DCI Grading

We Eat, Sleep, and Breathe Collectibles

Why does DCI and its expert graders offer the most reliable and efficient service? Because we’re collectors just like you and we’re obsessed with what we do. When you need to grade your collection, trust DCI to deliver fast and accurate value
vector7
ABOUT DCI

Who we are

DCI is a third-party trading card authentication and grading company based in Texas. Our team has authenticated and certified tens of thousands of memorabilia, autographs, and trading cards across a broad range of interests.

Our experience and expertise allow us to provide superior authentication and grading services. Our love of collectables means we respect and honor how collecting rewards owners with history, beauty, community, connection, and satisfaction, and we ensure safe, efficient, and secure handling of all the items we grade.

group cards
design bg
ABOUT DCI

Why grade with DCI?

The DCI Grading System is designed to help collectors save thousands of dollars and countless hours by zeroing in on the acquiring the most accurate grades for the most valuable items in their collection. That is why DCI has been the solution for tens of thousands of cards with a higher than 95 percent gem rate when crossing over DCI-graded cards into other grading companies.

Through our comprehensive slab grading and efficient grading services, we help our customers key-in on the best possible cards to grade, and our in-house grading team delivers accurate and precise results.

We deliver exceptional results faster than anyone else in the business. Our team averages a 5-business day turnaround on all orders shipped to our office and a 3-hour turnaround when you meet us at a local show. Follow us on social media or visit our events page to find out where DCI will be grading near you soon!

card frame
about design
APPEARANCE

Join Us on
ISO Marketplace

Discover your most valued collectibles and DCI merch on our new marketplace!

grade

DCI 10

QUALITY
Gem Mint
description
Qualities include 4 sharp corners, original card gloss on the surface of the card without dimples, scratches, or indentions. The example should have sharp edges and corners. Centering on the card should be at least 55/45.
grade

DCI 9

QUALITY
Mint Condition
description
A card in mint condition that exemplifies 3 of the 4 grading standards listed to meet the requirements for a DCI 10. Qualities include sharp corners and edges. Minor surface wear and 60/40 centering on the front.
grade

DCI 8

QUALITY
Near Mint
description
A card near mint condition that appears to be in mint condition but may show corner and edge wear, heavy surface damage in the form of dimples, or scratches. Centering must be 70/30 or better on the front of the card.
grade

DCI 7

QUALITY
Exceptional
description
An example of a card that shows mild surface damage or staining, corner and edge wear, and or centering that is off 80/20 or worse.
grade

DCI 6

QUALITY

Excellent

description
A card with visible surface damage to the naked eye, as well as 70/30 or worse centering on the front of the card and worn edges and corners.
grade

DCI 5

QUALITY
Great
description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 70/30.
grade

DCI 4

QUALITY

Good

description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 80/20.
grade

DCI 3

QUALITY
Satisfactory
description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 85/15.
grade

DCI 2

QUALITY
Fair
description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 90/10 are qualifications for a 2 and the card may also show warping.
grade

DCI 1

QUALITY
Poor
description
An example that shows rapid acceleration of heavy surface damage, corner and edge wear, and 90/10 centering. A card of this nature may also show heavy warping or cracking and is considered poor condition.
Quality
Gem Mint

Description
Qualities include 4 sharp corners, original card gloss on the surface of the card without dimples, scratches, or indentions. The example should have sharp edges and corners. Centering on the card should be at least 55/45.
Quality
Mint Condition

Description A card in mint condition that exemplifies 3 of the 4 grading standards listed to meet the requirements for a DCI 10. Qualities include sharp corners and edges. Minor surface wear and 60/40 centering on the front.
Quality
Near Mint

Description
A card near mint condition that appears to be in mint condition but may show corner and edge wear, heavy surface damage in the form of dimples, or scratches. Centering must be 70/30 or better on the front of the card.
Quality
Exceptional

Description
An example of a card that shows mild surface damage or staining, corner and edge wear, and or centering that is off 80/20 or worse.
Quality
Excellent

Description A card with visible surface damage to the naked eye, as well as 70/30 or worse centering on the front of the card and worn edges and corners.
Quality
Great

Description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 70/30.
Quality
Good

Description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 80/20.
Quality
Satisfactory

Description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 85/15.
Quality
Fair

Description
An example that shows heavy surface damage, with printer/manufacturer defects such as out of focus image or image repetition. Heavy corner and edge wear and front centering worse than 90/10 are qualifications for a 2 and the card may also show warping.
Quality
Poor

Description
An example that shows rapid acceleration of heavy surface damage, corner and edge wear, and 90/10 centering. A card of this nature may also show heavy warping or cracking and is considered poor condition.
Our Team

Employees

Name
Title
“Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit Amet…”
Name
Title
“Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit Amet…”
Name
Title
“Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit Amet…”
Name
Title
“Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit Amet…”
Name
Title
“Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit Amet…”
Name
Title
“Lorem Ipsum Dolor sit Amet…”
FAQ

Frequently Asked
Questions

Have any questions we didn’t answer? Reach out!

Our team of highly trained and efficient graders take each card through a series of tests to verify each cards edges, surface, centering, measurements, and more. We use high powered magnification, color accurate lighting, and industry standard measuring tools.

You can submit your cards through one of our online portals, drop them off at our location in Frisco, or meet us at one of the local card shows. If you wish to mail your order in, you can print out our slab submission form, fill it out, and ship it to us with your cards. We even have a concierge section where you just tell us the basics and we will fill it out for you!

We believe grading your cards should be simple. We offer no upcharges on our slabs starting at $10/card. Our Autograph Authentication is $30/card

Check out our current pricing special

A slab is when a company puts a card into a physical plastic card holder that is encapsulated and sonic welded shut with tamper proof security features. DCI’s slab is UV protected, Polycarbonate, and includes a black light security label for authenticity.

design graphic
bg design graphic

Ready to see what your
collection is worth?