Holy Grail Grading utilises an ultra-strict, whole-number 1–10 grading scale. We do not issue half grades. A card must fully earn its tier.
Our premier designation, the "GRAIL", is reserved exclusively for mathematically and physically flawless specimens verified under extreme digital magnification. Every card is examined under our high-tech digital microscope equipment — all 8 corners, all 8 edges, both surfaces, and centering measured precisely.
A virtually flawless card. Evaluated under extreme magnification, it presents perfectly sharp factory cuts on all four corners and pristine structural integrity along all edges. The surface is exceptionally clean with zero print lines, micro-scratches, or roller indentations. The physical state is perfectly preserved.
An outstanding card that appears flawless to the naked eye. Upon microscopic inspection, it may exhibit a single, very minor imperfection. This could be a microscopic white speck on an edge, the slightest trace of corner silvering, or a minor centering shift.
A high-end card that shows minor imperfections upon close inspection. It may have slight fraying or whitening on one or two corners, very subtle edge wear, or a faint surface scratch invisible at first glance.
A clean card that shows slight handling. The card may feature minor surface wear, noticeable whitening on multiple corners, minor edge chipping, or slight print defects, but it retains excellent overall eye appeal.
A card with visible wear. It may exhibit light surface scratching, noticeable whitening on the edges and corners, or minor print lines. However, the structural integrity of the card remains entirely intact without major creases.
A card showing noticeable handling and play wear. Expect rounded corners, moderate surface scuffing, noticeable edge whitening, and potentially a very light or minor crease that does not heavily disrupt the artwork.
A card with moderate to heavy wear. Visible creases, prominent surface scratches, noticeably rounded corners, and significant edge wear are common. The card is fully intact but clearly played.
A heavily worn card. It will typically have multiple creases, heavily rounded corners, scuffs, extensive edge chipping, and may show minor localized staining or discoloration.
A card exhibiting extreme wear. It will feature multiple major creases, severely rounded or heavily damaged corners, deep scratches, and potential minor tears or liquid damage, though the card remains identifiable.
The lowest tier. A card with major, highly destructive damage. This can include large tears, heavy stains, massive creasing, pinholes, or missing pieces. The structural integrity is severely compromised.