INTELLIGENT GRADING
A Different Approach To Vintage Card Grading
At VGS, we believe a vintage card should be appraised just as that, a vintage card. and our grading approach has been developed with specifically that in mind. Rather than allowing a single numerical physical grade to attempt tell the whole story, VGS considers two distinct aspects of every card: its PHYSICAL CONDITION and its VISUAL APPEAL™.
Together, these two assessments provide prospective buyers and collectors with a clearer, more meaningful as well as a more satisfying appraisal of the card in front of them. Furthermore, it also draws attention to the card's full financial potential.
One Card: Two Assessments
A vintage card does not need to be physically perfect to have exceptional visual appeal™ in fact the opposite may even be true. A card may show signs of age or handling that affect its Physical Condition but still posses strong aesthetic qualities which would include significant historical value rarity too, that actually defy its physical grade. By assessing all the card's qualities together VGS allows each card to tell its complete story.
The VGS Grading Scale
PHYSICAL CONDITION
1 Embellished
2 Poor
3 Fair
4 Good
5 Very Good
6 Excellent
7 Excellent – Near Mint
8 Near Mint
9 Near Mint – Mint
10 Mint
Physical Condition considers the card’s corners, edges, surface and overall structural integrity, including signs of wear, creasing, staining or other damage associated with age and handling.
VISUAL APPEAL™
1 Poor
2 Fair
3 Fair – Good
4 Good
5 Very Good
6 Excellent
7 Superb
8 Outstanding
9 Exceptional
10 Extraordinary
Visual Appeal™ is the response to the aesthetic quality of the card. Therefore, design, subject matter (fame or notoriety), historical significance and rarity.
Visual appeal™ is the main driver as to why we collect. Therefore it is logical that a grading system should consider visual appeal™ as equally, if not more, important than just physical condition, in order to make a full appraisal of a card's quality and indeed its value.