Graded-card guide

Authentic-Only and Altered Cards

When a card is encapsulated without a numerical grade.

Graded cards combine a physical collectible, a third-party opinion, a holder and a market premium. Each part deserves separate verification.

1. Authentication can still add value

Authentication can still add value should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

2. Alteration affects market

Alteration affects market should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

3. Label language matters

Label language matters should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

4. Compare exact designation

Compare exact designation should be evaluated against the exact card, issue, grading company, grade, qualifier and holder generation. Use official verification and recent completed sales rather than relying on label familiarity alone.

Verification rule: Never buy an expensive slab only because its certification number returns a valid result. Compare the physical item with the official record.

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