eBay has expanded its Authenticity Guarantee service for trading cards to Canada. Single ungraded trading cards (including collectible card games, sports and non-sports cards) sold for $250+ within Canada will now be sent to Certified Collectibles Group to be authenticated and then forwarded to the buyer, if passed.
Last year, eBay began authenticating higher valued ungraded cards sold on its platform in the United States and later expanded the requirement to include cards sold for $250 or more that had previously been graded.
“Authentication is a top priority for collectors, and we’re excited to expand our Authenticity Guarantee offering for trading cards to the Canadian market,” said Gene Cook, Vice President, Global Collectibles at eBay. Cook says it “represents an industry first for The Hobby in terms of size and scale, and supports our community of collectors who are merging their passions with investments.”
Authenticity Guarantee for Trading Cards: How It Works
When a service-eligible trading card purchase is made, the seller ships it directly to a team of authenticators in Canada at Certified Collectibles Group – including its affiliates, CGC Trading Cards and Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG) – for inspection. Details on the trading card authentication process include:
- Thorough Inspection: Referencing an extensive database, authenticators inspect the overall condition and general quality. Each card is checked against the listing description to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
- Proof of Authentication: The e-tag features a unique QR code that’s attached to the card’s protective packaging. The packaging is then placed in the card holder to finalize the process, reaffirming confidence in collectability and resale value. Collectors can scan the QR code on any mobile device to learn more about the card and its authentication journey.
- Verified Returns: For sellers who choose to offer returns, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service for trading cards ensures the exact item initially sold is returned to the seller, via a verified returns process. Returns are shipped back to the authentication center, where authentication experts verify each item and its condition before returning it to the seller.
eBay Trading Cards by the Numbers in Canada:
- The most popular current NHL players in Canada, according to eBay Canada, are Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. They also were the most expensive trading cards sold by a Canadian in the last five years:
- The most expensive single hockey card sold on eBay by a Canadian is the 2015 SP Authentic Connor McDavid ROOKIE RC AUTO /999 #226 BGS 10 PRISTINE for $115,500 CAD.
- The most expensive Toronto Maple Leafs single hockey card sold on eBay by a Canadian is the 20-21 Skybox Metal Universe PMG GOLD 1/1 Auston Matthews for $21,100 CAD.
- Wayne Gretzky and Tim Horton are still the top searched trading cards by Canadians.
- The most expensive basketball card sold by a Canadian on eBay in 2022 was the 2019-20 PANINI DONRUSS OPTIC NEBULA JORDAN POOLE 1/1 1of1 PSA 10 GEM MINT ROOKIE for $40,900 CAD.
- The most expensive baseball card sold by a Canadian on eBay in 2022 was the 1911 T205 Gold Border Ty Cobb PSA 5.5 POP 4 Scarce Factory 42 for $29,600 CAD.
More information on Canada’s authentication offering for trading cards can be found here.
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