Grading System
Our Grading Process Explained
Our all new grading scale & standards coming soon!
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Grading specialists take into account and interpret the manufacturers intentions.
For Example, unique, undefined bordered cards. As well as card textures.
Centering
Centering is the first step in our grading process. All cards are scanned. The centering is then graded using incredibly precise software that can detect the centering down to a single percent. A grading specialist looks over the computer generated grade and assigns the centering score. Since we are able to detect the exact centering so accurately, we have the most strict centering grade system in the industry.
Corners
After the centering is graded the corners are evaluated. Four razor sharp corners to the naked eye earns a Gem Mint 10. Under the scrutiny of magnification the corners will have to remain free from any imperfections to earn a EPIC GEM 10 grade. Any slight imperfection to the naked eye drops the value to the cards corners grade. If the card has multiple corner problems or damage that is greater than a slight imperfection will cause the grad value to drop even farther.
Sharp crisp edges are important to obtaining a high grade. Smooth, sharp edges with no visible flaws will earn a Gem Mint 10. If the edges remain sharp and crisp under more intense scrutiny it will qualify for the EPIC GEM 10 designation. The grading scale is similar to the corners with each minor flaw to the naked eye dropping the card value in the edges grading scale.  A slightly white border, chipping, or even the smallest visible speck will knock the grade value down. The Lowest graded cards will display a large amount of chipping and discoloring, of the borders/edges. be found below.
The Surface is the last step in the grading process. We strongly recommend that you carefully make sure the surface is dust/debris free. Surface flaws can be from the printing, packaging, shipping or even from slight handling. The entire surface of the card front and back is looked over from different angles using lighting to illuminate any flaws. If a card has very minor difficult to see flaw it will result in a loss of value. Under scrutiny, if the card appears free of flaws, it will qualify for EPIC GEM status. Any major surface imperfections or damage can knock the grade value down significantly. The back of the card is held to the same grading standards as the front.
Edges
Surface
Centering
Corners
EPIC GEM 10 - 50%/50%
Gem MINT 10 - 55%-45&
MINT 9-9.5 - 65%-35%
NEAR MINT 8-8.5 - 70%-30%
GOOD 7-7.5 - 75%-25%
FAIR 6-6.5 - 80%-20%
POOR 5-5.5 - 85%-15%
BASE 4.5 & Under - 90%-10%
EPICÂ GEMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Perfect
Gem MINTÂ Â Â Â Â Â 10- 0Â Slight Imp
MINTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 9-9.5- 1-2Â Slight Imp
NEAR MINT Â 8-8.5- 3Â Slight Imp
GOODÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7-7.5- 4 Slight Imp
FAIRÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6-6.5-Â Discretionary
POORÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-5.5- Discretionary
BASEÂ Â 4.5 & Under- Discretionary
Edges
Surface
EPICÂ GEMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Perfect
Gem MINTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â 10- 0Â Imp
MINTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 9 -9.5- 1-2Â Slight Imp
NEAR MINTÂ Â 8-8.5- 3Â Slight Imp
GOODÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7-7.5- 4 Slight Imp
FAIRÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6-6.5-Â Discretionary
POORÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-5.5- Discretionary
BASEÂ Â 4.5 & Under- Discretionary
EPIC GEMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Perfect
Gem MINTÂ Â Â Â Â 10- 0Â Slight Imp
MINTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 9-9.5- 1-2Â Slight Imp
NEAR MINT Â 8-8.5- 3Â Slight Imp
GOODÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 7-7.5- 4 Slight Imp
FAIRÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6-6.5-Â Discretionary
POORÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-5.5- Discretionary
BASEÂ Â 4.5 & Under- Discretionary