Centering
Border balance is measured front and back. Greater imbalance reduces the grade according to the severity and visibility of the shift.
The ASG Standard
A clear framework for every final grade.
ASG evaluates the complete card, not a single flaw in isolation. The final grade reflects how centering, corners, edges, and surface combine to determine overall condition and eye appeal.
Corners
All corners are reviewed for whitening, rounding, compression, fraying, bends, and manufacturing defects.
Edges
Edges are inspected for chipping, whitening, dents, rough cuts, foil lift, and other interruptions to the original finish.
Surface
The front and back are examined for scratches, print lines, indentations, stains, creases, loss of gloss, and coating defects.
Decision Method
The final grade is holistic.
The lowest category matters, but ASG does not reduce grading to a single automatic formula. Severity, location, visibility, manufacturing context, and total eye appeal are reviewed together.
The same inspection order and condition language are used from card to card.
ASG’s public label shows the final grade. Internal observations support that grade but are not presented as separate guaranteed subgrades.
A card must pass identity and authenticity review before it can receive a numeric condition grade.
Evidence of trimming, recoloring, restoration, cleaning, or other alteration can prevent a standard numeric grade.
1–10 Grading Scale
Condition language collectors can understand.
Gem Mint
Exceptional presentation with only negligible manufacturing tolerance. Strong centering and no distracting wear.
Mint
A high-end card with excellent eye appeal and only a minor flaw visible under close inspection.
Near Mint–Mint
Clean overall with a small number of light defects that do not dominate presentation.
Near Mint
Minor wear or manufacturing defects are present, but the card remains sharp and collectible.
Excellent–Near Mint
Noticeable light wear may be present across more than one grading category.
Excellent
Moderate wear is visible, while the card remains structurally sound and visually complete.
Very Good–Excellent
Multiple defects or heavier wear are present, without severe structural damage.
Very Good
Significant wear, creasing, or surface damage is visible but the card remains intact.
Good
Heavy wear and substantial defects are present, potentially including stronger creases or staining.
Poor
Severe damage, alteration, or structural compromise significantly affects the card.
Important grading note
These descriptions are practical standards, not a guarantee that every card with one listed characteristic will receive a particular grade. Counterfeit, altered, oversized, undersized, or otherwise ineligible cards may be returned ungraded or receive a non-numeric designation when that service is available.