TNT 1–10 Grading Scale • Special 9.5 Very Near Pristine • Explosive 10 Gem Mint – Our Pinnacle Grade
The TNT 1–10 Grading Scale
Our professional standards ensure every card is evaluated with absolute precision, providing collectors with a transparent roadmap to value. All graded cards receive full subgrades at no additional charge.
Level 10: Pristine / Gem Mint
Flawless centering, sharp corners, and a surface free of any visible defects. Subgrades for all four categories are always free.
Special 9.5: Near Pristine
A premium grade with breathtaking appeal. Like all our grades, subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface are included at no extra cost.
Level 9: Mint
A superb condition card with only one minor flaw. Transparency is key; that's why we provide full subgrades at no extra cost for all items.
Levels 7–8: Near Mint / EX-Mint
High-end appearance with slight surface wear. No matter the grade, subgrades for Centering, Surface, Edging, and Corners are provided free.
Levels 4–6: VG-EX / Excellent
Moderate wear with rounding. We ensure transparency by including full subgrades for every card at no additional charge.
Levels 1–3: Poor / Good
Visible aging with high accuracy. Full subgrades are always included for free to help you understand your card's condition perfectly.
What makes TNT different?
We combine high-precision diagnostic tools with expert human oversight. Plus, every submission includes full subgrades at no additional charge.
Are subgrades expensive?
Not at all. Professional subgrades for Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface are included for free with every single card we grade.
The 9.5 Standard
The TNT Grading LLC 9.5 ‘Very Near Pristine’ status is a hallmark of elite quality, reserved for cards that exhibit breathtaking visual appeal. Our expert graders apply a rigorous, multi-point evaluation of the four key pillars: centering, corners, edges, and surface—verified through our comprehensive subgrade report included at no additional charge with every submission. For inquiries contact info@tntgrades.com to learn more about our forensic verification process to rule out fakes, trimming, or any forms of tampering. Achieving a 9.5 signifies a secure investment-grade asset that has withstood our most intensive professional scrutiny, providing collectors with absolute confidence in its authenticity and superior condition.
- Centering: Precision measurement of border ratios. Corners: Evaluation for microscopic fraying or touches. Edges: Scrutiny for chipping or silvering under magnification. Surface: Inspection for scratches, print lines, and original gloss. Authentication: Rigorous checks against fakes or alterations. (Full subgrades always included for free).
Explosive Gem Mint 10
The Explosive Gem Mint 10 is the definitive pinnacle of card grading, reserved exclusively for specimens that exhibit total perfection. This elite rating is computationally verified and peer-reviewed to ensure the card is entirely flawless—reaching this peak always includes full subgrades at no additional charge, making it an exceptionally rare achievement for any collection.
Grading Support & FAQ
Are subgrades an extra fee?
No, TNT Grading provides full subgrade reports for every card at no additional charge to the submitter.
Understanding the TNT Explosive 10 Grade
The Explosive Gem Mint 10 represents absolute perfection and is extremely rare, awarded to only a tiny percentage of submissions. Reserved for entirely flawless cards across all sub-grades (included for free with every submission), it is our most prestigious and difficult achievement to obtain.
What defines the Special 9.5 Category
The 9.5 tier is an elite classification for cards boasting incredible eye appeal. This status is reserved for items that present nearly perfectly across all sub-grades but possess a single, microscopic flaw preventing the Explosive 10 grade.
Our Official Turnaround Tiers
We provide three specific turnaround options: Standard (20–30 days), Express (10–15 days), and Premium (3–5 days). Every tier automatically includes detailed sub-grade assessments at no additional cost.