Standards

The MAG Grading Standard

A transparent 10-point scale with 0.5 increments — 19 distinct grades. Every card is assessed on four subgrades: centering, corners, edges, and surface.

The process

01

Arrival & Research

Cards are unboxed under surveillance, logged, and researched.

02

Authentication & Grading

AI pre-screen + trained grader assess all four subgrades.

03

Imaging & Sealing

High-res photography, then sonically sealed in UV-resistant holder.

04

QA & Shipping

Final quality check, securely packed, shipped back.

10MAG PerfectVirtually flawless in all aspects · Investment grade; museum quality
9.5MAG EliteNear-perfect with minimal imperfections · Premium investment piece
9MAG PrimeExcellent condition with very minor flaws · High-end collectible
8.5MAG SuperiorOutstanding with slight imperfections · Quality collectible
8MAG ChoiceVery good condition with minor wear · Solid collectible
7.5MAG SelectAbove average with noticeable minor flaws · Good display piece

Grade equivalency

Industry Comparison

See how MAG grades compare to PSA and CGC grading scales:

MAG GradeMAG LabelPSA EquivalentCGC EquivalentNotes
10MAG Perfect10 - Gem Mint10 - PristineVirtually flawless
9.5MAG Elite10 - Gem Mint9.5 - Gem MintPSA has no 9.5
9MAG Prime9 - Mint9 - Mint
8.5MAG Superior9 - Mint8.5 - NM/Mint+PSA has no 8.5
8MAG Choice8 - NM-MT8 - NM/Mint
7.5MAG Select8 - NM-MT7.5 - VF+PSA has no 7.5
7MAG Standard7 - NM7 - VF
6.5MAG Fair7 - NM6.5 - FN+PSA has no 6.5
6MAG Acceptable6 - EX-MT6 - FN
5MAG Damaged5 - EX5 - VG/FN

Important Notes:

  • • PSA uses a simpler 1-10 scale without half-grades above 8
  • • CGC offers half-grades throughout their scale, similar to MAG
  • • MAG's geometric mean calculation may result in different final grades than PSA/CGC for cards with uneven subgrades
  • • This comparison is approximate; each grading company has unique standards

Ready to see the full criteria?

Centering tolerances, defect glossary, and all 19 grades.

View Full Standards →