Collector guide

How Card Grading Works

A plain-language look at intake, identification, authentication, condition review, grading and encapsulation.

Graded-card decisions combine authentication, condition, market demand, service cost and personal collecting goals. A numerical grade is useful information, but it does not replace inspection of the card or the economics of the transaction.

1. Submission intake

Submission intake should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

2. Card identification

Card identification should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

3. Authenticity and alteration screening

Authenticity and alteration screening should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

4. Condition evaluation

Condition evaluation should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

5. Grade assignment

Grade assignment should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

6. Encapsulation and certification

Encapsulation and certification should be evaluated in the context of the exact card, collecting goal, grading company, market and total cost. Record what is known, separate official information from seller claims, and use conservative outcomes when money is involved.

Important: This guide is educational. It does not predict a grade, guarantee authenticity, provide an appraisal or recommend cards as investments.

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