Your questions, answered.

A Grade 10 GRAIL is the highest possible grade. Under extreme digital magnification, the card must present perfectly sharp factory cuts on all four corners, pristine structural integrity along all edges, and a surface with zero print lines, micro-scratches, or roller indentations. Centering must be 55/45 or better. Even a single microscopic flaw drops the card to a maximum of Grade 9. We do not award 10s lightly — they must be truly earned.

Our ultra-strict philosophy is built on a simple belief: a card must fully earn its tier. Half grades introduce ambiguity. If a card doesn't fully meet the criteria for a Grade 9, it receives a Grade 8. This makes HGG grades more meaningful and harder to achieve — which is ultimately better for collectors and investors.

Centering is measured mathematically from standard camera images of the full card front and back. We measure border ratios on both the left/right and top/bottom axes for both sides. The worst single measurement determines whether the centering threshold for a given grade is met. For example, a Grade 10 requires 55/45 or better on all four measurements.

We currently grade Pokémon TCG, One Piece TCG, and Topps TCG cards. We are actively expanding to additional TCGs — contact us if you have a specific card type you'd like graded.

Complete the online submission form, then place each card in a penny sleeve and top loader, wrap securely in bubble wrap, pack in a rigid cardboard box, and ship to our address using tracked and insured postage. Print, sign and include the submission form in your package.

Turnaround times from receipt of your cards:

HG Standard (£15) — 7 Business Days
HG Value Plus (£18) — 5 Business Days
HG Value Max (£30) — 3 Business Days
HG Bulk / 20 cards (£280) — 15–20 Business Days

Payment is processed via Stripe once we receive your cards at our facility. You will receive a secure payment link by email. Grading begins once payment is confirmed. We accept all major credit and debit cards.

HGG is not responsible for cards lost or damaged in transit to our facility. We strongly recommend using a tracked and insured shipping service with appropriate declared value. Once your cards are in our possession, they are fully covered by our care procedures.

Your graded card is encased in a 9mm ultrasonic-welded acrylic slab. The welding process is permanent and tamper-evident — any attempt to open the slab will visibly damage it, protecting your card's grade from being disputed.

Every HGG certificate has a unique Cert ID. Visit our verification page and enter your Cert ID to confirm the grade and card details in our public registry. This allows buyers and sellers to independently verify any HGG graded card.

By submitting cards you consent to having your card's grade and images hosted on our public verification registry. This is essential for the integrity of the certification system and increases the value of your graded card for future buyers.