Frequently Asked Questions about AGS

Card grading can feel complicated. Human opinions, inconsistent results, confusing standards. AGS was built to change that. Below you’ll find clear, honest answers to the most common questions collectors ask about AI grading, card condition, submissions, technology, and how AGS compares to traditional grading companies. No guessing. No gray areas. Just data driven clarity.

General FAQ

  • AGS is the only card grading company that uses fully automated AI and machine scanning to grade cards with measurable accuracy and zero human subjectivity.

  • Your card is scanned, analyzed by AI models, defects are measured, a grade is calculated, and you receive a slab + digital report + heatmaps.

  • Yes. AGS is the only grading company that uses a complete AI + robotic grading pipeline.

  • Those companies use human graders.
    AGS uses machine vision + AI for consistency, accuracy, and transparency.

  • No. The grading pipeline is fully automated.

  • AI produces measurable, repeatable results with zero fatigue, bias, or opinion.

  • Yes — the same algorithms produce the same result on the same card, every time.

  • Yes. Cards are scanned and analyzed entirely by machines.

  • AGS launched in 2021 and is the first true AI grading company.

  • Pokémon, sports cards, trading cards, modern, vintage, holo, chrome, textured, and more.

  • Yes — Pokémon is one of the most graded categories.

  • Yes — basketball, football, baseball, soccer, F1, etc.

  • Yes, both are supported.

  • Yes — centering, corners, edges, and surface.

  • Yes — every card gets a full digital scan report.

  • A visual map showing where the AI detected defects.

  • Red = severe flaws, orange/yellow = moderate flaws, green = clean areas.

  • Yes — all graded cards appear in real-time pop reports.

  • On the slab’s label and inside your digital report.

  • Yes — bulk pricing and group submissions are supported.

  • AGS is headquartered in the United States with satellite grading labs.

  • Yes — AI grading removes bias and provides transparent data.

  • High-clarity polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) engineered for optical transparency.

  • Yes — slabs use tamper-evident ultrasonic seals.

  • By storing a digital fingerprint + scan report for every card.

AI & Technology FAQ

  • AI analyzes images, detects defects, measures centering, and calculates a grade based on data.

  • Deep learning models for detection, segmentation, texture analysis, and geometric measurement.

  • By analyzing pixel patterns, light reflections, textures, and depth variations.

  • Yes — AI detects unnatural edge geometry and fiber inconsistencies.

  • Yes — discoloration patterns and ink-layer mismatches are identified.

  • Yes — fake cards show detectable inconsistencies in color, texture, and print structure.

  • Yes — including incorrect font, texture, gloss, and border patterns.

  • By detecting borders and calculating exact pixel ratios.

  • Through corner-shape analysis and micron-level deviation detection.

  • Using segmentation, reflectivity changes, and edge-profile scanning.

  • Through light reflection mapping, texture analysis, and depth scanning.

  • Yes — microscopic scratches are easily detected.

  • Yes — via depth analysis and texture distortion detection.

  • High-resolution multi-angle imaging + controlled light environments.

  • Yes — lasers measure depth, warping, dents, and surface texture.

  • Measurements of centering, corners, edges, surface defects, and texture mapping.

  • Yes — no human decides your grade.

  • AI is extremely consistent, but AGS continuously improves models to eliminate edge cases.

  • Through reference cards, controlled lighting, and periodic performance testing.

  • Yes — millions of real card scans.

  • Yes — model updates include new sets and print patterns.

  • Down to micron-level sensitivity.

  • Yes — flaws are weighted in the context of grading rules.

  • Through a grading algorithm that blends measurements with severity values.

  • Yes — print patterns vary by set and are accounted for.

  • Yes — chrome lines are easily analyzed by CV systems.

  • By identifying raised or indented areas invisible to cameras.

  • Significantly higher than human inspection, allowing micro-defect detection.

  • Yes — because AI combines imaging, depth, and multi-angle data.

  • AI looks for natural printing patterns vs inconsistent damage markers.

  • Yes — laser curvature analysis identifies warping.

  • Yes — models are trained for each material type.

  • By comparing angles and curvature to ideal templates.

  • AI follows strict measured rules and has no emotional or subjective influence.

  • With precision-controlled robotic mechanisms that never touch the card surface.

Submission FAQ

  • Create an account, fill out a submission form, pack cards safely, and mail them in.

  • Choose based on desired turnaround time and submission volume.

  • Yes — international collectors can ship to AGS.

  • Use penny sleeves, card savers, cardboard reinforcement, and bubble wrap.

  • Brand-new penny sleeves are recommended.

  • Highly recommended for optimal protection.

  • Yes, but card savers are safer for shipping.

  • Unlimited — bulk is accepted.

  • Yes — your dashboard shows status updates.

  • Depends on service tier.

  • Yes — expedited options are available.

  • Online checkout via the AGS portal.

  • AGS photographs and documents all intake conditions.

  • No — AGS grades all conditions unless the card is illegible.

  • Yes.

  • Not currently — standard sizes only.

  • Yes — they will still receive accurate measurements.

  • Before grading starts — yes.

  • Usually yes if grading hasn’t started.

  • Cards are protected under AGS processing policies.

  • Cards are shipped safely with tracking.

  • Yes — optional coverage available.

  • At select AGS locations.

  • Yes — group and bulk options exist.

  • No — submit as few or many cards as you want.

  • No — cards are graded exactly as received.

  • Yes — carefully, without touching surfaces.

