Card Certification Process

The certification of trading cards involves a meticulous evaluation by MBA experts, who follow a comprehensive 10-point procedure to ensure the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Below is a detailed description of the process:

  1. Authenticity
    • Each card's graded holder is carefully examined to ensure there are no signs of tampering.
    • The card is confirmed to be factory-issued and not a reprint or counterfeit.
    • Cards identified as being cut from sheets are restricted from receiving a certification sticker.
  2. Measurement
    • Each card is photographed in high resolution, and its measurements are recorded.
    • Measurements must be within a tolerance of 1/100th of an inch. Factory measurements are accepted industry standards for different types and brands, and any variations may be taken into consideration.
  3. Alterations
    • There must be clear and convincing evidence that can be articulated to demonstrate why a card is considered altered.
  4. Centering
    • Both the front and back centering of the card are measured and calculated by percentage, considering top-to-bottom and left-to-right alignment.
  5. Corner Wear
    • Corners are inspected for fraying, slight touches, creases, wrinkles, bends, chipping, and any other type of wear.
  6. Edges
    • Edges are examined for fraying, chipping, uneven factory cuts, and other edge-related flaws.
  7. Surface
    • The card's surface is checked for scratches, missing stock, wrinkles, creases, and other surface issues.
  8. Staining
    • The card is inspected for stains from gum, water, tobacco, wax, or any other substance.
  9. Print Defects
    • The card is evaluated for factory print defects that affect overall appearance, such as white "snow" or print dots, and the location of these defects.
  10. Overall Eye Appeal
    • The card's overall visual appeal is assessed to determine if it has superior eye appeal.
    • Based on the assessment, a final certification sticker level is issued.