Form instructions

FORM INSTRUCTIONS

Language : Currently, to simplify the start-up process and significantly reduce the catalog, appraisal requests for cards are only allowed in English and Japanese.

 

Name : The card's name is located in the top left corner. To search, you'll need to know the full name, including any special designations, such as EX, GX, VSTAR, VMAX, and others. For example, Leafeon EX, Pikachu VMAX, Arceus VSTAR, etc.

 

Number : The card number is located in the lower left or right corner, near the rarity. It is usually represented in XXX/XXX format, although there are different numbering options that vary by language and set. Examples: 008/197, 011, GG17/GG70, SM103, 005/SV-P.


Expansion : Each card's expansion can be found in the lower left corner. These vary depending on the card's language and are identified by a name, abbreviation, or specific code. For expansions prior to Scarlet & Violet [SVI], they are identified by a symbol rather than an abbreviation.

The English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian cards are usually from the same set, while the Japanese and Korean cards are from different sets. This is because the Japanese cards are released first, given that Japan is the product's country of origin. Months later, the cards are localized into English and other languages ​​for distribution in the global market.


If you don't know which expansion your card belongs to, you can search for it in TCG Collector using the name and number.


Rarity : The rarity is located in the lower right or left corner of the card and represents the difficulty level of obtaining it within a set. This can vary depending on the set and the language. In English versions, rarity is usually represented by a symbol, while in Japanese versions, an abbreviation is used.


If you don't know the rarity of your cards, you can also look them up in TCG Collector using the name and number.


Status of the letter :

  • Near Mint (NM) : Perfect condition, no scratches or white spots.
  • Excellent (EX) : Small scratch and/or white spot visible only upon close inspection.
  • Good (GD) : Small scratches and/or white spots visible to the naked eye.
  • Light Played (LP) : Clearly visible marks from minimal wear.
  • Played (PL) : Clearly visible marks from regular use without sleeves.
  • Poor (PO) : Card damaged by misuse.
  • Sealed : Promotional cards delivered in a sealed plastic envelope.
  • Graded : Cardss authenticated and graded by specialized companies, encapsulated in a plastic slab for protection


If the card has been previously rated, it will be necessary to know the company that performed the rating, as well as the grade given by that company.


Grading Company : There are numerous companies dedicated to authenticating and grading cards and other collectible items. However, to simplify the initial catalog, three of the most relevant companies have been selected:

  • Professional Sports Authenticator [PSA] : Industry leader in sports card grading and autograph authentication. It is the most popular company, especially among American collectors.
  • Beckett [BGS] : With over 40 years in the industry, it is recognized for its record of honesty and integrity, valued by collectors around the world.
  • Culture Collectibles Grading [CGC] : The world's largest and most trusted grading service for comics, but they also grade trading cards, sports cards, video games, and other items.


Rating : This is the grade given by the corresponding specialized company. Each company uses its own scale to evaluate the cards:

  • PSA : 10 / 9.5 / 9 / 8.5 / 8 / 7.5 / 7 / 6.5 / 6 / 5.5 / 5 / 4.5 / 4 / 3.5 / 3 / 2.5 / 2 / 1.5 / 1
  • BGS : 10 (Black Label) / 10 (Gold Label) / 9.5 / 9 / 8 / 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
  • CGC : 10 (Pristine) / 10 / 9.5 / 9 / 8.5 / 8 / 7.5 / 7 / 6.5 / 6 / 5.5 / 5 / 4.5 / 4 / 3.5 / 4 / 3.5 / 3 / 2.5 / 2 / 1.5 / 1


Currently, in order to simplify the start-up process and reduce the catalog and appraisal complexity, only cards in Near Mint (NM) condition and cards graded by PSA, BGS, and CGC are allowed.


Photographs : You will be required to provide several photographs of the card from different angles to corroborate the information provided and verify that the card to be appraised is not a forgery.