  • Yes — all graded cards are slabbed.

  • Yes — reholder service is offered.

  • Yes — but AI is consistent, so regrades rarely change results.

Grading Scale FAQ

  • 1–10 scale with decimal precision.

  • A card with near-perfect measurable condition.

  • Minor flaws that do not significantly affect condition.

  • Clean texture, no deep scratches, no dents.

  • Surface has the highest weight; centering is next.

  • Typically yes — corner damage is more visible.

  • Precise ratios vary by card type but must fall within tight tolerances.

  • Ink-layer break exposing paper fibers along edges.

  • Yes — severity determines impact.

  • Depends on location, length, and visibility.

  • Yes — scratches on holo are weighted more heavily.

  • Small breaks where ink or foil has flaked off.

  • Rounded corners or slight deformation.

  • Depressions visible under depth or light analysis.

  • Severe creases usually drop grades significantly.

  • AI still measures defects, but vintage tolerances differ slightly.

  • Yes — but they still impact condition scoring.

  • Minor vintage print snow is treated proportionally.

  • Textured cards hide minor scratches but show print lines clearly.

  • Yes — depending on size and visibility.

  • Yes — both sides are measured.

  • A deep, visible scratch typically prevents a gem.

  • Yes — surface dominates grading.

  • Roller lines reduce surface grades proportionally.

  • Yes — unless part of a known manufacturing pattern.

  • It depends on severity and visibility.

  • Loss of gloss reduces surface score.

  • Deep scratches, creases, heavy whitening, major indentations.

  • Cards are graded, but crimping heavily impacts score.

  • AGS uses mathematical precision — no rounding bias.

Reports & Transparency FAQ

  • Defect list, heatmaps, centering data, images, and grade breakdown.

  • Red = major flaw, orange/yellow = moderate flaws, green = clean.

  • Yes — reports can be viewed and downloaded online.

  • Yes — links are shareable with buyers or friends.

  • Each flaw is labeled with location and severity.

  • They show exactly why your card received its grade.

  • Yes — heatmaps pinpoint defect positions.

  • Yes — each card has a digital record.

  • Yes — via color mapping and defect labels.

  • They often increase resale confidence.

  • Yes — they make comparisons easy.

  • Yes — each card has a unique scan.

  • Enter the cert number on the AGS website.

  • Yes — available through your cert lookup.

  • Yes — no two reports are identical.

  • Reports remain tied to original grading but can be re-issued.

  • Yes — shown inside the digital report.

  • Yes — pop reports display card rarity.

  • Blockchain storage is used for certain verification systems.

  • Yes — only your cert information is public.

Card Defects FAQ

  • Surface scratches.

  • Yes — oils create streaks visible to AI.

  • Friction, chipping, poor storage, or manufacturing.

  • Binder use, play, sleeving, or wiping.

  • Yes — corners bend easily under pressure.

  • Ink inconsistencies during printing.

  • Printing machine rollers during production.

  • Their reflective coating is extremely soft.

  • A depression caused by pressure or impact.

  • Yes — causing warping or surface separation.

  • Curvature measurements show uneven card shape.

  • Yes — dents always impact surface.

  • Printing errors or excessive ink application.

  • UV exposure or environmental damage.

  • Foil layer separating from the card stock.

  • Yes — via depth and texture mapping.

  • Not directly, but particles inside can.

  • Only if they leave visible scratches.

  • A fold or crease near the corner.

  • A factory misprint or ink smear.

  • By identifying gloss inconsistencies and texture changes.

  • Dirt doesn’t prevent grading but hurts the score.

  • Artificial polishing or chemical treatment.

  • Yes — edges and surfaces behave differently.

  • Misalignment during cutting or printing.

Collector Education FAQ

  • When it’s valuable, clean, and market demand is strong.

  • Textured, clean, well-centered cards.

  • Foil-heavy cards, older holos, and chrome with print lines.

  • Only for protection or personal collection.

  • Use bright light and tilt the card slowly.

  • They hide micro-scratches well.

  • Yes — extremely scratch-sensitive.

  • Older print technology lacked precision.

  • Older cards naturally have more wear.

  • If condition looks strong — yes, grading increases value.

  • Use sleeves, savers, and rigid mailers.

  • Cool, dry environment with stable humidity.

  • Heat or sunlight can cause fading or warping.

  • Only the outside — never the card.

  • Only if you believe the previous grader made an error — AI rarely varies.

  • Yes — transparency increases buyer trust.

  • AGS is more consistent and data-backed; PSA is human-based.

  • AGS uses AI; BGS uses multiple human graders.

  • Yes — grading protects long-term value.

  • Sending scratched or poorly centered cards.

  • Almost always for clean, desirable cards.

  • Before major events, set releases, or sports seasons.

  • Poor centering dramatically lowers value.

  • Yes — scarcity increases demand.

  • Sleeve → saver → cardboard → bubble mailer → box.

AGS COMPARISON FAQ

  • Yes — machine grading removes human variability.

  • Yes — AI measures defects with precision.

  • AI is faster, unbiased, and more reproducible.

  • Because AGS built proprietary hardware + AI pipelines from the ground up.

  • Yes — AGS provides heatmaps, reports, and defect data.

  • Yes — collectors value transparency and consistency.

  • Yes — widespread adoption continues to grow.

  • With precision measurement, not opinion.

  • Because it eliminates bias and ensures global consistency.

  • AI will become the standard; human graders will become secondary.