Card Grading Scales: PSA, BGS and CGC Explained

CGC Cards Grading Scale: Pristine 10, Gem Mint 10 and Grades 6 to 9.5

Quick answer

CGC Cards' published grade definitions from Ex/NM 6 up to Pristine 10, including how Pristine 10 differs from Gem Mint 10 and what the plus grades mean.

Updated 2026-09-10 · Sources: CGC Cards

Grades are quoted from the grading companies' own published standards. A grade describes condition; it is not a value and not a guarantee that two companies would agree.

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What are the key facts?

CGC 10 · pristine: Pristine 10
CGC 10 · gem mint: Gem Mint 10
CGC 9.5: Mint+
CGC 9: Mint
CGC 8.5: NM/Mint+
CGC 8: NM/Mint
CGC 7.5: Near Mint+
CGC 7: Near Mint
CGC 6.5: Ex/NM+
CGC 6: Ex/NM

What each CGC grade means

Pristine 10: cards that are flawless under 10-times magnification
Gem Mint 10: A card that has received a 10 grade overall; however, one of the grading criteria does not meet the requirements of a Pristine 10.
Mint+: A card that displays premium eye appeal for a Mint card. Qualities such as exceptional centering, surface qualities/color or other key elements can elevate a card to a Mint+ grade.
Mint: A Mint card has four sharp corners with only minor wear visible. Slight minor flaws on the edges may be visible.
NM/Mint+: A card graded 8.5 has relatively smooth edges with only minor touches of wear. It must have original color borders and gloss.
NM/Mint: A card graded 8 must have relatively smooth edges with only minor touches of wear. It must have original color borders and gloss.
Near Mint+: A card graded 7.5 may also have a touch of wear on two or three corners or slightly rough edges.
Near Mint: A card graded 7 may also have a touch of wear on three or more corners and/or slightly rough edges.
Ex/NM+: For a grade of 6.5, no more than one slightly 'dinged' corner is allowed, or no more than two of the following flaws (…)
Ex/NM: For a grade of 6, no more than one 'dinged' corner is allowed or no more than two of the following flaws (…)

Pristine 10 vs Gem Mint 10

CGC uses two grades at 10. Pristine 10 is for cards that are flawless under 10-times magnification. Gem Mint 10 is A card that has received a 10 grade overall; however, one of the grading criteria does not meet the requirements of a Pristine 10.

Plus grades

CGC's 9.5, 8.5, 7.5 and 6.5 are "plus" grades. For example, Mint+ 9.5: A card that displays premium eye appeal for a Mint card. Qualities such as exceptional centering, surface qualities/color or other key elements can elevate a card to a Mint+ grade.

What we could not fetch

CGC's page below 6 and its numeric centering tolerances were not captured in our pass; the page discusses centering qualitatively. This page lists only what we could quote.

FAQ

What is the difference between CGC Pristine 10 and Gem Mint 10?

Pristine 10: cards that are flawless under 10-times magnification. Gem Mint 10: A card that has received a 10 grade overall; however, one of the grading criteria does not meet the requirements of a Pristine 10.

What does CGC 9 Mint require?

A Mint card has four sharp corners with only minor wear visible. Slight minor flaws on the edges may be visible.

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Sources

CGC Cardswww.cgccards.com/card-grading/grading-scale/

Compiled by the StarLens editorial team

Every fact on this page is taken from the sources listed above and quoted rather than paraphrased where numbers are involved; anything the sources do not state is marked as not confirmed. Checked 2026-09-10. We do not sell, grade or appraise items; the app identifies what you photograph and points you to these references.