Knowledge Base
The definitive 100-term dictionary for trading card grading, AI diagnostics, and collector terminology.
Automated grading using machine learning, computer vision, and measured data instead of human opinion.
A grading process performed entirely by machines and AI.
The AGS system where machines grade cards without human involvement.
The alignment of the card's design inside the card borders, measured mathematically.
The four sides of a card where chipping, whitening, or fraying occurs.
The four corner points of a card; evaluated for sharpness, bends, and softening.
The front and back layers of a card, inspected for scratches, dents, lines, or gloss issues.
Individual scores for centering, corners, edges, and surface.
The combined score from all measured grading categories.
A card with near-perfect condition across all categories.
A high-grade card with small but noticeable minor flaws.
A card with moderate flaws but overall good condition.
A database showing how many cards exist at each grade level.
A sealed plastic case that protects and certifies a graded card.
A unique identification code assigned to every AGS-graded card.
A visual tool that highlights detected flaws on the card.
The full diagnostic report showing all measurements, defects, and images.
A unique scan record tied to each graded card.
A document showing exactly how and why a grade was assigned.
The process where AI identifies defects using pattern recognition.
White areas on edges caused by ink chipping or fiber exposure.
Small pieces of ink or foil missing from edges.
Tiny scratches visible under strong light or magnification.
A thin straight line caused by manufacturing rollers.
A printing defect created during production by roller movement.
A small indentation caused by pressure or impact.
A mark left from stacking or pressing objects on top of the card.
A scratch on holo or foil areas.
Scratches or dullness on holographic surfaces.
Raised printing texture found on modern Pokémon or high-end cards.
Loss of shine on the surface due to wear or cleaning.
Loose paper fibers on the card edges.
Rounded or softened corners from handling or age.
A visible crease or fold in a corner.
A deeper press mark that alters the card's surface level.
The foil layer peeling away from the card.
Small white dots caused during the printing process.
Unintended ink transfer or printing error.
Incorrect text, colors, or alignment from the factory.
A break or chip in the card's coating or printed layer.
Technology that allows machines to understand and analyze card images.
Algorithms that improve accuracy by learning from large datasets.
AI model that recognizes flaws and patterns in images.
Laser scanning that measures surface height and texture.
AI analysis of how light reflects off the surface to detect defects.
AI evaluation of surface patterns for abnormalities.
AI separates card regions for precise defect detection.
AI identifies the borders of the card for centering measurement.
AI identifies key elements like corners, edges, and textures.
AI categorizes flaws based on type and severity.
The clarity level of card images used for grading.
AI's ability to measure defects at extremely small scales.
AI filtering out glare to detect true defects.
How AI determines the importance of each defect.
AI's ability to produce the same result repeatedly.
An improvement made to AGS's AI grading system.
The process of ensuring AI accuracy with reference standards.
Robotic card handling without human contact.
AI identifying repetitive manufacturing patterns.
AI spotting deviations from normal card structure.
The paper material a card is printed on.
A metallic layer used in holo or premium cards.
A protective finish applied to the card's surface.
How well the card's artwork is positioned.
The width of the card's printed border.
The angle at which the card was cut from the sheet.
The factory process that shapes cards.
A misalignment caused during cutting.
Bending that happens during manufacturing/packaging.
The intended visual texture of a card.
A reflective printing process used in sports cards.
A holographic foil coating used in special cards.
Raised printing found on some premium issues.
A non-reflective card surface.
A shiny surface prone to scratches.
Alignment of the different printing layers.
A misalignment between color or texture layers.
A card with factory-level printing or cutting errors.
A faint factory line from excess cutting material.
Curving caused by temperature or humidity.
A card that has not been graded or slabbed.
A card sealed in a grading case.
Reviewing a card before sending it to grading.
Submitting cards only if they meet a chosen grade threshold.
The paperwork required to send cards in for grading.
Sending many cards at once for discounted grading rates.
A faster or special grading service tier.
The current selling price of a card.
A collector's guess before grading.
Profit made from grading and reselling a card.
A card with a small population in high grades.
A common card with many graded copies.
How likely a card is to grade poorly.
A card considered likely to grade well.
Replacing an old or damaged slab.
Submitting a card again for a new grade.
Moving a card from one grading company's slab to another.
Searching for a card's grade information online.
A grading approach where data and flaws are fully shown.
A card whose condition is confirmed by AI measurement instead of human judgment.