FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OUR SCANNERS

These advanced scanning solutions are crucial in enabling LCS Grading to uphold its commitment to accuracy and integrity in the grading process. For more specific details regarding the equipment and technologies utilized by LCS Grading, contacting them directly would provide the most accurate insights.

  • These devices capture intricate details of the cards, allowing for the identification of minor flaws such as scratches, surface imperfections, and color vibrancy.

  • This technology provides a detailed analysis of card features, including surface texture, edges, and corners, resulting in a thorough assessment of the card’s condition.

  • Designed to accurately evaluate centering, size, and other essential grading criteria, these tools help reduce the possibility of human error in grading evaluations.

  • This allows for the detection of alterations or repairs that may not be visible under regular lighting, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each card's integrity.

  • This software analyzes the images captured, applying standardized grading criteria consistently and efficiently.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CARD FOR GRADING

Use a microfiber cloth

Gently wipe the card surface with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and other loose particles.

Avoid excessive rubbing

Apply minimal pressure to prevent damaging the card's surface.

Inspect under a bright light

Examine the card carefully under a strong light source to identify any remaining dirt or debris.

Consider using compressed air

For stubborn particles, gently blow compressed air across the card's surface.

Handle cards with clean hands

Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your cards to minimize the transfer of oils and dirt.

Store cards properly

Store your cards in protective sleeves and top loaders to prevent dust and damage during storage.

Consult professional resources

If you have concerns about cleaning a particular card, consult with experienced collectors or professional grading services for guidance.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always exercise caution when cleaning trading cards, as improper cleaning methods can cause irreversible damage.

WHAT WE GRADE

Sports Training Cards

    • Topps Baseball Cards – Official MLB license.

    • Bowman Baseball Cards – Focus on prospects and rookies.

    • Panini NBA Cards – Official NBA license with popular series like Prizm and National Treasures.

    • Panini NFL Cards – Official NFL cards including sets like Donruss and Select.

    • Upper Deck NHL Cards – Officially licensed NHL trading cards, including flagship Upper Deck and SP Authentic.

    • Upper Deck Golf Cards – Includes sets featuring iconic players like Tiger Woods.

    • Panini FIFA World Cup Cards – Official FIFA World Cup trading cards and stickers.

    • Topps MLS Cards – Licensed Major League Soccer cards.

    • Topps UEFA Champions League Cards – Cards featuring top European club teams.

    • Panini UFC Cards – Official UFC license offering series like Prizm and Select

    • Ace Authentic Tennis Cards – Focused on tennis stars past and present.

    • Upper Deck Serena Williams Cards – Featured in some Upper Deck multi-sport products.

Entertainment Trading Cards

  • Topps Star Wars Cards

  • Upper Deck Marvel Cards.

  • Topps Disney Collectibles.

  • Panini Harry Potter Cards.

Trading Card Games

  • Wizards of the Coast.

  • The Pokémon Company International.

  • Konami.

  • Bushiroad.

  • Bandai.

  • Bandai.

  • Legend Story Studios.

  • MetaZoo Games.

GRADING SCALE

POOR (PR 1)

Card has major damage, including creases, stains, tears, and significant surface wear. It may be heavily miscut or have pieces missing.

FAIR (FR 2)

Card shows heavy wear with multiple creases, rounded corners, and moderate to heavy surface damage. Still intact despite the extensive wear.

NICE (NI 3)

Moderate to heavy wear is visible; may have several creases or edge wear. The corners are noticeably rounded, and the card may have light staining or discoloration.

GOOD (G 4)

Appears moderately worn, with some visible creases and rounded corners. The card may have surface wear or small stains but retains an appealing look.

VERY GOOD (VG 5)

Shows some minor wear with light corner rounding or slight surface wear. No major creases, with a generally neat appearance.

EXCELLENT (EX 6)

Minor wear is evident with slightly rounded corners or minor surface defects. The card may have a slight printing imperfection or minor edge wear.

SUPERB (SUP 7)

Slightly better than Excellent, with sharper corners and a generally cleaner appearance. Minimal surface wear or printing issues.

NEAR MINT (NM 8)

Nearly perfect, with sharp corners, strong color, and minor handling wear. May have slight centering issues or minor flaws.

MINT (MT 9)

Almost flawless, with sharp edges and corners, vibrant colors, and excellent surface condition. Centering is typically within 60/40 to 65/35 or better.

GEM MINT (GEM MT 10)

Perfect in every way, with perfect centering, sharp corners, no visible defects, and ideal print quality. Represents the pinnacle of condition.

GRADING PHILOSOPHY: PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

At LCS Grading, we understand that imperfections invisible to the naked eye or under 5x magnification have no meaningful impact on a card's visual appeal or collectability. Our grading philosophy prioritizes the overall appearance of a card as it would be appreciated by the average collector. Focusing excessively on microscopic flaws detracts from the card’s intrinsic quality and diminishes its value unnecessarily. We believe that overly stringent grading criteria can artificially depress card values and discourage collectors from engaging in the hobby. By adopting a balanced and practical approach, we aim to protect your investment, ensuring that your cards are graded in a way that reflects their true appeal and market potential. Our commitment is to honor the artistry and craftsmanship of the card while maintaining fair and reliable grading standards.

CERTIFICATION LOOKUP

Enter certification number located on the front of your card to see more details and subgrades.

Inputting the card number for certification lookup offers several advanced features that enhance user experience and ensure accuracy. This system allows for real-time verification of credentials, providing instant access to a database of certified individuals and their qualifications. Users can quickly validate certification status, and any relevant credentials linked to the card number. Additionally, the integration of secure encryption ensures that sensitive data is protected during the lookup process, while user-friendly interfaces streamline navigation and information retrieval, making the process efficient and transparent.