Grading Standards & Policies

1. Introduction

This policy explains the grading standards and procedures used by God Tier Grading Ltd (“GTG”, “we”, “us”, “our”) when evaluating collectible cards.

This policy forms part of our Terms and Conditions and applies to all cards submitted to GTG.

2. Nature of Grading

Card grading is a professional opinion of condition based on inspection of the card at the time of evaluation.

Grades assigned by GTG reflect our assessment according to our grading methodology and standards.

Grading is inherently subjective and outcomes may vary between grading companies.

A GTG grade does not constitute a guarantee of value, authenticity, or future condition.

3. Grading Methodology

GTG evaluates cards using defined condition criteria that may include factors such as:

• centering
• corners
• edges
• surface condition
• print quality
• structural integrity

Cards are examined using appropriate inspection methods and equipment to assess condition and detect visible issues.

GTG reserves the right to update or refine grading methodologies as technology, research, or industry practices evolve.

GTG may utilise machine-assisted imaging and analytical technology as part of the evaluation process.

4. Grading Scale

GTG grades cards using its proprietary grading scale.

Grades represent the overall condition of a card based on the defined grading criteria used by GTG.

Further details of the grading scale and grade definitions are published separately within the GTG grading scale documentation.

5. Authenticity and Alterations

As part of the grading process, GTG performs a reasonable inspection to identify signs of:

• counterfeiting
• restoration
• trimming
• recolouring
• surface alterations
• other modifications

While reasonable care is taken during this process, no grading service can guarantee detection of all alterations or counterfeit items.

Where alterations or authenticity concerns are identified, cards may:

• receive a qualifier or notation
• be returned ungraded
• be declined for encapsulation

6. Encapsulation

Cards graded by GTG may be sealed within a protective holder (“slab”).

Encapsulation is intended to:

• preserve the card
• protect the assigned grade
• prevent direct handling of the card

Encapsulation does not guarantee permanent protection against environmental damage, deterioration, or physical impact.

Opening or tampering with a slab invalidates the associated certification.

7. Regrading and Resubmissions

Customers may choose to resubmit cards previously graded by GTG or other grading companies.

Each submission is evaluated independently according to GTG’s grading standards at the time of grading.

Previous grades assigned by GTG or other grading companies do not guarantee identical outcomes on resubmission.

8. Grading Labels and Certification

Each graded card is assigned a unique certification record associated with the graded item.

Certification details may include:

• card identification
• assigned grade
• submission reference information

Certification records may be maintained within GTG’s internal systems or online verification tools.

9. Limitations of Grading

GTG grading represents an assessment of the card at the time of inspection only.

GTG does not guarantee:

• future card condition
• protection against deterioration
• future grading outcomes
• market value or investment performance

Grading results should not be interpreted as financial advice or valuation guarantees.

10. Policy Updates

GTG reserves the right to update grading standards, grading scales, or evaluation procedures as technology, research, and industry practices develop.

The most current grading standards will always be published on the GTG website.