularity since its release in 2021. Featuring big-name racers in the sport, these cards also include an autograph and a fragment of a race-worn suit.

2021 Topps Dynasty Formula 1 Autograph Patch #DAP-CL Charles Leclerc Black graded CSG 10 Click images to enlarge.

Another line of premium modern cards that has been certified by CSG’s expert team is Topps Project 70 — the cards look amazing with the CSG label and crystal-clear holder. These cards celebrate Topps’ 70th Anniversary of the release of its first sports cards. A selection of iconic players was reimagined into vibrant illustrations by 51 artists worldwide.

2021 Topps Project70 #483 Shohei Ohtoni Artist: Ermsy graded CSG 10 and 2021 Topps Project70 All-Star Game #ASGS Guerrero / Freeman Artist: Ermsy graded CSG 10 Click images to enlarge.

Prestigious collections

CSG has also certified prestigious collections, such as vintage Negro League Baseball cards from the collection of Richard Merkin, a famed illustrator for The New Yorker, Harper’s and The New York Times. One of his cards, a c.1922 Romeo and Julieta Cigars Jose Mendez graded CSG 2.5, sold for $19,470 at a Hake’s sale in March 2022.

c.1922 Romeo and Julieta Cigars Jose Mendez graded CSG 2.5 and pedigreed to the Richard Merkin Collection. Realized: $19,470 at a Hake's sale in March 2022 Click images to enlarge.

World-class service

Backed by the same senior management team behind the industry’s leading collectibles certification services (Numismatic Guaranty Company, Paper Money Guaranty and Certified Guaranty Company), CSG has leveraged world-class expertise, advanced technology, innovation and operational excellence to quickly have the second-largest capacity of any third-party sports card grading service. Online tools such as Verify CSG Certification, CSG Population Report and CSG Registry give collectors and dealers free access to a large amount of helpful information that benefits the collecting community.

To meet the demand for its expert certification services, CSG continues to expand its industry-leading team. To learn more about career opportunities at CSG and other affiliates of the Certified Collectibles Group, click here.

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