NottAGradingGuide

Everything you need to know about getting your TCG cards graded, from pulling them out of the pack to holding a slabbed, certified copy in your hands.

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NottCurious, and NottCorp by extension, does not take responsibility for any bad grading decisions taken following (or not following) this advice. Unless you get a 10, then we take full credit for that.

What to Grade

Not every card is worth grading. Learn how to pick the right cards and understand the two types of graders who submit them.

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What to Grade

Not every card is worth grading. Learn how to pick the right cards and understand the two types of graders who submit them.

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Pre-Screening

Before you spend money on grading, learn how to evaluate your cards at home and decide if submission is worth it.

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Pre-Screening

Before you spend money on grading, learn how to evaluate your cards at home and decide if submission is worth it.

The Companies

PSA, CGC, BGS, and TAG are the four major grading companies. Each has a different reputation, price point, and turnaround time.

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The Companies

PSA, CGC, BGS, and TAG are the four major grading companies. Each has a different reputation, price point, and turnaround time.

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Tiers & Pricing

Economy, regular, or express? Choosing the right service tier affects your cost, turnaround, and return on investment.

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Tiers & Pricing

Economy, regular, or express? Choosing the right service tier affects your cost, turnaround, and return on investment.

Card Prep

To clean or not to clean? Learn what preparation is acceptable before submission and what will get your card flagged.

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Card Prep

To clean or not to clean? Learn what preparation is acceptable before submission and what will get your card flagged.

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Packaging

A card that survives pre-screening can still be damaged in transit. Proper packaging is non-negotiable.

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Packaging

A card that survives pre-screening can still be damaged in transit. Proper packaging is non-negotiable.

Shipping

Choosing the right carrier, getting insurance, and tracking your submission protects your investment from door to door.

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Shipping

Choosing the right carrier, getting insurance, and tracking your submission protects your investment from door to door.

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At the Company

What actually happens after your package arrives: intake, authentication, grading, and encapsulation explained.

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At the Company

What actually happens after your package arrives: intake, authentication, grading, and encapsulation explained.

Grade Reveal

Your cards are back. Here is how to read your label, understand your cert number, and decide what to do next.

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Grade Reveal

Your cards are back. Here is how to read your label, understand your cert number, and decide what to do next.

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Grade Types

What does a 9 actually mean? Learn the numeric scale, sub-grades, and the four criteria every grader evaluates.

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Grade Types

What does a 9 actually mean? Learn the numeric scale, sub-grades, and the four criteria every grader evaluates.

Selling Your Card

eBay, PWCC, Goldin, or direct: learn which platform fits your card, how to price using pop reports, and how to ship a slab safely.

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Selling Your Card

eBay, PWCC, Goldin, or direct: learn which platform fits your card, how to price using pop reports, and how to ship a slab safely.

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News

Stay up to date with the latest developments in card grading: new pricing, company announcements, and hobby trends.

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News

Stay up to date with the latest developments in card grading: new pricing, company announcements, and hobby trends.

End of the journey