Grading Standards

Our grading system is based on four core categories:

• Centering

• Surface

• Corners

• Edges

Each category receives a subgrade, and those subgrades are used to calculate the card’s overall grade. Surface carries the most weight in the final grade: the overall grade is first capped at the average of centering, corners, and edges, and a weaker surface can then pull the grade down below that cap, a strong surface never lifts a weak card. A card also can never grade more than a few points above its weakest subgrade. See the Grading Standards page for the full formula with worked examples.

Centering

Centering refers to the alignment of the card’s artwork, borders, and printed design.

CCA may use AI-assisted tools to help identify and measure centering during the grading process. This technology is used as a guide for our grading team, but it does not replace human review.

Final centering decisions are made by CCA grading staff at their discretion based on the card, card type, layout, and visible presentation.

Surface

Surface grading reviews the front and back of the card for visible issues such as scratches, print lines, dents, stains, scuffs, gloss loss, or other surface-related defects.

Surface is always reviewed by CCA grading staff.

Corners

Corner grading reviews the sharpness and condition of each corner.

This includes checking for whitening, rounding, bends, fraying, lifting, or other damage that may affect the card’s condition.

Corners are always reviewed by CCA grading staff.

Edges

Edge grading reviews the condition of all sides of the card.

This includes checking for chipping, whitening, rough cuts, silvering, factory edge issues, or other visible edge wear.

Edges are always reviewed by CCA grading staff.

Overall Grade

The overall grade is based on the card’s four subgrades: Centering, Surface, Corners, and Edges.

CCA uses these subgrades to provide a clear explanation of why a card received its final grade. This allows collectors to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their card instead of only seeing a single number.

Authentic Designations

Some cards may receive an Authentic designation instead of a numerical grade.

This may happen if the card is genuine but cannot receive a standard numerical grade due to alteration, major condition issues, or submitter request.

Examples may include cards with evidence of trimming, restoration, recoloring, cleaning, tampering, or other conditions that prevent standard grading.

No Grade Items

In some cases, CCA may determine that a card cannot be graded or encapsulated.

This may include items with questionable authenticity, unsupported card types, severe damage, major alterations, or cards that do not meet CCA’s encapsulation requirements.

Grading Transparency

CCA’s goal is to make grading easier to understand for collectors.

By providing subgrades and a structured grading process, we aim to give every customer a clearer breakdown of their card’s condition and the reason behind the final grade.