Our method
How TGP grades your cards
Every card follows the same steps, from the parcel we receive to the certificate. Here is exactly what we do, and what you get back.
The 6 steps
- 1
Reception
Your parcel is opened and every card is logged with your order number. You can follow progress in your account.
- 2
Authentication
We check that the card is genuine and look for signs of alteration (trimming, touch-ups). A counterfeit card is not graded and is returned to you.
- 3
Evaluation
Four criteria are examined one by one, each receiving a subgrade: centering, corners, edges and surface.
- 4
Final grade
The card receives a final grade from 1 to 10, in half-point steps. The subgrades remain visible on its certificate.
- 5
Encapsulation
The card is sealed in a TGP slab that cannot be opened without breaking it, with a label showing its grade.
- 6
Certification
The card gets a unique certificate number you can check online, and you receive a stamped paper certificate showing its name, serial number and grade.
The 4 graded criteria
Centering
How evenly the borders frame the artwork, front and back. The more even the borders, the higher the score.
Corners
The sharpness of all four corners: rounded, dented or whitened corners lower the score.
Edges
The condition of the edges: chips, whitening or rough cuts are noted.
Surface
Scratches, print lines, dents, stains or fingerprints, on the front and the back.
The TGP grading scale
Grades run from 1 to 10 in half-point steps. Each grade matches an international name used by collectors.
| Grade | Name |
|---|---|
| 10 | Gem Mint |
| 9.5 | Mint+ |
| 9 | Mint |
| 8.5 | NM-MT+ |
| 8 | NM-MT |
| 7.5 | NM+ |
| 7 | NM |
| 6.5 | EX-MT+ |
| 6 | EX-MT |
| 5.5 | EX+ |
| 5 | EX |
| 4.5 | VG-EX+ |
| 4 | VG-EX |
| 3.5 | VG+ |
| 3 | VG |
| 2.5 | Good+ |
| 2 | Good |
| 1.5 | Fair |
| 1 | Poor |
What you receive
Your card in a sealed slab
A TGP slab that cannot be opened without breaking it, with a label showing the grade and certificate number.
An online certificate
On our Verify page, with the certificate number: card name, grade, subgrades and front and back photos. Handy to prove the card's condition to a buyer.
A stamped paper certificate
A printed, stamped certificate sent with your card: card name, serial number, grade, and certification by TGP.
Ready to grade your cards?
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