5 THINGS THAT AFFECT YOUR CARD GRADE 🏈💎
Grading your sports cards can seriously boost their value, but not all cards are created equal. Whether you're sending a Puka Nacua RPA or a classic Brady rookie, here are five key factors that grading companies like Gridiron Gems look for when assigning a final grade.
Centering
This is one of the most noticeable (and often most penalized) grading criteria. Centering refers to how well the image on the front and back of the card is aligned within the borders. If the design is shifted noticeably to one side, even a clean card might drop a grade.
📏 Pro Tip:
Use your thumb or a ruler to quickly eyeball centering. Many collectors use "The Thumb Test" to spot issues before submission.
Corners
Sharp corners are a must for top grades. Any dings, bends, or whitening at the tips can drop your card from a Gem Mint 10 to a 9 or lower in seconds.
📦 Shipping Hack:
Always store cards in top loaders or semi-rigids and avoid handling them by the corners.
Edges
Clean, smooth edges are another must-have. Chipping, flaking, or fraying — especially on colored borders — can hurt your score fast.
🔍 Edge Tip:
Turn your card under a light to inspect edges from different angles.
Surface
The surface is where hidden flaws often lurk: scratches, print lines, dimples, or fingerprints. Even micro blemishes can bring down your grade if you're aiming for a 10.
🧼 Clean Before You Send:
A microfiber cloth can be your best friend. But be gentle — rubbing too hard can damage gloss or foil.
Print Quality & Defects
From miscuts to roller lines, factory defects can unfortunately affect your grade — even if the card came straight from a pack.
🖨️ Know the Set:
Some print issues are common in certain releases (like 2020 Mosaic or older Chrome cards). That awareness can help you decide if it's worth grading.
FINAL WORD
Submitting your cards to be graded is about more than just having cool cards — it's about condition, precision, and prep. At Gridiron Gems, we treat every card like a future GOAT 🐐.
Want a free pre-grade opinion? DM us anytime 📬
And remember: Raw to Slabbed. That's the game.