Capture consistently.
Develop a repeatable setup for lighting, camera settings, reference targets, and card position.
SACRED GRADING & AUTHENTICATION
Every grade
needs evidence.
A condition report you can understand. A standard you can inspect.
Sacred is developing a trading card grading and authentication service built around controlled imaging, documented measurements, and transparent reporting.
In development · Submissions closed
THE SACRED APPROACH
01 / THE SACRED APPROACH
Measurements first.
Confidence earned.
The goal is to reduce variation through consistent capture and published rules. Performance must be tested before the service opens.
Measure the details.
Document observable condition features and the limits of what the imaging system can resolve.
Apply the standard.
Translate validated measurements into grades using documented, versioned scoring rules.
Show the evidence.
Explain the result with supporting images, condition observations, and the standard used.
Repeatability is only part of the test. The development plan includes repeated scans across days and operators, comparisons with independent references, and review of measurement uncertainty.
02 / FOUR CRITERIA. ONE CLEAR PICTURE.
Condition has
more than one side.
The proposed report separates four condition categories so collectors can see what contributes to a result.
Centering
Compare borders and design alignment against a defined card reference. Borderless designs need their own validated method.
Corners
Inspect corner geometry and visible wear, with supporting views that explain the observations.
Edges
Examine the card perimeter for visible wear, whitening, chipping, and other condition features.
Surface
Develop inspection methods for scratches, impressions, and other visible features. Foils and complex finishes need specific validation.
03 / THE PROPOSED STANDARD
Exceptional has
a higher bar.
A proposed scale from 1.0 to 10.0, in tenths. Thresholds, scoring rules, and service eligibility remain subject to validation.
| Grade | Designation |
|---|---|
| 10.0 | Perfect |
| 9.9 | Pristine+ |
| 9.8 | Pristine |
| 9.7 | Gem Mint+ |
| 9.5–9.6 | Gem Mint |
| 9.0–9.4 | Mint |
| 8.5–8.9 | NM-MT+ |
| 8.0–8.4 | NM-MT |
| Grade | Designation |
|---|---|
| 7.5–7.9 | NM+ |
| 7.0–7.4 | Near Mint |
| 6.0–6.9 | EX-MT |
| 5.0–5.9 | Excellent |
| 4.0–4.9 | VG-EX |
| 3.0–3.9 | Very Good |
| 2.0–2.9 | Good |
| 1.0–1.9 | Poor/Fair |
04 / THE CONDITION REPORT
A number is
only the beginning.
Explore the planned reporting detail. Select a condition category below to see how a future report could explain the evidence.
ILLUSTRATIVE REPORT
Sacred condition analysis
DEMO-001 · Fictional data · Not a certified card
9.6GEM MINT
FRONT CENTERING
51.2 / 48.8Illustrative left / right border ratio
A ratio, with a reference.
The planned report would show detected border boundaries and their relationship to the card perimeter. Designs without a clear border require a validated design-specific reference.
Illustrative top / bottom ratio: 50.4 / 49.6.
This example explains the report concept. The grade and sample values are fictional; they are not measured results, a working grading algorithm, or a certificate.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Trust comes
before launch.
The current phase is research and prototype development. Submissions will remain closed while the imaging system, scoring standard, and authentication process are validated.
Ask a development question View submission & payment status ↗WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN BEFORE OPENING
- 01
Build the capture prototype.
Establish controlled imaging and a repeatable workflow.
- 02
Test the measurements.
Document accuracy, repeatability, and known limitations.
- 03
Publish the service details.
Confirm supported cards, standards, pricing, turnaround times, and submission instructions.
No opening date has been announced. Please do not mail cards or send payment.
05 / QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Before you
send a card.
A clear picture of where Sacred stands today.
Can I submit cards now?
No. Sacred Grading & Authentication is in development and is not accepting cards or payments. Submission instructions will be published before the service opens.
Which cards will be supported?
The supported products and designs have not been finalized. Different card constructions, borders, and reflective finishes need appropriate validation before they can be included.
Is the grading system fully automated?
The process is still being developed. The goal is software-assisted measurement with documented review and clear limitations. No claim of fully automated grading or proven accuracy is being made.
What will grading cost, and how long will it take?
Pricing, service levels, and turnaround times have not been announced. Those details will be published after the workflow is validated and before submissions open.
How will cards be returned?
USPS Ground Advantage is the planned return service. Postage will depend on the packed order and destination and will be confirmed before payment when submissions open. Sacred is not accepting cards or payments during development.
Can I verify a Sacred certificate here?
A future certificate lookup is planned. It is not available yet. DEMO-001 is a fictional report example and does not identify an authenticated or graded card.
How is this related to Sacred Collectibles?
Sacred Grading & Authentication is a developing arm of the same Sacred business that operates Sacred Collectibles. Policies addressing grading decisions, review, and potential conflicts with card sales will need to be published before launch.
How can I ask a question during development?
Use the grading inquiry option on the contact page. It prepares an email for you to review and send. An inquiry is not a card submission or a reservation.