Grading Scale & Definitions

1. Introduction
This document outlines the grading scale and grade definitions used by God Tier Grading Ltd (“GTG”, “we”, “us”, “our”) when assessing collectible cards.
This page provides general information about how grades are represented and interpreted. It should be read alongside the Grading Standards and Policies and Terms and Conditions.

2. Purpose of the Grading Scale
The GTG grading scale provides a consistent framework for describing the overall condition of a card at the time it is evaluated.
Grades communicate the relative quality of a card based on the grading criteria applied by GTG.
Grades do not represent guarantees of market value, future condition, or investment performance.

3. Structure of the GTG Grading Scale
GTG uses a numeric grading scale to represent card condition.
Higher grades indicate cards with fewer visible imperfections and stronger overall presentation, while lower grades reflect cards with greater levels of wear or defects.
The grading scale reflects GTG’s assessment of the card’s condition at the time of inspection.

4. Grading Scale
GTG uses a numeric grading scale with an additional top designation representing the highest level of card condition identified during evaluation.
Grades represent the overall condition of a card at the time it is inspected according to GTG’s grading standards.

God Tier
Cards exhibiting near-perfect condition across all evaluated attributes, representing the highest designation within the GTG grading scale.
The God Tier designation is awarded only when a card meets the highest measurable standards defined within GTG’s grading system. GTG uses precise imaging and consistent evaluation methods to ensure that cards receiving this designation demonstrate exceptional overall quality and presentation.
Because grading is based on measurable condition characteristics, the frequency of God Tier cards may vary depending on the overall quality of cards submitted.

Gem Mint – 10
Cards exhibiting outstanding overall condition, with minimal visible imperfections under normal inspection.
Mint – 9
Cards with very strong overall condition, showing only minor imperfections that do not significantly affect the visual presentation.
Near Mint–Mint – 8
Cards with very light signs of handling or minor production imperfections, while remaining highly presentable.
Near Mint – 7
Cards with light visible wear or minor imperfections consistent with careful handling.
Excellent–Near Mint – 6
Cards displaying moderate signs of wear, including visible but not severe imperfections.
Excellent – 5
Cards showing clear signs of handling and wear, while remaining structurally sound.
Very Good–Excellent – 4
Cards with noticeable wear, including more significant edge, corner, or surface issues.
Very Good – 3
Cards with substantial wear, though still structurally intact.
Good – 2
Cards with significant wear or damage, but still identifiable and intact.
Poor – 1
Cards with heavy damage or severe wear affecting the overall condition.

5. Factors Considered During Grading
Cards are evaluated using several condition factors that may include:
• centering
• corners
• edges
• surface condition (including scratches, dents, creases, indentations, surface impressions, stains, discoloration, or print defects such as print lines or ink marks)
• print quality
• structural integrity
The weighting and assessment of these factors are determined by GTG’s grading methodology.

6. Overall Grade
The final grade assigned to a card reflects the overall assessment of the card’s condition after evaluating the relevant grading factors.
The final grade may not always correspond directly to the strongest individual attribute of the card.

7. Qualifiers and Notes
In certain circumstances, cards may receive additional qualifiers, notes, or designations to indicate specific characteristics, alterations, or conditions identified during evaluation.
Examples may include:
• alterations
• authenticity concerns
• significant print defects
• other notable conditions affecting the card

8. Certification
Each graded card receives a unique certification record associated with the graded item.
Certification information may be accessible through GTG’s verification systems where available.

9. Limitations
Grades represent GTG’s professional opinion of the card’s condition at the time of inspection.
Cards may change condition over time due to environmental factors, handling, or other external influences.
GTG does not guarantee that a card will receive the same grade if evaluated again in the future.
Differences between grading companies may occur due to variations in grading methodologies and standards.

10. Proprietary Methodology
While GTG publishes general grading standards and grade definitions for transparency, the detailed methodologies, tools, and systems used during the grading process are proprietary to GTG.
GTG reserves the right to update or refine grading standards as technology and industry practices evolve.

11. Policy Updates
GTG may update grading scale definitions or supporting documentation from time to time.
The latest version will always be published on the GTG website.