CGC Cards Help Center

For answers to frequently asked questions about CGC membership, submitting to CGC Cards, card grading and more, scroll below. To contact CGC Cards Customer Service, click here.

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About CGC Cards

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CGC Cards Grading

Submitting to CGC Cards

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About CGC Grades

What do the CGC Cards grades mean?

CGC Cards uses a highly accurate 10-point grading scale, with grades ranging from 10 (Pristine) to 1 (Poor). To determine a card's grade, graders consider factors such as centering, manufacturing and handling defects, how well the card has been preserved, evidence of play, scuffing, indentations, soiling, fading and more.

See the CGC Trading Cards Grading Scale >

Does CGC Cards offer sub-grades?

Sub-grades are no longer offered by CGC Cards.

What types of technology does CGC Cards incorporate into the grading process?

CGC Cards incorporates industry-leading technology that assists the CGC Cards graders in areas such as card measurement and the detection of alterations and counterfeits. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) helps to automate many of the time-consuming aspects of grading, such as attributing a card and measuring its centering. Meanwhile, forensic devices reveal alternations and hidden details using UV and infrared light, ultra-microscopic inspections and non-destructive ink and paper analysis.

Does CGC Cards image cards that are submitted for grading?

Yes, CGC Cards images all graded cards after encapsulation. These images are available to view at CGCcards.com/verify.

CGC Cards also offers premium high-resolution digital imaging as an add-on service for submissions. This imaging service consists of accurate, high-resolution images of the front and back of the card, shown encapsulated in its CGC Cards holder. 

Is grading by CGC Cards guaranteed?

Yes, CGC-certified cards are backed by the comprehensive CGC Guarantee of authenticity and grade, which provides collectors with greater security and confidence. The CGC Guarantee is the strongest of any TCG, sports card and non-sports card grading service. Learn more >

Still not finding an answer? Contact CGC Customer Service at 1-855-GRADE10 (855-472-3310), 1-941-360-3991 or [email protected].

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Join CGC for free to add cards, track your collection and participate in the CGC Trading Cards Registry or CGC Sports Cards Registry.

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Add to CGC Card Registry Example
Add to CGC Card Registry Example