A raw card is an ungraded card, one that has not been submitted to a grading company and sealed in a protective slab. The term "raw" is used by collectors to distinguish ungraded cards from professionally graded ones.
Raw vs graded
| | Raw | Graded | |---|---|---| | In a protective slab | No | Yes | | Professionally authenticated | No | Yes | | Numeric grade assigned | No | Yes (e.g. PSA 10) | | Typical value | Lower | Higher (for high grades) | | Easier to store/display | Yes (fits in binders, top loaders) | Slabs take more space |
Are raw cards worthless?
Not at all. The vast majority of cards in circulation are raw, and many are worth significant money. Key rookie cards, short prints, and rare parallels hold strong value even without a grade.
Raw cards are also more practical for everyday collecting. They're easier to store in binders, cheaper to ship, and don't require the cost and wait time of grading.
When to keep cards raw
- Common base cards. Grading costs often exceed the card's value
- Cards in average condition. Grading a PSA 7 or below usually doesn't add enough value to justify the fee
- Personal collection cards. If you're not selling, there's no need to grade
- Low-value parallels. Even numbered parallels of common players may not be worth grading
When to consider grading
- High-value rookies in excellent condition. The PSA 10 premium can be significant
- Cards you plan to sell. Buyers pay more for graded cards
- Vintage cards. Grading authenticates and protects valuable older cards
How Cubbby handles raw cards
When adding a card to Cubbby, select Raw for an ungraded card. Cubbby checks matching raw sales, market estimates for Raw, and matching fixed-price asks. Graded sale or listing prices are not used as exact raw comparables. Open Valuation details to see the basis and confidence of a saved estimate.