About
TAG Grading is a technology-forward card authentication and grading company that leverages patented computer vision and OCR to objectively evaluate collectible trading cards and sports cards. Unlike traditional grading services that rely on subjective human judgment, TAG applies multi-patented AI-driven analysis to assess defects, centering, corners, edges, and surface quality, producing both a standard 1–10 grade and an optional precise 1000-point TAG Score. Every graded card is encased in TAG's signature transparent, paperless slab—the first of its kind—which inscribes grade data directly into crystal-clear, ~99% UV-resistant acrylic. Each slab includes PROOF™ embedded digital security, which collectors can verify instantly via smartphone. The included DIG (Digital Image & Grading Report) provides a complete breakdown of all grading metrics. TAG supports a wide range of collectibles including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Weiß Schwarz, Topps, Panini, Marvel/DC, Star Wars, and many more. Collectors can browse the public Pop Report to view any graded card's population, rank, and chronological grading history. TAG Leaderboards allow collectors to see where a Gem Mint 10 ranks among all submitted copies of the same card. TAG is ideal for serious collectors, investors, and resellers who want objective, reproducible grading data they can trust and verify.
Key Features
- Computer Vision Grading: Patented AI and computer vision technology analyzes defects, centering, corners, edges, and surface to produce objective, reproducible card grades.
- 1000-Point Precision Scoring: Beyond the standard 1–10 scale, TAG's DIG Report Plus delivers a granular 1000pt TAG Score that reveals a card's exact grade strength and its rank on TAG Leaderboards.
- Transparent Crystal Slabs: Grades and data are permanently inscribed directly into clear, ~99% UV-resistant acrylic slabs—no paper flip—so the card's appearance speaks for itself.
- PROOF™ Security Technology: Every slab contains embedded digital security measures that collectors can verify instantly with a smartphone to confirm TAG authenticity.
- Pop Report & Leaderboards: Public population reports show how many copies of any card have been graded and at what grades, with live leaderboards ranking cards by their 1000pt TAG Score.
Use Cases
- A Pokémon card collector submits their rare holographic cards to TAG to get an objective 1000pt score and see how their Gem Mint 10 ranks on the TAG Leaderboard against all other submitted copies.
- A sports card investor uses TAG grading to authenticate and encapsulate high-value baseball and basketball rookie cards before listing them for resale on the secondary market.
- A TCG retailer uses TAG's authorized dealer program to offer customers on-site grading submission services for Magic: The Gathering and Dragon Ball card collections.
- A collector uses the TAG Pop Report to research the population of graded copies of a specific card before deciding whether to purchase or submit their own copy for grading.
- A card show exhibitor submits entertainment cards (Star Wars, Marvel/DC) to TAG ahead of events, leveraging the transparent slabs and PROOF™ authentication to build buyer trust at the booth.
Pros
- Objective, Data-Driven Grades: Computer vision removes human subjectivity, producing consistent and reproducible grades that collectors and investors can rely on.
- Unprecedented Transparency: Clear slabs with inscribed data, DIG Reports, and public Pop Reports give collectors full visibility into every aspect of the grading process.
- Broad Collectible Coverage: Supports a wide range of TCGs (Pokémon, MTG, One Piece, Dragon Ball, etc.), sports cards, and non-sports cards under one grading platform.
- Smartphone Authentication: PROOF™ technology lets anyone instantly verify a slab's authenticity without specialized equipment.
Cons
- Physical Submission Required: Cards must be physically mailed to TAG for grading, which involves shipping costs, handling risk, and turnaround wait times.
- Paid Service with Variable Tiers: Grading services require payment per card, and higher-tier services like DIG Report Plus cost more, which can add up for large collections.
- Relatively Newer Brand: Despite being founded in 2015 and growing rapidly, TAG has less brand recognition than legacy graders like PSA or BGS among some segments of the collector market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TAG grading scale?
TAG uses an industry-standard 1–10 grading scale. Cards submitted with DIG Report Plus also receive a precise 1000-point TAG Score that determines grade strength and ranking on TAG Leaderboards.
How does TAG use computer vision for grading?
TAG's patented computer vision technology scans and analyzes each card for defects, centering measurements, corner and edge wear, and surface quality, producing objective scores rather than relying solely on human eye judgment.
What types of cards does TAG grade?
TAG grades a wide variety of collectibles including TCGs (Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Lorcana, Weiß Schwarz), sports cards (baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer), and non-sports cards (Marvel/DC, Star Wars, Garbage Pail Kids, entertainment, and more).
What is a DIG Report?
A DIG (Digital Image & Grading Report) is a detailed digital report included with every TAG-graded card, providing a breakdown of all grading metrics. DIG Report Plus adds the 1000pt TAG Score and leaderboard ranking.
How do I verify that a TAG slab is authentic?
Every TAG slab includes PROOF™ embedded security technology. Simply use your smartphone to scan the slab and instantly verify its authenticity via TAG's digital verification system.
