The AP grading standard — how we grade your cards
Every card goes through a clearly defined, multi-stage process — combining the trained eye of our graders with precise measurement technology. The result is an objective, reproducible grade you can verify online at any time — for Pokémon, sports and TCG cards.
★★★★★ · 150,000+ cards graded · Made in Germany · in ≤ 5 business days · no customs across the EU · verifiable online
The grading scale: grade 0.5 to 10
We grade on a scale from 0.5 to 10. From grade 7.0 we additionally show Subgrades for the four individual criteria — at no extra charge.
What your grade means
- 7–8
- very well preserved, with clear value confirmation in the market
- 9
- near perfect, with deviations visible only under magnification
- 10
- flawless — the highest collector and resale value
Centering
How centered is the artwork on the front and back?
Corners
Sharpness and condition of all four corners.
Edges
Clean edges with no wear or white spots.
Surface
Scratches, dents, gloss and print quality.
See which cards and games we grade under What we grade.
The grading process — step by step
1 · Intake & matching
The contents of your shipment are checked and matched against your order. You then receive an email confirming your cards have arrived. You’ll find the complete process, from sending in your cards to insured return shipping, step by step under How it works.
2 · Pre-grading
Your cards are carefully removed from their packaging and handled with the utmost care. During pre-grading we record and log creases, print defects and any damage visible to the naked eye.
3 · Centering
The side margins are measured precisely to determine the centering grade accurately and reproducibly.
4 · Forensic analysis
Under strong magnification we inspect the surface, corners and edges for the finest scratches, wear and hairline cracks — even where the naked eye can no longer detect anything. This detailed analysis secures our consistently high, reproducible quality level.
5 · Ultrasonic sealing
After grading, we seal your card in a secured special case. A state-of-the-art ultrasonic welder ensures a residue-free, permanent seal.
6 · Insured return shipping
Your slabs are packed securely and returned insured — including an email with the tracking number and tracking link.
The AP standard: our premium label
The sealed premium slab protects your card permanently from light, moisture and abrasion — and presents it display-ready, kept for years in exactly the condition your grade documents.
Thanks to a patented printing process, our laminated label is made of six layers of different materials — a thin, extremely hard-wearing laminate. The result:
- Light-resistant
- Abrasion-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Resistant to numerous chemicals
- Heat-resistant
Every slab carries a unique seal number and a QR code — so you can check it online at any time. You can view all cards already graded in the Population Report.
Sending in larger quantities? We have the right terms for dealers.
Fixed prices — no matter how valuable your card is
Your price is clear up front — no value-based surcharges like other grading providers.
Card Grading
€22.90
per card · processed in ≤ 5 business days
- Grade + subgrades
- Premium slab, card sleeved
- Online certificate & QR
Comics & Box Topper Grading
€39.95
per comic / box topper · large-format slab
- Graded to the AP standard
- Large-format premium slab
- Online certificate & QR
Plus: case swap (a new slab for already-graded cards) from €15.90. All prices per item, slab included.
What our customers say
Over 150,000 cards graded — here’s what collectors say about AP Grading:
★★★★★
„Graded many many times, 10+ cards at a time, and very good service. Grades are fair. FIVE STAR SERVICE.“
Allan Aru · Estonia
★★★★★
„Last Friday I sent my 6 cards to the company and got them back with a nice result, so I’m happy and satisfied with the service.“
Bilel · Netherlands
★★★★★
„Live in the Netherlands — strict but fair grading. Very fast turnaround, 5 working days, and not expensive.“
Anoniem · Netherlands
160+ verified reviews on Trustpilot.
Frequently asked questions about the grading standard
What do grades 10, 9 or 7–8 mean?
Grade 10 stands for a flawless condition with the highest collector and resale value, grade 9 for near perfect — with deviations visible only under magnification. Grades from 7 to 8 stand for very well preserved cards with clear value confirmation in the market.
What are subgrades — and are they included?
Subgrades are separate individual grades for the four criteria centering, corners, edges and surface. From grade 7.0 we show them in addition to the overall grade — at no extra charge.
How do you grade centering, corners, edges and surface?
For centering, we measure the side margins precisely and reproducibly. We inspect corners, edges and surface under strong magnification for wear, scratches and the finest hairline cracks — even where the naked eye can no longer detect anything.
How objective and verifiable is an AP grade?
We grade against four clearly defined criteria and with precise measurement technology — consistent and reproducible. Every slab carries a unique seal number and a QR code and can be verified online at any time.
What happens during pre-grading?
During pre-grading we carefully remove your cards from their packaging and log creases, print defects and any damage visible to the naked eye — before the actual, measurement-based grading begins.
How do I check the grade and authenticity of my slab?
Every slab carries a unique seal number and a QR code. With them, you — and every later buyer — can check the grade and authenticity online at any time at check.apgrading.de.
Ready to get your collection graded?
Secure value & authenticity — in just 5 business days.