Grading

Graded collectibles benefit from reducing conflicting valuations based on opinions, given that the value of a given piece, can be based on recent comparables sold of equal grading on the open market.

An added benefit of this service is that all graded items must be authenticated and encapsulated (see ENCAPSULATION) - All of which are value adding in terms of safety and security, both for resale and/or investment ease.

A coin's grade is determined by five criteria: strike, preservation, luster, color, and attractiveness. Paper currency’s (Banknote) grade is determined by crispness (Rigidity or lack thereof), brightness, depth of color, centering of the printed area, artificially suppressed folds, restorations and/or repairs, pinholes, tears, creases, color fading, stains, foreign bodies (stamps, labels/stickers, writing), autographed (if applicable), etc.

Several grading systems have been developed, however The Sheldon Grading System (1-70 point grading scale), is considered as most precise grading standard. * European countries use various, roughly equivalent, grading systems.

Printed Media grading is determined by a multitude of criteria: Page count (if applicable), tears, creases, color fading, spine splits (if applicable), stains, restorations and/or repairs, foreign bodies (stamps, labels/stickers, writing), autographed (if applicable), centering, margins, perforations, gum (The reverse adhesive if applicable), printing quality, etc.

The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (or Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide) is an annually published comic book price guide widely considered the primary authority on the subject of American comic book grading and pricing in the hobby/industry.

Toy and/or Video Game grading is determined by a multitude of criteria, divided into 2 separate categories - without (Loose), or with original packaging (in box or new in box ‘NIB’) - Each category contributing to the overall grading as such; original stickers (if applicable - complete and/or condition), instructions (if applicable - complete and/or condition), tears, creases, color fading, spine splits (if applicable), stains, restorations and/or repairs, functionality, accessories (if applicable - complete and/or condition), paint (if applicable - complete and/or condition), foreign bodies (stamps, labels/stickers, writing), autographed (if applicable), margins, perforations, printing quality (if applicable- complete and/or condition), electronics/sound effects/lights (if applicable - complete and/or condition), etc.