CSG Help Center

CSG uses a highly accurate 10-point grading scale, with grades ranging from Perfect (a card graded 10 with four 10 sub-grades) to 1 (Poor).

To determine a card's grade, CSG graders consider factors such as centering, manufacturing and handling defects, how well the card has been preserved, scuffing, indentations, soiling, fading and more. Learn more >

CSG incorporates new-to-the-industry technology that assists the CSG graders in areas such as card measurement and the detection of alterations and counterfeits. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) helps to automate many of the time-consuming aspects of grading, such as attributing a card and measuring its centering. Meanwhile, forensic devices reveal alternations and hidden details using UV and infrared light, ultra-microscopic inspections and non-destructive ink and paper analysis.

Yes, CSG images all graded cards after encapsulation. These images are available to view at CSGcards.com/verify. 

CSG also offers premium high-resolution digital imaging as an add-on service for submissions. This imaging service consists of accurate, high-resolution images of the front and back of the card, shown encapsulated in its CSG holder. The fee is $5 per card.

Yes, CSG-certified sports cards are backed by the comprehensive CSG Guarantee of authenticity and grade, which provides collectors with greater security and confidence. The CSG Guarantee is the strongest of any sports card grading service. Learn more >