Our Grading Process

Every card submitted to LEGION is handled with precision, consistency, and collector-level care. Our process is designed to protect your cards while delivering fair, transparent evaluations.

Centering

Evaluates border balance, alignment, and how evenly the image sits within the card.

Corners

Reviews sharpness, whitening, rounding, bends, fraying, and visible wear at each corner.

Edges

Examines chipping, rough cuts, whitening, fraying, and perimeter condition on all sides.

Surface

Checks scratches, print defects, gloss issues, stains, dents, marks, and surface impressions.

LEGION Grading uses a disciplined four-point evaluation system designed to deliver consistent, transparent, and collector-focused results. Every submitted card is individually examined in the core categories of Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface, with each category receiving its own subgrade based on clearly defined standards. The final overall grade is calculated from these four components and conservatively rounded down to the nearest half grade, reinforcing LEGION’s philosophy of consistency over grade inflation.

Each card moves through a structured workflow that includes intake inspection, image documentation, detailed grading analysis, final score lock, certification number assignment, registry entry, custom label generation, and encapsulation in a tamper-evident holder. Once a certification number is assigned and entered into the official registry, the grade is permanently locked to preserve integrity and accountability.

LEGION Grading was built for collectors, by a collector. The process emphasizes careful review, transparent standards, and equal treatment of every submission—whether a low-value common card or a premium collectible. Rather than chasing inflated grades, LEGION focuses on honest condition assessment, professional presentation, and building long-term trust within the hobby community.

 
 

 

LEGION Pristine 10 GRADE

 

Pristine 10 is LEGION’s highest grade and is reserved for truly exceptional cards that meet our most demanding standards.

To qualify, a card must demonstrate elite centering, sharp corners, strong edges, and a near-flawless surface. Even minor imperfections in any category will prevent a card from reaching this level.

A card may appear clean at first glance, but careful inspection can reveal subtle flaws that separate excellent cards from truly elite examples.

Because LEGION follows a conservative grading philosophy, Pristine 10 grades are expected to be rare and earned—not routinely given. A Mint 9 or Gem Mint 9.5 remains a truly outstanding result, while a Pristine 10 represents the absolute highest level of overall condition.