DCM Grading Rubric
Precision grading powered by DCM Optic™ — our proprietary multi-point inspection system with three-pass consensus technology that delivers professional-grade assessments with unmatched accuracy
The DCM Difference
Traditional grading services can take weeks or months. DCM Optic™ combines advanced artificial intelligence with decades of industry grading standards to deliver accurate, consistent results in under 60 seconds.
Every card receives the same meticulous multi-point evaluation with our revolutionary three-pass consensus technology. This means your card is analyzed three independent times, with results averaged and cross-validated to eliminate errors and ensure the highest possible accuracy.
Three-Pass Consensus Technology
Unlike single-pass grading systems, DCM Optic™ performs three complete, independent evaluations of every card. This revolutionary approach significantly improves grading accuracy and reliability.
First Pass
Complete evaluation of all corners, edges, surface, and centering with detailed defect documentation.
Second Pass
Independent re-examination as if seeing the card for the first time, catching anything that may have been missed.
Third Pass
Final independent verification with fresh perspective, followed by consensus calculation.
Why Three Passes Matter
- Reduces variance: Averaging three independent evaluations produces more consistent, reliable grades
- Consensus-based defects: Only defects confirmed in 2+ passes affect the final grade
- Consistency scoring: High agreement between passes indicates higher confidence in the final grade
- Mimics professional services: Top grading companies use multiple evaluators — our three-pass system achieves the same rigor
Comprehensive Inspection Protocol
Every card undergoes a rigorous multi-phase evaluation examining dozens of individual inspection points across corners, edges, surface, and centering — all performed three times for maximum accuracy.
Phase 0: Pre-Grading Verification
Mandatory verification before condition evaluation begins
Autograph Verification
Distinguishes manufacturer-authenticated signatures from unverified additions
Handwritten Markings Detection
Scans for post-production alterations, stamps, adhesive residue, and markings
Trimming Detection Protocol
Analyzes border proportions and edge patterns to detect trimmed cards
Image Completeness Check
Verifies both front and back images are present and properly oriented
Professional Slab Detection
Identifies PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, and other graded holders for independent analysis
Phase 1: Image Quality & Confidence Assessment
Establishes grading confidence based on image quality
Regional Visibility Scoring
Assesses visibility of corners, edges, surface, and centering markers
Focus & Resolution Analysis
Evaluates image sharpness and detail clarity for accurate assessment
Lighting & Glare Detection
Identifies reflections and shadows that may affect visibility
Protective Case Detection
Identifies sleeves, top loaders, and slabs affecting inspection
Confidence Letter Assignment
Assigns A, B, C, or D rating based on overall image quality
Phase 2: Card Information Extraction
Identifies card metadata and special features
Card Identification
Extracts player/character, set, year, manufacturer, and card number
Finish Type Detection
Identifies refractor, chrome, holographic, matte, and standard finishes
Special Features Recognition
Detects autographs, memorabilia, serial numbers, and parallels
Authenticity Verification
Confirms official licensing and manufacturer authentication
Phase 3: Centering Evaluation
×3 PassesIndependent front and back centering analysis with PSA-aligned standards
Front Left/Right Measurement
Calculates precise horizontal border ratios
Front Top/Bottom Measurement
Calculates precise vertical border ratios
Back Left/Right Measurement
Independent back horizontal centering analysis
Back Top/Bottom Measurement
Independent back vertical centering analysis
PSA-Aligned Standards: Front 55/45 or better required for Gem Mint 10. Back centering weighted less heavily (75/25 acceptable).
