Master the CGB Grading Scale with Confidence
Discover detailed criteria and clear explanations to accurately evaluate your card’s condition from pristine to damaged.
Each card submitted to the Collector Grading Bureau (CGB) is evaluated across four key categories and will receive Subgrades:
- Centering – How well the card’s image is aligned from left to right and top to bottom.
- Surface – The condition of the card’s front and back, including gloss, print quality, scratches, or blemishes.
- Edges – The sharpness and cleanliness of the card’s borders.
- Corners – The sharpness, wear, or rounding of each corner.
Each category receives a numerical score based on CGB’s 1–10 grading scale.
The final grade is determined by calculating the average of these four subgrades.
Rounding Rule
- If the combined average ends in 0.5 or higher, it is rounded up to the next whole number.
- If the combined average ends in below 0.5, it is rounded down to the nearest whole number.
Example:
If a card receives the following subgrades:
- Centering: 9
- Surface: 10
- Edges: 7
- Corners: 8
Average: (7 + 10 + 8 + 9) ÷ 4 = 8.5
Final Grade: Rounded up to 9 (Mint) + 0.5 Eye Appeal
This method ensures that every CGB grade reflects both the technical accuracy of its measurable aspects and the overall balance of its visual appeal.
Grade 10+ : Pristine | Gold Label
Grade 10: Pristine
Cards appear flawless with perfect edges, surfaces, and maximum 45/55 centering; no visible flaws under close inspection.
Edges: Perfect to the naked eye and virtually free of flaws under magnification.
Surface: No print spots. Flawless color, devoid of registration or focus imperfections. Perfect gloss, devoid of scratches and metallic print lines.
Grade 9.5: Gem Mint
Centering: Approximately 50/50 on one side and 55/45 on the other on the front; 60/40 or better on the back. Corners: Appearing mint to the naked eye, with only minimal imperfections visible under magnification. Edges: Nearly mint to the naked eye, allowing for a tiny amount of wear under close inspection. Surface: A few very minor print spots, noticeable only under intense scrutiny. Rich color with no registration or focus flaws. Flawless gloss, free from scratches and metallic print lines.
Grade 9: Mint
Front: 55/45 both directions, Back: 70/30 or higher Corners: Nearly mint; tiny wear only on close inspection, Edges: Almost mint; small, hidden chips allowed, Surface: Minor printing specks or small spot; slight focus/color flaws; clean gloss with 1-2 tiny scratches; faint metallic print lines
Grade 8: Near Mint
Sharp overall with very minimal visible wear on edges or corners. Excellent eye appeal.
Grade 7 – Excellent Mint
Slight surface wear or light corner whitening visible under close inspection.
Grade 6 – Excellent
Noticeable wear on corners or edges, light surface marks, but still appealing.
Grade 5 – Very Good
Moderate wear visible but overall attractive and intact. Visible imperfections but card remains intact and collectible.
Grade 4 – Good
Noticeable wear and surface marks; creases or scuffs may be visible.
Grade 3 – Fair
Heavy wear; possible creases, rounded corners, or surface damage.
Grade 2 – Poor
Significant damage; multiple creases, discoloration, or surface loss.
Grade 1 – Classic Damaged and heavily played but very iconic collectibles.
What criteria define the CGB grading scale?
Explore precise explanations of each grade to assess your card’s condition with confidence and accuracy.
While a large part of grading is objective — identifying print defects, surface wear, corner and edge imperfections, centering, and other measurable flaws — there is also a subjective element to every evaluation. The best way to understand this subjective component is to ask: What would collectors and the market reasonably accept for this particular issue?
The majority of grading decisions are made using a consistent and objective standard, but the eye appeal of a card can influence the final result. This subjective factor typically comes into play when a card’s centering or overall presentation is in question.
For example, while most cards fall clearly within the centering guidelines for a specific grade, some may fall just inside or slightly outside the printed standards. In these cases, CGB graders reserve the right based on the overall strength or weakness of the card’s appearance to make a professional judgment call on the final grade.
At the Collector Grading Bureau, our goal is to balance precision with fairness, ensuring that every card is graded accurately, consistently, and with a keen understanding of what truly defines its quality and appeal within the hobby.
What does a grade of 10 ‘Pristine’ signify?
A grade 10 means the card is flawless, showing no wear or defects under close inspection.
How is a grade 5 ‘Very Good’ card identified?
Grade 5 cards have minor visible wear but no major damage, making them above average in condition.
What should I know about ‘Damaged/Classic’ grade 1 cards?
Grade 1 cards show significant damage but some retain collectible value due to rarity or classic status.
Are there specific terms to understand when grading cards?
Yes, understanding terminology ensures consistent and precise card condition assessments.
Understand the CGB Grading Scale
Explore detailed criteria to accurately assess your card’s condition from Pristine to Damaged.
Grade 10: Pristine
Cards in flawless condition with sharp edges and perfect surfaces.
Grade 5: Very Good
Cards showing signs of wear but retaining overall appeal and structure.
Grade 1: Damaged/Classic
Cards with significant damage, yet classic value and collectible interest remain.