The value of a card or comic depends on its rarity and physical condition.
Determining the value of old cards and comics requires understanding the relative rarity and physical condition of each item. Examining each item for significant physical defects and checking their current value online can help you determine which items are then worth sending to a professional grading service.
Instructions
1. Examine the condition of the old cards and comics using a magnifying glass. Any noticeable tears, water damage, stains or non-printing blemishes significantly decrease the value of the item. Faded printing and small cosmetic blemishing will only slightly decrease the value of the item.
2. Consult the quality grading rubric for your old cards and comics and estimate the current condition of each item (see Resources). The value of an item is heavily dependent on the quality; any item with significant damage beyond typical wear-and-tear is worth only a fraction of its mint-condition price.
3. Search an online pricing guide for an estimation of the value of the item (see Resources). Please note that most collectible items are valued on a sliding scale depending on the condition of the item.
4. Send valuable cards and comics to a professional grading service so that you can receive a more precise estimation of its value (see Resources).
