Professional grading companies use their own standards, so no checklist can promise a final grade. But collectors can make far better decisions by checking the same visible areas every time—and by looking at the back as carefully as the front.
1. Centering
Centering is the balance of the design’s borders from left to right and top to bottom. Look at it straight on, then compare border widths. A card can be clean in every other way yet lose appeal as centering becomes noticeably uneven.
2. Corners
Inspect all four corners under good light. Watch for softness, whitening, tiny dings, layering, and bends. Corners often hold up differently on the front and the back, so turn the card over.
3. Edges
Run your eyes along every edge without rubbing the card. Look for chipping, rough cuts, whitening, and small indentations. Dark-bordered cards often make edge wear easier to spot.
4. Surface
Tilt the card beneath indirect light. Surface issues can include scratches, print lines, stains, dents, residue, and creases. A sleeve can hide flaws, so make sure your photos are clear enough to reveal the card itself.
Before-you-submit checklist
- Photograph the complete front and back in even lighting.
- Inspect each of the four condition areas without making alterations.
- Consider the card’s demand, value, grading fees, and your reason for submitting.
- Use an estimate as a guide—not a guarantee.