Phase 4: Corner Inspection
×3 PassesTwo-phase protocol examining all 8 corners individually (4 front, 4 back)
Structural Integrity Check
Detects corner lift, tilt, bends, and structural damage
Fiber Exposure Detection
Microscopic analysis for white cardstock showing at corner tips
Corner Geometry Analysis
Evaluates sharpness, rounding, and softening
Impact Damage Detection
Identifies dings, compression marks, and handling damage
Phase 5: Edge Inspection
×3 PassesTwo-phase protocol examining all 8 edges individually (4 front, 4 back)
Edge Roughness/Texture Check
Evaluates factory cut quality and fiber separation
Whitening Detection
Scans entire edge length for white fiber exposure
Chipping Analysis
Identifies coating loss and material damage
Nick & Dent Detection
Finds compression damage and edge irregularities
Phase 6: Surface Inspection
×3 PassesSystematic 9-zone grid analysis of both front and back surfaces (18 total zones)
Microscopic Defect Scan
Detects white dots, debris, micro-scratches, and print defects
Reflection Analysis
Multi-angle examination to reveal scratches and surface wear
Finish-Specific Examination
Specialized analysis for refractor, chrome, and holographic cards
Structural Damage Detection
Identifies creases, dents, stains, and surface breaks
Understanding the DCM Grading Scale
DCM uses a 10-point scale with 0.5 precision, aligned with industry-standard grading criteria from PSA, BGS, and CGC. Our evidence-based protocol ensures every deduction is documented and justified.
Gem Mint
Zero defects. Sharp corners, pristine surface, perfect centering (55/45 or better). No fiber exposure, no scratches, no whitening.
Gem Mint
Near-perfect with only microscopic imperfections visible at maximum zoom
Mint
Minor imperfections under close inspection. Slight corner softening or minor edge whitening.
Near Mint-Mint
Slight wear visible upon close examination. Minor rounding, light whitening, or small surface imperfections.
Near Mint
Minor surface wear or slight corner/edge wear visible at normal viewing distance
Excellent-Mint
Visible wear on corners or edges, moderate centering issues, but still displays well
Excellent to Good
Significant wear, structural damage (creases, bends), or other issues affecting overall appearance
Grade Caps: Structural damage (creases, corner lift, tears) triggers automatic grade caps regardless of other component scores. This ensures consistency with professional grading standards.
Image Confidence Rating System
Every DCM grade includes an Image Confidence Rating (A-D), Grade Uncertainty Range, and now a Three-Pass Consistency Score. This transparency helps you understand how confident the assessment is based on your submitted photos and how well the three independent passes agreed.
Image Confidence Levels
Crystal clear images with perfect lighting, sharp focus, and no obstructions. Highest grading confidence.
Clear images with minor issues like slight glare, card in sleeve/top loader. High grading confidence.
Acceptable images with moderate glare, card in thick holder/slab, or focus issues. Moderate confidence.
Images with significant issues like heavy glare, blur, or poor lighting. Consider resubmitting for better results.
Grade Uncertainty & Consistency
The uncertainty range indicates how much the actual grade might vary. The consistency score shows how well all three evaluation passes agreed.
Three-Pass Consistency
- High: All 3 passes agree within ±0.5 points
- Moderate: Passes vary by 0.5-1.0 points
- Low: Passes vary by more than 1.0 point
Pro Tip: Getting an A-Grade Confidence Rating
- • Use natural lighting or a bright, diffused light source
- • Avoid flash photography that creates glare
- • Keep the card flat and parallel to the camera
- • Remove from holders if possible for clearest images
- • Fill the frame with the card, leaving minimal background
- • Ensure the entire card is in sharp focus
- • Use a contrasting, solid-color background
Card Type Specialization
DCM Optic™ uses specialized evaluation criteria optimized for each card type
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Soccer, Wrestling
Pokémon
TCG, Japanese, Promos, Full Art
MTG
Magic: The Gathering, Foils, Borderless
Lorcana
Disney Lorcana TCG
Other
Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, and more
Powered by DCM Optic™
DCM Optic™ is our proprietary grading engine that combines advanced AI vision technology with industry-standard evaluation criteria. Our evidence-based protocol ensures every assessment is backed by observable, documented findings — no assumptions, no guesswork.
With our revolutionary three-pass consensus system, every card receives not just one evaluation, but three independent analyses that are averaged and cross-validated. This delivers the most accurate and reliable grades possible from photo-based grading.
3×
Independent Passes
8
Component Scores
<60s
Average Grade Time
24/7
Always Available
Have Questions?
Visit our comprehensive FAQ for answers about three-pass grading, image quality tips, pricing, supported card types, and more.
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