Grading Standards
At Titan PC Labs, every card is evaluated using a consistent, transparent grading system. Each card receives four sub-grades—Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface—followed by an overall final grade.
Centering
Measured digitally on both the front and back of the card, with front centering carrying the most weight. Ratios are converted to a 1–10 score using our centering standards.
Corners
Reviewed under magnification. Sharp, unworn corners receive higher grades; whitening, rounding, or compression reduces the score.
Edges
Inspected for chipping, coating issues, dents, and rough factory cuts. Minor factory inconsistencies are treated fairly, while structural flaws affect grading.
Surface
Checked under direct and angled lighting to identify scratches, dimples, print lines, roller marks, holo issues, and coating irregularities.
How Deductions Are Assessed
Corners
Minor whitening or tiny flecks: –0.5
Lightly rounded or slightly blunted tips: –0.5 to –1
Noticeable rounding or multiple whitened corners: –1 to –1.5
Severely damaged corners: –2 or more
Edges
Micro-chipping or light flaking: –0.5
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
Front and back surfaces are inspected under direct light and magnification.
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
Centering is graded using our documented centering scale and chart.
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 based on all four sub-grades, with additional emphasis on the front of the card, as this is where most collectors place value.
Grades are calculated and then rounded down to maintain consistency across all submissions.
Premium Condition Bonus (“Three 10’s Bump”)
Cards that demonstrate exceptional condition across the most important visible areas may receive a slight bonus to their final grade.
This applies only in rare situations where a card achieves top-tier marks in its key sub-grades, reflecting a level of quality that stands out even among high-grade submissions.
When this happens, the card may receive a small bump (up to a half grade) beyond the calculated score.
This bonus is applied only when clearly warranted and is 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.
Customers may request personalized label text.
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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