Frequently Asked Questions

Authentic Grading Authority (AGA) is a professional grading and authentication service for sports cards, trading card games, comics, autographs, and collectible memorabilia. We combine certified expert graders with proprietary AI technology to deliver accurate, consistent grades at fair prices.

We grade sports cards (baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and more), trading card games (Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, etc.), comics, magazines, autographs, and select memorabilia. If you're unsure whether we accept your item, contact us at support@agagrading.com.

AGA was built to solve the problems collectors have been frustrated with for years: inconsistent grades, unpredictable timelines, and overpriced services. Every card we grade is evaluated by a certified AGA grader and independently verified by our proprietary AI system — a dual-layer approach that delivers the consistency the industry has been missing. We also offer transparent pricing starting at $25 per card with no hidden fees, and we honor our published turnaround times.

Yes. AGA is a fully authorized, independent grading and authentication company. Every card we grade receives a unique AGA certification number, is encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder, and is recorded in our searchable Population Report database.

Start by filling out a submission form on our website, then pack and ship your cards to our facility following our Shipping Guide. Once we receive your submission, we'll scan it in and begin processing. You'll receive updates via email throughout the process.

There is no minimum — you can submit a single card. For bulk submissions of 5 or more cards, discounted pricing applies automatically. There is no maximum, but for orders exceeding 50 cards, we recommend contacting us at support@agagrading.com for a custom quote and coordinated shipping plan.

Each card should be placed in a clear penny sleeve and then inserted into a semi-rigid holder (like a Card Saver I). Do not use top loaders or screw-down cases. Stack your cards in submission order, create a cardboard sandwich secured with rubber bands, wrap in bubble wrap, and place in a sturdy box. See our complete Shipping Guide for detailed step-by-step instructions.

Yes. You may submit cards that have been previously graded by another company. The card will need to be removed from its current holder before submission. AGA will grade the card on its own merits using our standard process. Please note that AGA grades are independent and may differ from previously assigned grades.

AGA is not responsible for damage that occurs during inbound shipping. We strongly recommend using tracking, insurance, and proper packing materials for all submissions. Our Shipping Guide provides detailed packing instructions to minimize risk. We will document the condition of every card upon intake.

Every card is evaluated by a certified AGA grader who examines four key attributes: centering, corners, edges, and surface. The grader assigns a grade on our 1–10 scale. That grade is then independently verified by our proprietary AI system, which analyzes the same four attributes with pixel-level precision. This dual-layer approach ensures accuracy and consistency across every submission. See our full Grading Scale for detailed standards at each level.

AGA uses a 1–10 grading scale, from Poor (1) to Flawless (10). Each grade has specific standards for centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. A complete breakdown of every grade — including centering tolerances and attribute requirements — is available on our Grading Scale page.

No. AGA uses whole number grades only, from 1 through 10. We believe whole grades provide clear, straightforward assessments that are easy for collectors to understand and trust.

Every card graded by AGA is first evaluated by a certified grader, then independently analyzed by our proprietary AI system. The AI measures centering, detects surface imperfections, evaluates corner sharpness, and inspects edge integrity — all with a level of precision that goes beyond what the eye alone can detect. This isn't AI replacing people — it's AI making expert grading even more consistent and reliable.

Yes. If you believe an error was made, you can contact us at support@agagrading.com to discuss the grade and request a review. While we stand behind the accuracy of our dual-layer grading process, we take every concern seriously and will re-examine the card if warranted.

Yes. AGA offers autograph authentication services. Authenticated autographs receive an AGA certification and are encapsulated for protection. Contact us for details on submitting autographed items.

Individual card grading starts at $25 per card with a 30-day turnaround (Standard tier). Express service is $50 per card with a 15-day turnaround, and Premium is $100 per card with a 7-day turnaround. Bulk submissions of 5–25 cards are $20 per card, and 26+ cards are $18 per card, both with 30-day turnaround. Full details are on our Pricing Page.

No. Every card receives the exact same rigorous grading process regardless of which tier you choose. The only difference between tiers is turnaround time. You're paying for speed, not quality.

Bulk pricing applies automatically when you submit 5 or more cards in a single order. Submit 5–25 cards at $20 per card, or 26+ cards at $18 per card. All bulk submissions include a 30-day turnaround and the same full grading experience. Cards must be shipped together in one package.

No. The per-card grading fee covers grading, authentication, encapsulation, and Pop Report listing. Return shipping and optional insurance are charged separately and listed clearly on our Pricing Page. There are no surprise charges.

Grading fees are non-refundable once a grade has been assigned, as the service has been completed. If you have concerns about a grade, you may request a review by contacting us at support@agagrading.com.

We accept submissions via USPS, FedEx, and UPS. USPS is the most popular option for standard submissions. For high-value cards ($5,000+), we recommend FedEx Express or USPS Registered Mail for enhanced security and tracking. Always ship with tracking enabled.

Yes. Inbound shipping to AGA is the customer's responsibility. You choose your carrier, speed, and insurance level. We strongly recommend insuring your shipment based on the declared value of your cards.

AGA handles all return shipping. Return shipping fees are based on the number of cards and are charged separately. All domestic shipments include tracking. Insurance is included up to a specified value depending on order size, with additional coverage available. Full return shipping rates are listed on our Pricing Page.

We strongly recommend it. AGA is not liable for damage or loss during inbound shipping. For cards valued under $500, standard carrier insurance is typically sufficient. For cards valued $500–$5,000, we recommend enhanced coverage with signature confirmation. For cards over $5,000, consider specialized collectibles insurance or USPS Registered Mail. More details in our Shipping Guide.

Turnaround time begins when your submission is received and scanned into our facility. It does not include transit time for shipping to or from AGA. The stated timeframes are estimates based on current volume but we work hard to meet or beat our published timelines.

Yes. Once your submission is received and scanned in, you'll be able to track its status online. You'll also receive email notifications at key milestones — intake confirmation, grading complete, and shipment tracking for your return package.