Card Grading

Pokemon TCG GradingPokémon cards are graded primarily on their condition, which involves assessing four key aspects: centering, corners, edges, and surface. PSA, Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) are among the most popular grading companies, each with specific guidelines but similar general criteria.

Here’s how Pokémon cards are graded:

Centering - Definition: Centering refers to how evenly the card’s design is aligned within its borders. A well-centered card has equal border space on all four sides. Measurement: Centering is typically graded within a range (e.g., 60/40 or 55/45), with a near-perfect 50/50 ratio being ideal. Impact: Cards with near-perfect centering receive higher grades. Noticeable off-centering can lead to lower scores even if the rest of the card is in pristine condition.

Corners - Definition: Corners should be sharp, clean, and free from bends or wear. Assessment: Each corner is examined under magnification to check for fraying, bending, or rounding. Impact: Mint condition cards have sharp corners. Cards with even slight corner wear are graded lower, as this wear is easily visible to collectors and affects aesthetic appeal.

Edges - Definition: The card’s edges should be clean, without whitening, nicks, or dents. Assessment: Inspectors check the edges of the card carefully, especially for any chipping or whitening, which often happens on darker-edged cards. Impact: Cards with pristine edges (no nicks or wear) score higher. Even minor edge wear can lower a card’s grade, especially if it’s on multiple edges.

Surface - Definition: Surface refers to the card’s front and back, which should be free from scratches, stains, fingerprints, or any other imperfections. Assessment: Graders look for surface scratches, printing errors, scuffs, stains, or discoloration. Holographic surfaces on Pokémon cards are particularly scrutinized for scratches, as they’re prone to show wear. Impact: Surface quality heavily influences the final grade. Any visible scratches, dents, creases, or dirt lower the grade significantly, especially on holographic or foil parts of the card.

Grading Scale and Final Grade Cards are typically graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being “Gem Mint” (flawless in all aspects) and 1 being “Poor” (significant wear or damage).

Each grading company has slightly different criteria:

PSA: PSA grades out of 10, with specific criteria for each point, starting from PSA 1 (Poor) to PSA 10 (Gem Mint).
BGS: Beckett grades out of 10 but also includes subgrades (center, corners, edges, surface), which gives a more detailed view of a card’s condition.
CGC: CGC also uses a 10-point scale and is known for stricter standards on centering and surface quality.

The Grading Process Submission:

You submit the card(s) to the grading company, typically filling out details about the card and choosing a grading service level.
Authentication: The grading company first authenticates the card to ensure it’s genuine and not a counterfeit.
Evaluation: Trained graders examine each card under magnification and specialized lighting to assess centering, corners, edges, and surface.
Final Grade Assignment: Based on the evaluation, the card receives an overall grade, which represents its overall condition and appeal.
Encapsulation: Once graded, the card is sealed in a tamper-proof case with a label displaying its grade, details about the card, and a unique serial number for tracking.

Tips for Higher Grades

Handle Carefully: Avoid touching the surface directly, especially the holographic parts. Hold the card by its edges.
Store in Sleeves and Toploaders: Keep cards in protective sleeves and toploaders to prevent surface damage and corner wear.
Check Before Sending: Examine centering, edges, and surface yourself before submitting to decide if it’s likely to receive a high grade.

By carefully managing card handling, storing, and inspecting, collectors can preserve the condition of their Pokémon cards and increase the chances of receiving a high grade from PSA, BGS, or CGC.

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Last updated 5 months ago

Here’s how Pokémon cards are graded:

Grading Scale and Final Grade Cards are typically graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being “Gem Mint” (flawless in all aspects) and 1 being “Poor” (significant wear or damage).

Each grading company has slightly different criteria:

PSA: PSA grades out of 10, with specific criteria for each point, starting from PSA 1 (Poor) to PSA 10 (Gem Mint).

BGS: Beckett grades out of 10 but also includes subgrades (center, corners, edges, surface), which gives a more detailed view of a card’s condition.

CGC: CGC also uses a 10-point scale and is known for stricter standards on centering and surface quality.

The Grading Process Submission:

You submit the card(s) to the grading company, typically filling out details about the card and choosing a grading service level.

Authentication: The grading company first authenticates the card to ensure it’s genuine and not a counterfeit.

Evaluation: Trained graders examine each card under magnification and specialized lighting to assess centering, corners, edges, and surface.

Final Grade Assignment: Based on the evaluation, the card receives an overall grade, which represents its overall condition and appeal.

Encapsulation: Once graded, the card is sealed in a tamper-proof case with a label displaying its grade, details about the card, and a unique serial number for tracking.

Tips for Higher Grades

Handle Carefully: Avoid touching the surface directly, especially the holographic parts. Hold the card by its edges.

Store in Sleeves and Toploaders: Keep cards in protective sleeves and toploaders to prevent surface damage and corner wear.

Check Before Sending: Examine centering, edges, and surface yourself before submitting to decide if it’s likely to receive a high grade.

By carefully managing card handling, storing, and inspecting, collectors can preserve the condition of their Pokémon cards and increase the chances of receiving a high grade from PSA, BGS, or CGC.