Grading Standards
At Titan PC Labs, every card is evaluated using a consistent, transparent, and measurement-driven grading system. Each card receives four sub-grades—Corners, Surface, Edges, and Centering—followed by a mathematically derived final grade.
All grading decisions are based on documented standards and applied uniformly across all submissions.
Corners
Corners are reviewed under magnification. Sharp, unworn corners receive the highest grades. Whitening, rounding, compression, or wear will reduce the score based on severity and quantity.
surface
Surface condition is evaluated on both the front and back of the card under direct and angled lighting. Inspection includes scratches, print lines, dimples, roller marks, coating irregularities, holo issues, and other surface defects. Surface grades are based on raw visibility, not slab appearance.
Edges
Edges are inspected for chipping, flaking, dents, peeling, coating defects, and rough factory cuts. Minor factory inconsistencies are assessed fairly, while structural edge damage results in larger deductions.
centering
Centering is digitally measured on both the front and back of the card. Front centering carries greater weight, as it most directly affects presentation. Measured ratios are converted to a numeric score using Titan PC Labs’ documented centering scale. Centering grades are assigned strictly by measurement—never by visual estimation or subjective tolerance.
How Deductions Are Assessed
Deductions listed below represent typical ranges. Final sub-grades reflect cumulative condition, defect severity, and overall consistency.
Corners
Minor whitening or tiny flecks: –0.5
Light rounding or slight blunting: –0.5 to –1
Multiple whitened corners or noticeable rounding: –1 to –1.5
Severe corner damage or compression: –2 or more
Edges
Micro-chipping or light flaking: –0.5
Light rounding or slight blunting: –0.5 to –1
Small factory edge roughness: –0.5
Visible chipping, dents, or larger flakes: –1 to –1.5
Major dents, tears, or peeling: –2 or more
Surface
Light print lines, minor dimples: –0.5
Surface specks, small scratches, roller marks: –0.5 to –1
Multiple scratches, deeper print lines, light coating loss: –1 to –1.5
Severe scratching, gouges, major coating loss: –2 or more
Centering
Perfect or near-perfect centering receives higher sub-grades.
Off-center cards receive deductions based on the measured ratio.
Centering never receives arbitrary deductions—only what the measurement dictates.
Final Grade Calculation
Final grades are calculated by averaging the four sub-grades (Corners, Surface, Edges, Centering).
To preserve consistency and prevent grade inflation:
The final grade may not exceed more than one full point above the lowest sub-grade
Final grades are rounded down, not up
Front-of-card condition is emphasized through measurement and defect assessment, not through subjective “eye appeal” adjustments.
Premium Condition Bonus (“Three 10’s Bump”)
In rare cases, a card that demonstrates exceptional condition across its most critical visible attributes may receive a small bonus to its final grade.
The bonus is limited to up to one-half grade
It may only be applied within the established final-grade calculation limits
The bonus can never override the sub-grade cap or structural grading rules
This adjustment is discretionary and not guaranteed
Grading Scale
10 — Gem Mint
9.5 — Mint+
9 — Mint
8.5 — NM-MT+
8 — NM-MT
7.5 — NM+
Scores below 7 are reserved for cards with significant flaws.
Additional Policies
No “eye appeal” upgrades are applied outside of the Premium Condition Bonus.
Centering scores are not rounded up.
Surface defects, including roller damage, are disclosed when present
Personalized label text may be requested but may not alter grades, sub-grades, or condition descriptions
Re-slabbing services for Titan PC slabs are available.
OUR VALUES
At Titan PC Labs, our mission is to provide a grading experience built on integrity, precision, and respect for the collecting community. Every card we handle is evaluated with the same care and attention we would give to our own personal collections. Our principles guide every decision we make:
1. Consistency Above All
We apply our grading standards uniformly across all submissions. Every card—regardless of value, rarity, or customer—receives the same rigorous evaluation.
2. Transparency You Can Trust
Collectors deserve to know why their cards received the grades they did. We clearly explain our process, use measurable criteria, and avoid vague or subjective judgment calls.
3. Respect for the Cards and Their Owners
Your cards are handled with care from the moment they arrive. Clean workspaces, controlled environments, and professional handling are central to our process.
4. Technology-Driven Precision
We rely on calibrated tools, digital measurement, structured lighting, and repeatable methods to ensure accuracy. Every card is reviewed with the highest level of technical consistency.
5. No Hidden Adjustments
We do not apply artificial “eye appeal bumps.” Our grades reflect the card itself—its condition, its measurements, and its clarity.
6. Recognition of Exceptional Quality
While standards are strict, outstanding cards should stand out. In rare cases where a card demonstrates extraordinary condition across its key components, a modest premium may be applied to acknowledge its superior quality.
7. Commitment to Improvement
We continually refine our methods, update our tools, and evolve with the collecting community. As technology improves, so will our processes.
8. Customer Experience Matters
Whether you are a lifelong collector or sending in your first card, you deserve clear communication, fair grading, and professional presentation. Every slab that leaves our lab should reflect the pride we take in our work.
9. Long-Term Trust Is the Goal
Our reputation is built one submission at a time. We aim to earn your confidence through consistency, honesty, and expertise—not hype or gimmicks.
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