The grading scale
The card grading process at PGC is meticulous, methodical and consistent. Every card, irrespective of rarity, age or value will go through the same grading process and need to meet identical criteria for any given grade.
Grading is conducted at our London offices by the highly professional team at PGC using the latest technological advancements. Every member of the grading team at PGC has gone through an extensive training and evaluation process. Each grading team member will assess and grade cards to the same set of standards, using the same advanced equipment and protocol.
Our grading process is generally similar to other established major grading companies around the world.
The grading scale outlined below gives a simple, abbreviated look at each grade level on the scale.
10 GEM MINT (GEM-MT)
The card appears near perfect or perfect
9 MINT (MINT)
The card will bear slight imperfections that inhibit if from achieving a gem mint grade
8 NEAR MINT – MINT (NM-MT)
The card features noticeable imperfections but maintains a strong aesthetic
7 NEAR MINT (NM)
The card has imperfections that are more noticeable and or prominent and or more numerous
6 EXCELLENT – NEAR MINT (EX-NM)
The card features some significant imperfections but still maintains a strong aesthetic particularly at a distance
5 EXCELLENT (EX)
The card bears some flaws that are very noticeable and or prominent and or numerous
4 VERY GOOD (VG)
The card has some flaws that are very prominent and heavily detract from the cards visual appeal
3 GOOD (GD)
The card has many or some heavy significant imperfections
2 POOR - GOOD (PR-GD)
The card appears clearly damaged and of poor quality even at a distance
1 POOR (PR)
The card is of very poor quality and is very clearly damaged even at a distance