If you’re new to grading trading cards and want to understand what determines its score, this article is for you.
While different grading companies use their own specific scales, the assessment of a card typically revolves around four key factors: centering, corners, edges, and surface.
Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your cards and help you decide whether it’s worth grading.
Centering
Centering refers to how well the image or design of a card is positioned within its borders.
Ideally, the artwork should be perfectly balanced on all sides, meaning the spacing between the borders is equal.
However, this is not always the case, as misalignment during the printing or cutting process can lead to noticeable shifts.
Cards with perfect centering are often considered the most desirable, but slight imperfections are common and do not necessarily ruin a card’s overall appeal.
Grading typically considers centering ratios, such as 50/50, which indicates perfect alignment, or 60/40, where there is a slight discrepancy but still within an acceptable range.
More extreme misalignments can greatly impact a card’s grade, as they make the card appear noticeably off-balance. Even if a card is in flawless condition otherwise, poor centering alone can lower its grade.
Corners
The condition of a card’s corners is another crucial factor in grading.
Sharp, well-defined corners indicate that a card has been well-preserved and minimally handled.
In contrast, frayed, worn or dented corners suggest wear and damage, which can significantly affect the grade.
Corner wear can occur for several reasons, including frequent handling, improper storage, or movement within a loose sleeve or binder. Even cards pulled directly from packs are not immune to corner imperfections.
Collectors often go to great lengths to protect their cards from corner damage by using top loaders or semi-rigid holders to keep them in pristine condition.
In grading, even the slightest imperfections can reduce a card’s score, and the more severe the damage, the lower the grade will be.
Edges
A card’s edges should be clean, sharp, and free from chipping or fraying.
This aspect of grading is particularly important for holographic or coloured-border cards, where even the slightest damage can be more noticeable.
Edge wear is a common issue caused by handling, poor storage, or friction from sliding in and out of protective sleeves.
While minor edge wear may not drastically lower a card’s grade, significant issues such as whitening or rough cuts can make a big difference.
Collectors often inspect their cards under good lighting to check for edge imperfections that might not be immediately obvious.
Maintaining smooth, undamaged edges is key to obtaining a high score in this area.
Surface
The surface of a trading card should be free of scratches, stains, dents, or print defects. Any imperfections on the surface can negatively impact the overall grade.
This aspect of grading is particularly important for holographic cards, which are more prone to scratches and scuffs.
Scratches are one of the most common issues, as they can easily occur if a card is not stored in a protective sleeve.
While minor surface flaws may not completely ruin a card’s grade, more noticeable issues, such as deep scratches, creases, or stains, will significantly lower it.
Should You Grade Your Trading Cards?
Grading cards has gained huge popularity in recent years, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.
Although we’ve considered what grading companies are looking for, it’s important to address what you’re looking for!
If you want a way to authenticate your cards and preserve their condition, grading is a great way to do so.
But grading as a way of adding value to your cards offers no guarantees. Although grading companies are adopting more technology, it’s still quite a subjective process.
With that said, there’s no denying that highly-sought after cards in a top grade add another layer of rarity, demand and potential value to a card.
