40%
Surface
Surface, scratches and gloss. Under special lighting we inspect every card for the finest marks and loss of shine.
Official Grading Guide
The PGS Grading Scale – from 1 to 10.
The scale is the foundation of how we determine value and gives you a transparent, internationally recognized classification of your treasures. Every grade is based on a meticulous analysis of the physical characteristics – to safeguard the long-term integrity and market value of your collection.
From the flawless perfection of a Gold Label to the authenticated value preservation of historic classics: our experts assess every card with the highest precision and technical expertise – objective, traceable and based on clearly defined criteria.
50 / 50
10GEM MINT
Corners inspected
Edges inspected
Centering measured
Surface scanned
Done — Gem Mint 10
Grade Scale
Every grade clearly defined.
From reference piece to Gem Mint grade: this is how we objectively classify the condition of your card – understandable at a glance.
10Gold · PerfectAbsolute perfection. 50/50 centering. Receives our exclusive Gold Label – only with 4× grade 10 across all subgrades.
10.0Gem MintNear perfect. Highest eye appeal.
9.5Mint PlusPremium. Only minimal deviation.
9.0MintFirst-class. Minimal print lines / whitening.
8.0NM-MintVery good. Light signs of wear.
7.0Near MintVisible whitening or scratches.
6.0EX-MintNoticeable wear or dirt.
5.0ExcellentHeavy scratches or clear abrasion.
4.0VG-ExcellentVisible defects or discoloration.
3.0Very GoodLight creases. Clear scratches.
2.0GoodHeavy creases and soiling.
1.0PoorMassive damage. Deep creases.
AAuthenticThe card has been altered in a way that makes an objective condition assessment impossible – e.g. too heavily damaged, overpainted, concealed flaws or subsequent modifications. Autographs and signatures also count as such modifications.
Half grades possible: In the upper range we also award half grades – 9.5, 8.5, 7.5 and 6.5. That is where small details decide the value, so we measure more finely. From 6.0 downwards we award whole grades.
Autographs & signatures: We can grade signed cards if you include proof of authenticity – e.g. photo or video evidence of the signing or other authentication. Official autograph cards (certified autos) are of course also possible.
Grade Distribution
What we assess.
The overall grade is composed of four central criteria – each with a clearly defined weight in the final grade.
20%
Corners
Shape and integrity of the corners. Even the finest corner wear influences the assessment.
20%
Edges
Cut quality and color abrasion of the edges. We check for nicks, abrasion and discoloration.
20%
Centering
Image alignment and symmetry. Centering enters the final grade from a potential 9.0 upwards.
Info on centering: Centering only enters the final grade from a potential 9.0 upwards – specifically, as soon as the average without centering reaches 8.80. If a result sits exactly on a boundary, the lower grade applies.
The Formula
Precision over gut feeling.
Our formula guarantees an objective and transparent determination of your final grade – in three traceable steps.
01 · Standard calculation · Grade < 9.0
Without centering
G = (2S + C + E) ÷ 4
For grades below 9.0, surface, corners and edges count – with surface weighted twice.
02 · Premium calculation · Grade ≥ 9.0
Including centering
G = 0.4·S + 0.2·C + 0.2·E + 0.2·Z
From 9.0 upwards, centering (Z) enters the final grade with 20 %.
03 · Final result
Fixed grade bands
8.25 → 8.0
The result falls into a fixed grade band. If it sits exactly on a boundary, the lower grade applies – an average of 8.25 therefore yields an 8.0, not an 8.5. All boundaries are listed below.
S = Surface
C = Corners
E = Edges
Z = Centering
G = overall grade · Gf = final grade
The boundaries
Check your grade yourself.
These are the bands our system uses. The lower boundary belongs to the band, the upper one does not – an average of exactly 8.30 is already an 8.5, while 8.25 is still an 8.0. Up to 8.5 we calculate without centering, from 9.0 with it.
10from 9.80Gem Mint. With 4× grade 10 across all subgrades we also award the Gold Label.
9.59.40 – 9.80Mint Plus.
9.08.80 – 9.40Mint. From here centering counts for 20 %.
8.58.30 – 8.80NM-Mint.
8.07.75 – 8.30NM-Mint. This is where the common case 8.25 sits – e.g. subgrades 8 / 8 / 8 / 8.5, because surface counts double.
7.57.25 – 7.75Near Mint.
7.06.50 – 7.25Near Mint.
6.05.50 – 6.50EX-Mint.
5.04.50 – 5.50Excellent.
4.03.50 – 4.50VG-Excellent.
3.02.50 – 3.50Very Good.
2.01.50 – 2.50Good.
1.00.75 – 1.50Poor.
Abelow 0.74Authentic – an objective condition assessment is no longer possible.
Our Labels
Transparency meets design.
The label is the heart of every graded card and documents its condition for eternity – with year, TCG, language, set, card name, overall grade and a unique grading ID. We offer three specialized label types to give every collectible the right stage.
Standard
Standard Label
Below grade 7.0
Focus on the essentials: the clear overall grade without subgrades.
Subgrades
Standard with Subgrades
From grade 7.0
Full transparency with all subgrades: detailed individual assessments for centering, corners, edges and surface.
Exclusive
Gold Label
The ultimate
Only those who achieve 4× grade 10 across all subgrades receive our golden special label – the crown of any collection.
Grading Pre-Info
Card requirements.
So your cards fit perfectly and stay protected, clear specifications apply to format and dimensions. These TCGs and formats we accept.
Accepted TCGs
PokémonYu-Gi-Oh!Magic: The GatheringLorcanaOne PieceDragon Ball SuperDigimon+ all common trading cards & stickers
All cards and stickers in standard format are accepted. Cards and stickers smaller than the Japanese format fall under our Sticker Grading category.
Dimensions & Formats
Standard format (max.)63.5 × 88.9 mm
Maximum thicknessup to 150 pt (~3.8 mm)
Japanese format59 × 86 mm
Small formats & stickers: To guarantee a perfect fit and protection inside the case, we secure small formats with an additional, custom-made acrylic holder.
Ready for your assessment?
Have your cards graded by one of Germany's leading grading providers – fair, precise and transparent.