Grading System
Grading Scale & Registry
Every GCC sticker represents an expert evaluation of condition and quality. Understand our grading criteria, sticker tiers, and registry point system.
GCC Registry Points
Each sticker tier earns registry points. Build your collection score with higher-graded items.
Sticker Tiers
Know Your Grade at a Glance
Color-coded, serialized, tamper-evident stickers backed by expert evaluation. Each tier corresponds to a specific grade range and registry score.
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Black Gem Grade™
GEM MINT Projection
Projected 9.5-10
Reserved for cards that project at GEM MINT level before formal grading. GCC applies the Black Gem designation — customers cannot select it. Only qualifying cards receive this elite sticker.
Evaluation Criteria
- Pristine centering with minimal deviation
- Sharp corners with no visible wear
- Clean edges with no chipping or roughness
- Flawless surface free of print defects or scratches
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Gold Standard
Grades 7-10
NM to GEM MINT
Identifies cards exhibiting criteria for grades 7 and above. These are premium, high-grade cards with strong market value and collector appeal.
Evaluation Criteria
- Centering within acceptable tolerances for grade
- Corners show minimal to no wear
- Edges are clean with negligible imperfections
- Surface is free of major defects
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Green Standard
Grades 4-6
VG-EX to EX-MT
Identifies mid-grade cards with strong collectibility. These cards show moderate wear but retain significant value, especially for vintage and key issues.
Evaluation Criteria
- Centering may show noticeable shift
- Corners may show light to moderate wear
- Edges may have minor chipping or roughness
- Surface may show light scratches or print lines
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Silver Standard
Grades 1-3
POOR to VG
Identifies vintage and rare cards with historical significance. While showing notable wear, these cards are often highly sought after due to rarity and provenance.
Evaluation Criteria
- Centering may be significantly off
- Corners show moderate to heavy wear
- Edges may have noticeable chipping or fraying
- Surface may show creases, staining, or heavy wear
Evaluation
What We Evaluate
Every card is assessed across four core criteria. The combination of these factors determines the final sticker tier.
Centering
The alignment of the card image within its borders. Measured front and back as a ratio (e.g., 60/40). Better centering results in higher grades.
Corners
The sharpness and condition of all four corners. Fuzzing, bending, or rounding reduces the grade. Evaluated under magnification for precision.
Edges
The condition along all four edges of the card. Chipping, roughness, or color loss along edges impacts the overall grade.
Surface
The front and back surface condition including print quality, scratches, staining, and wax residue. The most critical factor in determining grade.
Banknotes
Banknote Sticker Standards
For banknotes certified by PMG or PCGS, GCC applies Gold and Evergreen stickers to identify notes at the top of their assigned grade.
Gold Standard
Exceptional for Given Grade / Above Market Standard
The Gold sticker is reserved for banknotes that exhibit exceptional quality within their assigned grade. These notes stand above market standard with superior eye appeal, centering, and overall presentation.
- Note quality exceeds typical examples at the same grade
- Eye appeal is exceptionally strong
- Centering, margins, and color are above average
Evergreen Standard
Market Standard for the Given Grade
The Evergreen sticker identifies notes that meet the full criteria for their assigned grade. These notes represent strong, market-standard examples with reliable quality.
Notes that do not qualify for either sticker receive no sticker designation. Pricing for unstickered notes is 25% of the tier price.
Ready to Grade Your Collection?
Submit your cards or banknotes and start earning registry points today.