AI grading
A condition read before you pay for a slab.
TCGPal scores centering, corners, edges, and surface from front and back photos, then maps that read to PSA, BGS, SGC, and CGC estimates. Use it to decide what is worth submitting — not as a replacement for professional certification.
Photograph front and back
Bright indirect light, full borders, glare off the holos. The model can only grade what the photo shows.
Read the four subgrades
Each criterion gets its own score. The lowest one usually limits the card, the same way a human grader will.
Compare companies and value
See PSA, BGS, SGC, and CGC estimates beside raw versus graded comps so the slab fee has a number next to it.
The report is the product
A grade without subgrades is a slogan. TCGPal shows why the number landed where it did — centering split, corner wear, edge nicks, surface scratches — so you can agree or take a second look in hand. Collector adds cross-company estimates, share images, and a PDF.
Example report
Front + back condition
Same four criteria a human grader uses.
- Centering
- 10
- Corners
- 9
- Edges
- 9.5
- Surface
- 10
PSA
10
BGS
9.5
SGC
10
CGC
9.5
Pre-grade, not a certificate
AI cannot feel a crease, catch every surface scratch under glare, or authenticate a card. If the photo is clean and the subgrades are high, the card is a candidate for PSA or another company. If they are not, you just saved the submission fee.
Pre-grade vs a professional slab
TCGPal is a condition read. PSA, BGS, SGC, and CGC still certify the card.
| TCGPal pre-grade | PSA, BGS, SGC, CGC | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Subgrades plus mapped estimates | Authenticated, encapsulated grade |
| Typical cost | 3 free grades a day; unlimited on Collector | About $15–$50+ per card, plus shipping |
| Authentication | No | Yes |
| What the market pays for | A decision tool before you submit | The grade on the holder |
FAQ
Questions about this
How is the overall grade calculated?
TCGPal scores centering, corners, edges, and surface, then combines them into an overall grade with a label such as Gem Mint or Near Mint. The lowest subgrade usually limits the card — the same way a human grader will not give a 10 to a card with a dinged corner.
What are the four company estimates?
Collector includes mapped estimates for PSA (whole numbers), BGS (half points and subgrades), SGC, and CGC. They are translations of the same condition read, not four independent inspections.
Should I submit a card the AI likes?
If the photo is sharp, the subgrades are high, and the raw card is valuable enough to cover the slab fee, it is a reasonable candidate. Still check the card under a light for defects the photo missed.
Can I share or export a report?
Yes. Collector unlocks clean share images and a PDF grade report. Grading stays private unless you post it to the community feed.
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