How We Grade
How Grading Works
We grade with measurable standards, visual proof, and consistent results — built for collectors first.
Our Philosophy
We grade by proof, not opinion. Every card follows the same flow, under the same light zones and angles, with documented findings. Five categories are printed on every slab; two more are used internally and shown in your QR report. Black Labels show 6 on-slab; Platinum Black Labels show all 7.
| Visible on Slab | Internal (always applied) |
|---|---|
| Centering | Composition Integrity |
| Corners | Authentication Integrity |
| Edges | — |
| Surface | — |
| Presentation | — |
Step-by-Step Flow
Arrival photos, serialized QR tracking.
Card stock, print type, set characteristics.
All 7 categories recorded with photo/video proof.
Thresholds applied for 10 / Black / Platinum.
Dual verification for top results.
Optical-grade PMMA slab, tamper seal, QR.
Pristine 10 and above shipped in sealed presentation boxes.
Category Standards (Transparent)
- Centering: measured front/back frame balance; visual illusion checked against mechanical measure.
- Corners: tip uniformity, whitening, micro-rounding, foil-tip fractures.
- Edges: factory cut quality, color-breaks, foil seam continuity.
- Surface: finish-aware checks (chrome/holo/textured), roller lines, dimples, print dots.
- Presentation: overall eye appeal under neutral lighting: register, color pop, gloss uniformity.
- Composition Integrity (internal): stock layering, lamination, emboss/deboss tolerance.
- Authentication Integrity (internal): print/ink patterns and security tells confirmed.
- Internal thresholds remain proprietary; your QR report shows findings and evidence.
Type-Specific Grading
- Surface: holo/texture pattern uniformity; set-typical print/roller lines annotated as factory when applicable.
- Centering: art-box and frame alignment (alt arts considered).
- Edges/Corners: foil-layer behavior and pack-fresh quirks checked.
- Report extras: finish type noted; set tolerances referenced in plain language.
- Surface: chrome/gloss print lines, refractor banding, dimples.
- Edges: color-breaks on bold borders; serial emboss clarity.
- Centering: portrait anchor alignment and back stat-box alignment.
- Report extras: parallel type & era quirks summarized.
Label Tiers & Packaging
| Tier | On-Slab Categories | Slab | Box & Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pristine 10 | 5 | Standard PMMA | Matte black box • slab sleeve • protector • thank-you card — “You know it’s a 10… maybe.” |
| Black Label (Pristine 10: Black) | 6 (adds Composition) | Black slab • black holo seal | Black box • foam cradle • COA card • serialized black holo seal |
| Platinum Black Label (Flawless) | 7 (all categories) | Black slab • platinum holo detail | Platinum-silver box • magnetic flap • metallic COA • microfiber cloth • acrylic stand |
Platinum is judged “flawless to its nature” — the card meets the highest achievable standard for its print method, finish, and era.
Digital Proof & Verification Archive
Every graded card lives in the DMD Digital Vault — photos, label, category breakdown, timestamps, and verification hashes. Scanning your slab’s QR opens its record for authenticity and ownership.
- Owners can claim, set public/private, download reports.
- Membership unlocks dashboards, legacy collections, and tools.
Verified Transfers & Chain of Custody
Second-hand sales are protected. Each transfer logs a tamper-checked hand-off in the Vault. Public view shows anonymized history: “Transferred 3× since 2025 • Integrity Verified ✓”.
- Ownership claim requires serial + session token.
- Tamper alerts if slab hash doesn’t match.
DMD → DMD Handshake (In-Person Only)
- Seller shows an Offer QR in the DMD app.
- Buyer scans Offer QR, then scans the slab QR(s).
- Both accept; ownership updates instantly (or cross-transfer for trades).
No payments on DMD — you make the deal; we make it official.