News
Guides and updates on physics-based card grading.
44 articles total
Raw vs graded cards: what’s the difference?
New to collecting? Here's the difference between raw and graded cards - and why it matters when you buy or sell.
Why two graders can disagree – and how measurement fixes it
Send the same card to two human graders and you can get two different grades. Here's why it happens - and how physical measurement removes it.
How to spot a fake card before you grade it
Counterfeit cards are common, and a fake won't pass authentication. Here are quick, non-destructive checks you can do at home before you spend money grading.
How to verify a graded card’s certificate
A grade is only as good as your ability to check it. Here's how to verify a CALIBRE-graded card - whether you're buying one or you've just had your own graded.
Is grading your cards worth it?
An honest guide to when grading pays off and when it doesn't - so you spend your money where it actually adds value.
Card grades explained: the 1–10 scale and what Gem Mint means
What do card grades mean? A plain-English guide to the 1–10 scale, what 'Gem Mint' really requires, and the four factors behind every grade.
UK vs US: should you ship your cards overseas to grade them?
Should you ship your cards to the US for grading, or grade them in the UK? A look at the real cost, the wait, and the trade-offs.
How much does card grading cost in the UK?
What does it cost to get cards graded in the UK? A clear breakdown of CALIBRE's flat £25 pricing, priority options, postage, and how it compares to grading overseas.
How to get your Pokémon cards graded in the UK
A simple step-by-step guide to getting your Pokémon (and other) cards graded in the UK - from choosing what to grade to getting your sealed, certified card back.
How to package and send your cards
A simple step-by-step guide to packaging your cards safely and getting them to us for grading - sleeves, holders, padding, and the right postage.