Grading Scale – Golden Grading

Card Grading Scale

Golden Grading evaluates every card based on four primary categories: Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface.

Additional factors such as print quality, staining, discoloration, gloss, registration, focus, factory defects, alterations, and overall eye appeal are also considered when assigning a final grade. Every card is evaluated as a whole, and exceptional strength in one area does not necessarily compensate for significant flaws in another.

GRADE
10

QUALITY
GEM MINT

DESCRIPTION
A virtually flawless card with outstanding eye appeal.

CHARACTERISTICS

Sharp, untouched corners.
Clean, crisp edges with no visible chipping or wear.
Original gloss fully intact.
No scratches, stains, creases, indentations, wrinkles, or surface damage.
Excellent print quality and color.
No evidence of trimming, recoloring, restoration, or alteration.

CENTERING
Front: 55/45 or better
Back: 75/25 or better

GRADE
9

QUALITY
MINT

DESCRIPTION
An exceptional card with only one extremely minor imperfection.

CHARACTERISTICS

Nearly perfect corners.
Very slight edge wear visible only under close inspection.
Original gloss retained.
Tiny print spot or minor factory imperfection may be present.
Excellent eye appeal.

CENTERING
Front: 60/40 or better
Back: 80/20 or better

GRADE
8

QUALITY
NEAR MINT-MINT

DESCRIPTION
A high-quality card showing minimal wear.

CHARACTERISTICS

Slight touches on one or two corners.
Minor edge wear.
Very light surface imperfections visible upon close inspection.
Strong gloss and color.
Excellent overall appearance.

CENTERING
Front: 65/35 or better
Back: 85/15 or better

GRADE
7

QUALITY
NEAR MINT

DESCRIPTION
A clean collectible with moderate minor wear.

CHARACTERISTICS

Noticeable but light corner wear.
Slight edge chipping.
Minor print imperfections.
Light surface scratching may be visible.
Strong overall presentation.

CENTERING
Front: 70/30 or better
Back: 90/10 or better

GRADE
6

QUALITY
EXCELLENT-MINT

DESCRIPTION
A well-preserved card with moderate wear.

CHARACTERISTICS

Moderate corner wear.
Noticeable edge wear.
Minor scratches or light surface defects.
Slight loss of gloss possible.
Small print imperfections acceptable.

CENTERING
Front: 75/25 or better

GRADE
5

QUALITY
EXCELLENT

DESCRIPTION
An attractive card showing normal handling.

CHARACTERISTICS

Rounded corners beginning to develop.
Moderate edge wear.
Surface scratches may be visible.
Minor staining or discoloration possible.
Overall solid eye appeal.

CENTERING
Front: 80/20 or better

GRADE
4

QUALITY
VERY GOOD-EXCELLENT

DESCRIPTION
A collectible card with obvious wear but good visual appeal.

CHARACTERISTICS

Rounded corners.
Noticeable edge wear.
Surface scratches and minor creasing may be present.
Light staining acceptable.
Minor loss of gloss.

CENTERING
Front: 85/15 or better

GRADE
3

QUALITY
VERY GOOD

DESCRIPTION
A heavily handled card that remains structurally intact.

CHARACTERISTICS

Significant corner rounding.
Heavy edge wear.
Surface wear throughout.
Small crease(s) may be present.
Moderate staining or discoloration acceptable.

CENTERING
Front: 90/10 or better

GRADE
2

QUALITY
GOOD

DESCRIPTION
A well-worn card suitable primarily as a filler.

CHARACTERISTICS

Heavy corner wear.
Heavy edge wear.
Multiple creases.
Surface damage.
Staining, paper loss, writing, or discoloration may be present.
Card remains identifiable and structurally complete.

CENTERING
No minimum centering requirement.

GRADE
1

QUALITY
POOR

DESCRIPTION
A severely damaged card.

CHARACTERISTICS

Major creases or folds.
Tears or missing paper.
Significant staining or discoloration.
Writing, tape residue, water damage, or major surface defects may be present.
Card may have severe wear but remains identifiable.

CENTERING
No minimum centering requirement.

Authentic & Altered Cards

Cards determined to have been trimmed, recolored, restored, pressed, rebuilt, or otherwise altered may receive an Authentic designation or be rejected from numerical grading at Golden Grading’s discretion.

Factory Defects

Factory defects, including print lines, fisheyes, roller marks, miscuts, and print imperfections, are considered during grading. Their impact on the final grade depends on severity, visibility, and overall eye appeal.

Final Grade

Golden Grading assigns a single overall grade based on the complete condition of the card. No individual category is weighted independently; the final grade reflects the card’s overall preservation, originality, and visual presentation.