OUR PROCESS
Every card we grade goes through a multi-stage evaluation process, utilising advanced magnification and multiple lighting techniques to ensure accuracy, consistency, and fairness in grading.
We assess each card across the standard four metrics:
surface, corners, centering, and edges.
Using the average subgrade score, along with additional factors such as surface condition and overall aesthetics, we determine the final grade before proceeding to encapsulation.
Each card is independently reviewed by a second grader prior to encapsulation to ensure consistency and accuracy of the final grade.
OUR LABEL
ACG was created for collectors
At Alpha Card Grading, we believe the slab should serve as a natural extension of the card — not distract from it.
That philosophy extends to the label itself.
With this in mind, we made the intentional decision to keep all branding away from the front of the label, allowing the card to remain the visual focus.
Subgrades and company branding are placed on the rear of the slab, ensuring a clean, uninterrupted presentation when displayed.
It’s not about us, it’s about the card.
Our label design is inspired by the simplicity of museum-style presentation: minimal, modern, and refined, designed to compliment the card as if it were a curated piece of art.
Every element is intentional.
The focus is always the same: the card comes first.
Grading Scale
Our grading system operates on a half-grade scale.
Cards are evaluated across four subgrades. When a card achieves a score of 10 across all four categories, it is awarded our Pristine Diamond Label. All other graded cards receive our Signature Black Label.
Surface condition is the most significant factor in a card’s overall presentation. For this reason, a card’s final grade cannot exceed its surface grade by more than 1 point.
Grading Scale
10+ - Pristine DIAMOND LABEL
Represents a flawless card in every way, free of any marks, wear or blemishes with perfect centering.
10 - Gem Mint
Awarded for an almost perfect card.
A black label 10 is perfect in every way but will have one incredibly minor defect such as whitening dot under slight magnification, raised or squared corner or slightly off centering.
But overall still a fantastic quality card.
9.5 - Mint+
Fantastic quality in all aspects, however may include one or two very minor blemishes.
Overall aesthetically pleasing in quality.
Other Grades
9 Mint
8.5 Near Mint - Mint+
8 Near Mint - Mint
ETC
Centering Standards
ACG is the first Card Grading company in Australia to utilize AI with for AI-assisted centering analysis.
We believe in a Hybrid approach, so our AI is double checked by a grader making it 100% accurate every time.
We calculate our centering by determining the front and back scores. The lowest centering score will determine the final grade for centering.
For example:
Front Grade
Left / Right - 45/55 = 9
Top / Bottom - 51/49 = 10
Back Grade
Left / Right - 43/57 = 10
Top / Bottom - 50/50 = 10
Final Centering Grade = 9