Grading Pokémon, Football, and Other TCG Cards – What You Need to Know

This article is written for Beginners, Casual Fans, and TCG Parents who are curious about grading different types of cards – from Pokémon to football and beyond.

Card grading is for more than just Pokémon

At Majesty Grading Company (MGC), we spend a lot of time grading Pokémon cards – and with good reason. It’s one of the most popular categories for collectors in the UK. But we also grade football cards, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Topps Star Wars, wrestling cards, even sealed packs, stickers and so much more.

If you’ve been wondering whether we grade the type of card you collect, the answer is almost certainly yes. Here’s everything you need to know, whether you’re helping your child submit their first cards or just dipping your toes into the hobby yourself.

Do different types of cards get graded differently?

In short: no. The grading process is the same whether it’s a Pokémon holo, a Panini Premier League sticker, or a full-art MTG Planeswalker. Every card is carefully assessed for four core factors:

• Surface – scratches, dents, print lines, and marks
• Edges – flaking, whitening or damage along the sides
• Corners – how sharp or clean each corner is
• Centring – how well the card design is aligned

That said, each type of card brings its own quirks. Pokémon has a lot of modern holographic patterns that show scratches easily. Football stickers can be miscut or printed off-centre. Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh! have foils that can warp slightly over time. Our grading team understands these differences and takes them into account.

Most popular types of cards we grade

1. Pokémon Cards

Still the most common type of submission at MGC. From Base Set nostalgia to the latest Scarlet & Violet hits, grading Pokémon cards helps protect, display, and potentially increase the value of your best pulls. Great for collectors, flippers, and TCG Parents helping their kids keep their favourite cards safe.

2. Football and Sports Cards

Football card grading has grown rapidly in the UK. We grade cards and stickers from Topps, Panini, Match Attax, Merlin Heritage and more. Premier League stars, World Cup rookies, and signed inserts are all fair game. If you’ve got a promising young player or a historic moment, it’s worth considering grading it now.

3. Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Other TCGs

We also regularly grade cards from MTG, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragon Ball, and One Piece. Whether you’re building a collection, protecting vintage cards, or trying to grade a full set of Secret Rares, the process is the same. These cards are often highly detailed and fragile – making proper grading and encapsulation even more valuable.

4. Sealed Packs and Tickets

Not many people know this, but we also grade sealed booster packs and collectible tickets. If you’ve got something rare and sealed – like a 1st Edition pack or a promo event ticket – we can encapsulate it and assign it a grade, preserving it permanently in a tamper-proof slab.

Tips for submitting different types of cards

• Use semi-rigid holders for all cards, no matter the type
• Be careful with cards that have darker edges or borders – these show wear more easily
• If submitting foil cards, make sure they’re flat (not warped) before packaging

Still unsure if we grade your type of card?

If you’ve got something unusual – like a signed promo, sticker sheet, or non-standard shape – check our Support Centre or reach out directly. We’re always happy to help you work out if your item can be graded.

Which cards are worth grading?

Any card that’s rare, valuable, sentimental, or in excellent condition is worth considering. Pokémon and football cards tend to have stronger resale value, but Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Dragon Ball collectors also love a good slabbed showcase piece.

If you’re not sure, just browse eBay or WhatNot to see how many cards are being sold in slabs – it’s a great way to gauge the market.

Why grade with MGC?

If you’re searching for the best UK card grading company, MGC offers:

• Expert, consistent grading across all card types
• No customs fees or risky international shipping
• Fast turnaround times and affordable prices
• Local submission options across the UK
• A growing reputation and trusted resale value

Ready to submit?

Whether it’s your child’s favourite Charizard, a Premier League rookie, or your own Secret Rare from 20 years ago – we’ve got you covered. Submit your cards today using our Membership programme or visit a Local Submission Hub to drop off your cards in person.

Submit your cards with MGC – the UK’s trusted card grading company.