You’re staring at a stack of 1990s inserts or maybe a pristine-looking modern rookie, and the question hits: to slab or not to slab? Honestly, the grading world is a bit of a mess right now. If you've been digging around for a budget-friendly way to protect your cards, you’ve likely stumbled upon All Star Grading Company, often referred to in hobby circles as ASGA.
They aren't PSA. They aren't Beckett. But for a specific niche of collectors, they’ve become a curios case of "what exactly am I getting for my money?"
The Reality of All Star Grading Company
Basically, All Star Grading & Authentication (ASGA) operates in that middle-tier space of the hobby. While the "Big Three"—PSA, BGS, and SGC—command the massive resale premiums, companies like All Star Grading provide a service that is part preservation and part authentication.
You’ve got to understand one thing right out of the gate: the market value of an ASGA 10 is rarely going to sniff the price of a PSA 10. That's just the reality of the secondary market in 2026. However, value isn't always about the flip. Sometimes it's about the "slab."
👉 See also: Finding the Schedule Copa del Rey: Why This Year's Calendar is Driving Fans Wild
ASGA uses a standard 10-point scale. Their process involves ultrasonic encapsulation, which is a fancy way of saying they weld the plastic shut with sound waves so it’s tamper-proof. Their grading criteria actually looks pretty familiar to anyone who has read a PSA manual:
- Gem Mint 10: Needs 55/45 centering or better and zero surface breaks.
- Mint 9: Allows for a minor flaw, maybe a tiny nick on a corner.
- Near Mint 8: Sharp to the naked eye but shows wear under a loop.
Why People Actually Use Them
Why would someone go with All Star Grading instead of waiting months for a "bulk" submission from the giants?
Turnaround time is the big one.
The major players have been backed up for years. If you have a card that you just want protected and labeled for your personal collection (PC), waiting 65 business days is a nightmare. All Star Grading has historically positioned itself as a faster, more accessible alternative.
Then there's the cost. Grading a $20 card for $25 plus shipping at PSA makes zero financial sense. It’s a losing game. But if you can get that same card authenticated and slabbed for a fraction of that price, it suddenly feels like a win for a collector who just wants their cards to look nice on a shelf.
The Certification Factor
One thing ASGA leans into is their autograph database. They offer signature certification, claiming over 150 years of combined experience among their staff. They use an online database so you can verify the cert number on the go. Is it as ironclad as a JSA or PSA/DNA letter of authenticity in the eyes of a high-end auction house? Probably not. But for a local card show or a mid-tier eBay sale, it’s a lot better than a "raw" autograph with a "trust me" story.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That every graded slab is an investment.
I see it all the time. Someone buys an All Star Grading 10 of a common player and thinks they’ve found a gold mine. In the hobby, we call these "off-brand" slabs. They are great for protection. They are great for aesthetics. But they don't carry the "liquidity" of the major brands.
If you try to sell an ASGA card, many buyers will treat it as a "raw" card that happens to be in a nice case. They might even assume the grade is "soft." This isn't necessarily fair to the graders at All Star, but it’s how the market moves.
The Controversy and Competition
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. The grading industry is currently flooded. You have AI-driven companies like AGS (Automated Grading Systems) using scanners to remove human bias. You have HGA with their custom labels. You even have "Five Star Grading," which sounds suspiciously similar but is a different entity entirely.
All Star Grading & Authentication has had to fight for airtime. They are a smaller operation. This means you get a more "human" touch, but it also means they lack the multi-million dollar marketing budgets of the titans in California or Texas.
Is It Legit?
Yes, they are a real company. They slab cards. They return them. They don't just disappear with your cardboard.
But "legit" in the card world has two meanings. Does the company exist? Yes. Does the grade "hold water" at a major auction house like Goldin or Heritage? Not really. Most high-end collectors would "crack" an ASGA slab and resubmit it to PSA if they thought the card was a true Gem Mint.
Actionable Insights for Collectors
If you're thinking about sending your cards to All Star Grading, here is the playbook:
- Check Your Intent: If you want to flip a card for maximum profit on eBay, stop. Go to PSA or SGC.
- Personal Collection (PC): If you love the card and want it protected in a sturdy, clear holder with a professional label, ASGA is a perfectly fine choice.
- Authentication: If you have an uncertified autograph from a 90s star and want some level of verification without paying more than the card is worth, their signature service is a tool in the box.
- Examine the Slab: ASGA slabs are generally lightweight and clear. If you hate the "clunky" feel of some older Beckett slabs, you might actually prefer these.
Don't let the "All Star" name fool you into thinking it's the gold standard of the industry. It’s a utility service. Use it for protection, use it for your own joy, but don't expect it to turn a base card into a mortgage payment.
Before you ship anything, always check their current "Complete Through Dates" on their website to ensure their turnaround times haven't spiked. If you're submitting a high-value vintage card, like a 1952 Topps or a 1986 Fleer Jordan, stick to the big guys. For everything else? The choice is yours.
Next Steps for You:
- Inspect your cards under a 10x loupe before sending them anywhere; even a "budget" grader will catch a surface wrinkle you missed.
- Compare the slab aesthetics of ASGA against other mid-tier companies like CGC or HGA to see which look fits your display best.
- Verify the current pricing on the official ASGA website, as "show specials" often provide the best value for bulk submissions.