DSG grades all cards using our own proprietary program (Patent Pending) which has been developed over the course of the 20 years experience the founders have in the card grading industry. The software allows our graders to quickly, accurately, and consistently grade cards by assessing flaws and damage on each of 8 card zones, then entering that data into the program. The information is then calculated using an algorithm which ensures that your card will get the correct grade regardless of which of our graders is making the assessment, or how many times that same card is graded.
GEM MINT 10
57/43 or better centering on the front of card, 75/25 centering on the back. Four sharp corners, free of stains, no breaks in surface gloss and no visible wear. A slight print spot visible is allowable if it does not detract from the aesthetics of the card. This card will look pack fresh and beautiful to the naked eye.
Exception: TCG’s must be 57/43 centering on the front and min 60/40 on the back.
MINT 9
65/35 or better centering on the front of card, 90/10 centering on the back, four sharp corners*. One very slight hit to a corner or two very minor flaws to the surface or edges may exist, such as a slight printers mark or a very small imperfection on the boarders or surface. This card without magnification will look very close to a gem mint.
Exception: TCG’s must be 65/35 centering on the front and min 70/30 on the back.
NM/MINT 8
70/30 or better centering on the front of card, 90/10 centering on the back, corners sharp to the naked eye but may exhibit slight wear under magnification. A few small flaws may exist upon but not super noticeable to the naked eye. Slight wear to up to two corners upon magnification, a couple very slight chips to the edges or a couple very small scratches or printer’s marks are acceptable with an 8.
Exception: TCG’s must be 70/30 centering on the front and min 75/25 on the back.
NMT 7
75/25 or better centering on the front of the card, 90/10 centering on the back, slight wear on the corners, minor scratching, some minor print spots. Print lines or refractor lines are acceptable. Card can be slightly skewed (diamond) cut.
EX/NM 6
80/20 or better centering on the front of card, 90/10 centering on the back, slight fuzzing of corners will be evident, skewed cut may be more evident, focus or register may be off, and slight rough edges may exist and finally surface may not have original luster.
EX 5
85/15 or better centering on the front of card, 90/10 centering on the back, minor rounding or fuzzing of corners, rough edges or chipping along edge, one very slight one-sided surface crease may exist, original luster of card may be lost from surface with some scratching, but card still looks good.
VG/EX 4
85/15 or better centering on the front of card, 90/10 on the back, corners are slightly rounded with noticeable surface wear. Light hairline one sided creases may show on front and back of card. A light tear, (1/8th inch or less) or minor damage may exist on surface of card.
VG 3
90/10 or better centering on the front of card, centering not considered on the back toward grade, corners on the grade 3 rounded–but not excessive, stronger creasing may exist. Poorer focus, registration, and discoloration, and staining are more noticeable.
GOOD 2
Centered 90/10 or better on the front of card, centering not considered on the back toward grade. This card usually has one or more print marks, smudges or stains, multiple 2 sided crease(s), pinhole or slight tears in card, surface scuffing, rounded corners and ink or pencil marks.
POOR 1
This is the lowest grade possible. If you have a graded 1 you can clearly see it has been to battle. But rest assured if it is in our encapsulation you know 100% for sure at least it is an authentic card and not a counterfeit. This is a card graded only because its owner loves it.
