Diagnostic
Every Pokémon card entrusted to Elite Vault Grading receives a rigorous, consistent, and transparent assessment from intake to tamper-evident sonic encapsulation.
The 7-Stage Grading Pipeline
Registry Check-In
Consignments are verified, unboxed under secure surveillance, and logged into our central database.
Authentication Check
Optical verification to screen for counterfeit prints, trimming, recolouring, or pressing.
Diagnostic Assessment
Multi-point evaluation across Centring, Corners, Edges, and Surface parameters.
Grade Determination
Sub-scores and eye appeal synthesized into a whole-number grade on our strict 1–10 scale.
Quality Control (QC)
Dual-grader verification ensures label data accuracy and slab optic cleanliness.
Sonic Encapsulation
Ultrasonic welding locks the card permanently inside a tamper-evident protective slab.
Secure UK Insured Dispatch
Encapsulated slabs undergo final polish and are securely boxed for tracked return delivery.
The 4 Assessment Pillars
Centring
Precision border proportion measurements on both front and back artwork frames.
Corners
Microscopic review for corner whitening, edge chipping, and cut radius sharpness.
Edges
Perimeter inspection for silvering, rough cuts, stock flaking, and handling wear.
Surface
Glazing inspection for print lines, scratches, holo clouding, indentations, and gloss.
Border Centring Diagnostic Estimator
Input border measurements (in mm or pixels) to calculate ratio splits and check minimum threshold eligibility for Grade 10 or Grade 9.
1–10 Whole Number Scale Examples
We employ a strict whole-number hierarchy. No half-grades or 9.5 variations are permitted within the Elite Vault Grading system.
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10
Grade 10 — Elite Mint
Virtually flawless; exceptional centring (60/40 or better), razor sharp corners, clean edges, and an immaculate surface free of print defects.
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9
Grade 9 — Mint
Outstanding presentation with centring up to 60/40 and only very minor manufacturing nuances or microscopic handling marks visible under high magnification.
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8
Grade 8 — Near Mint / Mint
Extremely clean condition with slight edge whitening or minor centring inconsistencies allowed upon close inspection.
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7
Grade 7 — Near Mint
Good quality card showing slight corner wear, minor whitening on edges, or light surface micro-scratches.
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6
Grade 6 — Excellent
Noticeable edge whitening, corner softness, moderate handling signs, or minor printing defects across the surface.
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5
Grade 5 — Very Good
Clear evidence of handling, moderate edge wear, corner radius softness, and reduced overall eye appeal.
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4
Grade 4 — Good
Significant visible wear, multiple areas of edge whitening, light surface creases, and heavily reduced appeal.
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3
Grade 3 — Fair
Heavily worn with substantial imperfections, surface scratches, print deterioration, and notable structural flaws.
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2
Grade 2 — Poor
Major condition problems, severe surface scratches, and corner creases; card remains authentic and identifiable.
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1
Grade 1 — Damaged
Heavily compromised card with severe creasing, tears, pinholes, or major surface deterioration.
Official Card Dispatch Address
Please securely package your cards and dispatch via Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery directly to our secure intake facility:
Doncaster
DN1 9AS