Storage, care and insurance

Raw cards should go into penny sleeves immediately after handling. Top loaders provide rigid protection for valuable raw cards. Semi-rigid holders are appropriate for cards you handle regularly. Store away from direct sunlight, which causes fading

Climate control matters for significant collections: extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations cause warping and surface damage. Graded cards in holders are considerably more robust than raw cards but still susceptible to UV fading through the holder window. Store graded cards in boxes, not on display shelves in sunlight. For collections above ten thousand dollars, specialist collectibles insurance is appropriate

Standard homeowners policies often have low limits for collectibles.

CollectorGrade take

UV fading is the silent destroyer of trading card collections. A raw card displayed in sunlight for a year will grade lower than the same card stored in the dark. Graded cards in holders are not immune. Store in boxes, not on display shelves.