Refers to the precision with which a card’s edges join, forming a corner at a ninety (90) degree angle. Each corner angle is measured and scored independently and not impacted by any other corner. Factors affecting angle can include miscuts, waviness, or rounding.

In the Digital Image and Grading Report (“DIG”) each TAG graded card’s three-digit TAG score is ranked relative to all other TAG graded examples.

The measurement of the primary elements of the card’s design to the edge of the cardstock from top to bottom and from left to right, with 50/50 balance most desired.

Presented on leaderboards to distinguish a card’s timeline rank among others of its kind, e.g., first graded status.

Edge intersection occurs at a point referred to as “Corner”. A standard rectangle card has four corners. Each corner is graded on its angle precision and cardstock sharpness by measuring each corner angle; identifying and measuring each corner’s fill and fray and by using CSW (Corner Surface Wear) defect measurements to identify and measure corner defects such as corner lift.

Corner Surface Wear refers to defects and damage on the top or bottom of the card near its furthermost endpoints. TAG assigns CSW grades to cards on all four corners, on both front and back, for eight total scores.

The Digital Imaging and Grading report is TAG’s complete documentation of the evaluated card. Accessible on every card through QR code or the TAG Population Report, the DIG report contains high-resolution images of all identified defects, scoring breakdowns for individual attributes, information regarding population, leaderboard, and chronology, and images of the final TAG’d card optimized for social media or third-party selling usage.

A depression of the surface of the card.

The measurements of the card. Standard size for modern trading cards is 2 1/2 by 3 ½ inches, however, many variances exist.

The outer perimeter of the cardstock between each corner.

Refers to defects and damage on the front or back of the card on its perimeter at approximately the point where the edge and surface meet. TAG assigns ESW grades to cards on all four corners, on both front and back, for eight total scores.

Fray refers to material which exceeds the exterior perimeter of the card’s edges or corners. Fray can result from the manufacturing process or from extraordinary surface wear.

A variety of defects which could include print smudging, missing ink, or a group of defects, on the surface of the cardstock.

Non-Human-Observable-Defects (NHOD) are identified and documented by TAG’s technology during the grading process - these primarily include extremely small defects for the most part invisible except under intense magnification. NHODs are used primarily to create digital fingerprints of graded cards rather than as factors in TAG’s card grades.

A circular surface mark.

Errors from the print process, e.g. discoloration, registration/blurring errors and missing elements, print “snow” (white dots), and fish eyes (circular discolored elements).

A straight line emanating from the printing process caused by scratches on the printing plate allowing ink to hold onto the plate and not adhere to the card in production. Print lines can affect the visual appearance and eye appeal of cards.

The number of TAG Graded examples of each specific card. Population is measured in the DIG report as both the overall number graded of each card, and by examples graded in the condition of the card whose report is selected.

A noticeable rounded indentation from the printing process.

A surface imperfection which takes on the appearance of straight or curved lines and can be of various lengths.

The area comprising the front and the back side of the card.

Noticeable defect caused by exposure to liquid, often leading to discoloration or warping.

A bend, fold, or raised line on the surface of the card, often caused by mishandling. A wrinkle refers to a less severe version of the defect and can only be seen on one side of the surface, whereas creases are often apparent on both sides of the card.