GemRate FAQ & Methodology

Will GemRate only capture data for PSA?

  • The plan is to cover all major grading companies in hopes of providing a more holistic view of the population for an item. BGS data is also available as of November 2021.

Which categories do you cover?

  • We currently work with PSA's categorization.
  • The overall and category data presented by GemRate includes all of the categories featured by PSA.
  • The set, item, and player level data (including data replay) currently includes the following subset of categories:
    • Baseball Cards, Basketball Cards, Boxing Wrestling MMA Cards, Football Cards, Golf Cards, Hockey Cards, Misc Cards, Multi-Sport Cards, Soccer Cards, TCG Cards

How do you know what was graded on a given day or over a certain period of time?

  • The primary methodology for capturing any given day or period on a population report is to compare snapshots before and after that date.
    • For example, if we capture the population report on 8/14/21 and 8/15/21 - we can reasonably understand what was added to the report on 8/14.

When does GemRate data update each day?

  • Most data currently updates in the late morning ET. We hope to improve data processing over time to make the data available even earlier in the future.

How accurate is GemRate’s data?

  • We have spent months ensuring the data is of high quality. We strive for it to be very accurate.
  • That said, population data is subject to changes and recategorizations that can impact our dataset. If something looks off, let us know and we can try to get the data sorted out. We appreciate any issues or questions being flagged.
    • Most GemRate data is not impacted by recategorizations; however, the data replay feature is very vulnerable to recategorizations.
    • For example, on 8/17/21 PSA shifted data from 1999 Pokemon Japanese Neo to 2000 Pokemon Japanese Neo. If you were navigating the replay data, it might look like the data was off or incorrect, when in fact you ran into a recategorization.

The number of items graded in June on the dash is different than what was mentioned here and here. Why did it change?

  • Excellent question. We determined in July that the dataset for GemRate would be more accurate if we collected the data a few hours later than we originally started capturing it.
  • As a result, we needed to update the existing dataset to better align with data being pulled going forward.
  • Specific to the June totals, data originally considered to represent grading activity on 7/1 was shifted to 6/30, 6/30 shifted to 6/29, and so on. This made a meaningful difference for the June data we initially reported (in early July) as a 40k+ grading day was shifted into June while a minimal activity day was shifted from June into May.
  • Feel free to ignore this if not interesting! We just want to make sure it is clear that we do not go around updating data and/or methodologies without explaining ourselves.

Why do PSA population reports decrease from time to time?

  • The most common reason for this is when PSA categorizes something - a card, a set, etc. For example, there have been recent examples where PSA moved sets into the soccer category that resulted in drops in the misc category.
  • On a much smaller scale - PSA occasionally goes back into the market to buy back a card that was deemed to be graded incorrectly. That can also result in a decrease.

Do items show up on the pop report on the same day they were graded?

  • Great question. Because we are not affiliated with PSA or any grading company and don’t have any insight into the operations - we don’t know if that is the case. There could in theory be some lag between the grading date and a pop date. That said, we make the assumption that items are generally graded on and added to the pop report on the same day.

Do the dates on site represent the day the items appeared on population reports or the date when data was processed?

  • We reference updated and date graded. Updated represents when the data was captured and processed. Date graded represents when data appeared on the pop report.

Does the player data view really show all the cards for that player?

  • Currently, it shows all cards by sport/category. To see all Bo Jackson cards, for example, you would need to filter by baseball then football. Michael Jordan would require basketball then baseball. We will soon release a filter for all cards across all categories but for now, you must choose a category.
  • There are certain times when PSA and other grading companies have to shorten players' names to fit them on a label. In that instance, the shorter names get entered onto the label and impact the pop report and our ability to search for them.

What do you do with the autograph data that is separated out on PSA sites?

  • For GemRate, we combine the two different breakouts into a single report as we think that is more aligned with the use case for GemRate’s data.

What is included in the Gems category?

  • Gems includes PSA 10 for PSA & BSG 9.5, 10, & Black Label for BGS.

Beckett (BGS) data

Data in the Beckett pop report can sometimes differ from what is displayed when you view specific card details - is that also true for the data on GemRate?

  • Currently, some less frequently graded sets do not sync to BGS' master pop report in a timely fashion. We currently report the pop report data as is. However, we are working on ways to account for the BGS syncing issue to make sure all sets are current.

PSA, BGS and other grading companies categorize and label set and card details differently. How does GemRate account for that?

  • When possible, we utilize the PSA taxonomy. For example, we use the PSA categorizations and map other grading companies categories to fit.
  • However, in some instances, we also present the data as is. PSA includes parallels as a part of a broader set while BGS breaks parallels into their own set. E.g. For example, Prizm silver is a subset of Panini Prizm while it is a separate set *Panini Prizm Prizms Silver* with BGS. GemRate currently presents the data as is for each grading company; however, we will likely attempt to normalize data across the different services in the future.

Why does BGS data include other text after the player's name?

  • BGS includes additional notes and context with player descriptions - like 'RC' or other details for a specific card. Not all rookie cards have the RC designation. BGS uses it on a case by case basis. Some players have it primarily noted on the base rookie card while others do not have it noted at all. PSA includes parallels as a part of a broader set while BGS breaks parallels into their own set.

Are you providing investment advice?

  • Nope! GemRate is presented for information and research purposes. How you choose to use the data is up to you!