Wondering how our grading scale works? Continue reading for clarification!
CENTERING
The centering of your card is scored by the border of the card itself. Each card will be observed under a card centering tool. To obtain the highest score in this subgrade, the centering of the card must not exceed 60/40 in both the front and back sides of the card.
70/30 centering will receive a subgrade of 9
75/25 centering will receive a subgrade of 8
80/20 centering will receive a subgrade of OC (Off Center)
If the centering on the front and back have two different ratios, a half grade will be awarded to the side with the lower grade.
For example, if your card is 70/30 in the front, and 75/25 on the back, your centering grade will be an 8.5.
SURFACE
For surface grading, each card is placed under a microscope in order to identify imperfections, such as print lines, scratches, dents, ink stains, etc. To obtain the highest score in this subgrade, the surface of the card must be free of any scratches, stains, or other imperfections. Exceptions may be made in the event of very minor discrepancies that are not obvious to the naked eye. The more imperfections that are found, the more the surface subgrade will be lowered.
CORNERS
The corners of the card are graded similarly to the edges. The card's corners will first be observed for similarity. The corners must all be perfectly rounded or sharp (depending on the intended card style). To receive the highest score in this subgrade, each corner must appear similar, and will go under a microscope and jewel loupe to identify the following: Any staining, possible artificial coloration, evidence of trimming, or attempts of restoration of the card. The more imperfections that are found, the more the corners subgrade will be lowered.
EDGES
The edges subgrade is determined by the structure of the edges of the card. To obtain the highest score in this subgrade, the edges of the card must be free of any nicks, fraying, scratching, whitening, etc. After the initial observation has been made, the card will go under a microscope and jewel loupe to identify any staining or possible artificial coloration of the card. The more imperfections that are found, the more the edges subgrade will be lowered.
OVERALL GRADES
- The overall grade can be determined in 3 different ways.
*Scenario one: A card's overall grade will be 0.5 higher than the lowest subgrade.
*Example- Centering: 8.5, Surface: 9, Corners: 9.5, Edges: 10
* This card's overall grade will be a 9, which is 0.5 higher than it's lowest subgrade (centering of 8.5).
*Scenario two: A card's overall grade will be 1 whole point higher than the lowest subgrade, IF the difference between the next lowest subgrade is 1.5 or more (cutoff is 7.5 as the lowest subgrade).
*Example- Centering: 9, Surface: 6, Corners: 7.5, Edges: 8
* This card's overall grade will be a 7, which is 1 whole point higher than it's lowest subgrade (surface of 6).
*Scenario three: If a card's two lowest subgrades match, that subgrade becomes the overall grade.
*Example- Centering: 9, Surface: 9.5, Corners: 9, Edges: 9.5
* This card's overall grade will be a 9, because the two lowest subgrades match (Centering and Corners of 9).
GRADING SCALE
Perfect 10 (All subgrades received a 10)
Pristine 10 (3 subgrades received a 10, 1 received a. 9.5)
Gem Mint 9.5
Mint 9
Near Mint/ Mint+ 8.5
Near Mint/ Mint 8
Near Mint+ 7.5
Near Mint 7
Excellent/ Near Mint+ 6.5
Excellent/ Near Mint 6
Excellent+ 5.5
Excellent 5
Very Good/ Excellent+ 4.5
Very Good/ Excellent 4
Very Good+ 3.5
Very Good 3
Good+ 2.5
Good 2
It's Alright 1.5
Pls Just Keep It 1