Beckett Grading Services (BGS) has been one of the most influential card grading companies since its launch in 1999. Known for its subgrade system, pristine BGS Black Label 10, and thick, tamper-proof slabs, BGS quickly became a favorite among collectors looking for a more detailed grading report. While PSA dominated the industry in terms of recognition, BGS carved out a niche by offering a more comprehensive and transparent grading system.
Let’s explore the history of BGS, how it changed card grading, and how it compares to modern AI-powered grading services today.
The Origins of Beckett Grading Services (1999-2000s)
Before launching BGS, Dr. James Beckett was already a well-respected figure in the card-collecting community. His Beckett Price Guide, launched in the 1980s, was the go-to resource for determining card values. Seeing a growing demand for third-party grading, Beckett launched Beckett Grading Services (BGS) in 1999 as a competitor to PSA.
Key Innovations That Set BGS Apart
Beckett introduced several game-changing innovations in card grading:
✅ Subgrades – Instead of just assigning a single grade, BGS graded four key aspects:
- Centering
- Corners
- Edges
- Surface
This transparent system allowed collectors to see exactly why a card received its final grade.
✅ Pristine BGS Black Label 10 – Unlike PSA, which stops at a Gem Mint 10, BGS introduced a higher-tier Pristine 10 Black Label, awarded only when all four subgrades receive a perfect 10. These are among the rarest and most valuable graded cards.
✅ Thicker, tamper-proof slabs – BGS cases are more durable than PSA’s, offering superior protection.
The Rise of BGS in the Hobby (2010s-2020s)
Throughout the 2010s, BGS became the preferred grading company for modern sports and Pokémon cards, especially for collectors who valued the Black Label 10. Key milestones include:
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) – BGS expanded into authenticating autographs and memorabilia.
- BGS vs. PSA debates – Many collectors argued that a BGS 9.5 (Gem Mint) was equal to or even superior to a PSA 10 due to BGS’s stricter grading.
- Boom in Pokémon Grading – BGS saw a surge in Pokémon submissions, especially for 1st Edition Charizards and high-end TCG cards.
Challenges & Competition (2020s)
Despite its innovations, BGS has faced challenges in the modern grading era:
🚨 Backlogs & Delays – During the pandemic boom, BGS faced extreme delays, similar to PSA.
🚨 Lack of Online Tools – Unlike PSA, BGS lacked a population report or easily accessible online database.
🚨 Competition from AI Grading – New companies like AGS (Automated Grading Systems) are offering faster, unbiased AI grading, which eliminates human subjectivity and grading inconsistencies.
BGS vs. AI Grading: The Future of Card Grading
With the rise of AI-powered grading, BGS faces increased competition from companies like AGS, which offer:
🔹 Fully automated AI grading – No human bias, faster turnaround times.
🔹 Detailed digital reports – Showing exact flaws in centering, corners, edges, and surface.
🔹 More consistent grades – Eliminating the inconsistency issues seen in human grading.
While BGS remains a respected name, collectors are now looking for faster, more transparent, and more consistent grading solutions. AI-powered services like AGS are pushing the industry forward with innovative, tech-driven grading methods.
Final Thoughts: Is BGS Still a Top Grading Choice?
BGS remains one of the most trusted grading companies, especially for collectors who value subgrades and Black Label 10s. However, with the rise of AI-powered grading, the industry is evolving toward faster, more accurate authentication methods. Whether BGS adapts to new technology will determine its place in the future of card grading.