Card Grading Standards

Global Pristine (10)

This superior example exhibits no wear or blemishes. This card must possess four perfectly sharp corners and superb print quality. Approximate centering of 50/50 on the front.

Global Gem-Mt (9.5)

This superior example exhibits no wear or blemishes. This card must possess four perfectly sharp corners and no chipping. One minor print imperfection may be allowed. Approximate centering of 55/45 on the front.

Global Mint (9)

Appears to have all the attributes of a Global GEM-MT 9.5. Under close examination one minor flaw, such as a small print mark, slight registration problem or minor surface problem may be evident. Approximate centering of 60/40 on the front.

Global NM-MT+ (8.5)

Appears to be very similar to a Global NM-MT card but will have a superior characteristic.

Global NM-MT (8)

A near flawless card. While the corners appear sharp to the naked eye, light ‘touches’ of wear may be seen on the tips of one or more of the corners under closer examination. A few minor flaws, including light surface wear or a small wax stain may be evident. Approximate centering of 65/35 on the front.

Global NM+ (7.5)

Appears to be very similar to a Global NM card but will have a superior characteristic.

Global NM (7)

While the corners still appear square, light wear at their tips may be evident. The card may exhibit a few minor flaws. Approximate centering of 70/30 on the front.

Global EX-MT+ (6.5)

Appears to be very similar to a Global EX-MT card but will have a superior characteristic.

Global EX-MT (6)

This card may have one or more corners displaying light corner fraying and a light amount of stock enamel missing on the edge. May exhibit several minor flaws, including light surface scratching. Approximate centering of 75/25 on the front.

Global EX+ (5.5)

Appears to be very similar to a Global EX 5 card but will have a superior characteristic.

Global EX (5)

May exhibit a few flaws including very light rounding of the corners, loss of surface gloss and a very light surface wrinkle may be evident. Approximate centering of 80/20 on the front.

Global VG-EX+ (4.5)

Appears to be very similar to a Global VG-EX 4 but will have a superior characteristic.

Global VG-EX (4)

May exhibit several flaws, including light corner rounding, a light crease, surface wear and print imperfections. Approximate centering of 85/15 on the front.

Global VG+ (3.5)

Appears to be very similar to a Global VG 3 but will have a superior characteristic.

Global VG (3)

May have several flaws, including more noticeable rounding of the corners, multiple creases, chipping and print imperfections. Approximate centering of 90/10 on the front.

Global GD-VG (2.5)

May exhibit several flaws, including rounded corners, a small amount of back damage, staining and surface wear. Approximate centering of 90/10 on the front.

Global GOOD (2)

May exhibit a few major flaws, including heavy creasing, accelerated corner wear, poor registration, a pinhole, writing and tape.

Global FAIR (1.5)

May exhibit several major flaws including tears and missing surface stock.

Global POOR (1)

May include many major flaws such as missing pieces and similar, obvious defects.

Flaw Glossary

Minor Flaws: A minor flaw may include but is not limited to a light print line, light wax stain, light surface wear and a slightly skewed manufacture cut.

Flaw: A flaw may include but is not limited to corner wear, print line or mark, wax stain and surface wear or enamel.

Major Flaws: A major flaw may include but is not limited to accelerated or heavy corner wear, poor registration, a heavy stain or stains, excessive surface wear, pinhole, writing and tape or tape residue.

The Global Authority, Inc. grading guide is not meant to be totally comprehensive; rather it is a general summary of information used to understand the Global grading process.

Minor League Disclaimer

Global Authority, Inc. grades certain issues of Minor League sports trading cards, including Star Baseball and TCMA. At this time we do not grade other Minor League issues. Please call or email before submitting your items to verify if we can or cannot grade the item.

Autographed Cards

Global Authority, Inc. grades and authenticates trading cards and does not offer an opinion on the authenticity of autographs from card manufacturers.

Minimum Size Disclaimer

Global Authority, Inc. will not encapsulate trading cards that measure more than a 1/32” short top to bottom or 1/32” narrow left to right. Manufactured sets that are known to vary in size will be accounted for during the grading process.

Authentic Only Disclaimer

Global Authority, Inc. will designate, by customer request, cards that have been graded trimmed, recolored, re-backed or altered by labeling the certification flip; Authentic Only. Cards that have been miscut, hand cut or sheet cut will not be assigned a numerical grade, they will be labeled Authentic Only.

Liquidity

Items Encapsulated or authenticated by Global Authority, Inc. does not assure liquidity or market acceptance.