Graded cards combine a physical collectible, a third-party opinion, a holder and a market premium. Each part deserves separate verification.
1. Know the set
Know the set 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. Compare authentic examples
Compare authentic examples 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. Watch trimming
Watch trimming 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. Respect factory traits
Respect factory traits 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.
5. Judge eye appeal
Judge eye appeal 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.