How Grading Works
How Art Official Grading Works
What we do
AOG analyzes photographs of your trading cards using artificial intelligence and computer vision, then applies a deterministic scoring formula to produce a condition assessment.
The two-part system
- AI identification and analysis. AI models identify the card and detect visual characteristics — edges, corners, surface features, centering landmarks.
- Deterministic scoring. The actual numeric grade is calculated by our own fixed scoring code, not generated by the AI model. The AI identifies; the code scores. This means the same measurements always produce the same grade.
Our grading formula
Four weighted sub-grades combine into a composite score from 0.00 to 100.00:
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Corners | 30% |
| Centering | 25% |
| Edges | 20% |
| Surface | 20% |
A floor rule prevents a single severe defect from being averaged away.
What we can see — and what we can't
We assess: centering measurements, corner sharpness, edge wear, and visible surface characteristics detectable in your photographs.
We cannot assess: anything requiring physical inspection — card stock thickness, trimming, recoloring or restoration, alteration, weight, material composition, or authenticity.
⚠️ We do not authenticate cards
AOG cannot detect counterfeits and makes no representation about whether a card is genuine. If authenticity matters — for a high-value card, a purchase, or a sale — use a physical authentication service.
Accuracy depends on your photos
Assessment quality depends on lighting, focus, glare, angle, and camera quality. Photographing through a sleeve, toploader, or binder page reduces accuracy. The App provides capture guidance to help.
Comparison scores are estimates
Any comparison to third-party grading scales is an informational approximation. It is not a prediction and carries no guarantee that any third-party service would assign a comparable grade.
We use your images to improve
Card images and assessment outcomes help train and refine our models. See our Privacy Policy for how this works and how to delete your data.
Digital, not physical
AOG produces digital encapsulation — a rendered Digital Slab and certificate. Your physical card stays with you.