Four pillars
Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface are the four core inspection fields.
QAG Grading Scale
A 1–10 scale that explains both the card’s condition and the evidence behind it. The overall grade is not an automatic copy of the lowest subgrade.
- Two 10 tiers
- 0.5 steps
- Evidence first
01—03
Read the number correctly
Subgrades show where a card is strong and where defects appear. The overall grade is a separate decision that considers subgrades, defect severity, and the card’s presentation as a whole.
Front + back
Front and back values stay visible; each pillar uses (front + back) ÷ 2, floored to QAG’s 0.5 ladder.
Final grade
The overall grade is not a raw sum or a single minimum; it is published after review.
HOW TO READ
A subgrade is evidence—not the final verdict
One subgrade of 9 does not mechanically force an overall 9. Conversely, a severe defect can limit the grade ceiling even when the other pillars are strong.
- 01
Measure the evidence
Review the relevant images and measurements for both sides.
- 02
Score each pillar
Summarize Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface independently.
- 03
Set the overall grade
Consider balance, defect weight, and the limiting factor before publication.
QAG SCALE
Card condition levels
QAG uses a 10-point scale in 0.5 increments, with two distinct 10 tiers. Paired pillar scores use (front + back) ÷ 2, floored to that ladder. These condition names describe QAG’s own scale and do not promise a one-to-one cross-grade with another company.
- 10KAMI
QAG’s highest tier: virtually flawless under detailed review and clear of all KAMI gates.
- 10Pristine
A 10 with premium condition that does not meet one or more KAMI conditions.
- 9.5Gem Mint
Premium condition with only extremely minor issues found under close inspection.
- 9Mint
Sharp and clean, with minor issues that do not undermine the overall presentation.
- 8.5Near Mint–Mint+
Very strong condition with minor manufacturing or handling issues.
- 8Near Mint–Mint
Very good condition with light evidence of handling visible on close review.
- 7.5Near Mint+
Several light signs of wear, while the overall presentation remains strong.
- 7Near Mint
More visible wear, but the card still presents well.
- 6.5Excellent–Mint+
A moderate small flaw or several minor flaws are visible.
- 6Excellent–Mint
Manufacturing or handling wear is clearly more apparent.
- 5.5Excellent+
Multiple issues are present, while the card remains presentable.
- 5Excellent
Visible wear and surface or edge issues affect the presentation.
- 4.5Very Good–Excellent+
Several issues combine and begin to affect eye appeal.
- 4Very Good–Excellent
More advanced wear is present, including possible light pressure marks or creases.
- 3.5Very Good+
A significant flaw is present, but the card remains clearly legible and viewable.
- 3Very Good
Multiple visible flaws materially affect the overall presentation.
- 2.5Good+
Some heavy damage is present, such as a clear crease or advanced wear.
- 2Good
Multiple heavy creases or substantial wear are present.
- 1.5Fair
One or more severe defects are present.
- 1Poor
Heavy damage substantially affects the card’s structure or presentation.
KAMI 10 is QAG’s highest tier. Pristine 10 is a 10 that does not meet one or more KAMI conditions.
PUBLIC METHODOLOGY
A report should be traceable
Every published score should lead back to approved evidence. QAG shows subgrades, front and back values, the limiting factor, and the appropriate review images without exposing private scanner data.
QAG is independent and is not affiliated with PSA, BGS, CGC, TAG, or any card publisher.