MGC Grading Guide – What You Need to Know

The UK Grading Company Bringing A New Era of Grading To Collectors In The UK

MGC, short for Majesty Grading Company, has quickly become one of the most recognised UK-based grading services for sports cards, TCGs, and other collectibles. Known for their secure slabs, detailed grading scale and modern approach, they are offering collectors in the UK and Europe a reliable alternative to PSA and Beckett.

In this MGC Grading Guide, we’ll explore what makes them different, how to submit your cards, what their grading scale means, and how to maximise your results.

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Who Are MGC?

MGC is a professional card grading company based in Hertfordshire, England. They specialise in authenticating and grading trading cards, stickers, packs and tickets. For UK and European collectors, MGC offers an appealing advantage, faster turnaround times, cheaper shipping, and no customs fees.

Their slabs are sleek and durable, featuring advanced MGC Secure Tech, a combination of microchip verification, holographic labelling and tamper-proof casing. This technology is designed to protect both the card and the collector, ensuring every graded item can be verified and trusted.

Unlike many grading services, MGC supports a wide range of card thicknesses, from standard cards to premium patch and autograph cards up to 180pt. This makes them a flexible option for both TCG and sports collectors.

Understanding MGC Grades

MGC Grading Scale & Labels

MGC uses a 10-point grading scale, assessing four key aspects of each card: centering, corners, edges, and surface.

Here’s a breakdown of what each grade represents:

Grade Description
10 GM (Gem Mint) Virtually flawless. Sharp corners, perfect centering and clean surface.
9 M (Mint) Near perfect. Only the slightest imperfections under magnification.
8 NM (Near Mint) Minor wear on corners or edges visible under light.
7 EX-NM (Excellent to Near Mint) Slightly more noticeable wear but still highly presentable.
6 EX (Excellent) Visible wear or light scratches. A well-kept but clearly handled card.
5 VG-EX (Very Good to Excellent) Noticeable imperfections but still intact.
1–4 (Good to Poor) Heavier wear, creasing, or surface damage.

Cards that cannot receive a numerical grade but are confirmed as genuine receive an “Authentic” label.

Each graded card includes a unique serial number and MGC microchip that allows collectors to verify its authenticity using MGC’s online verification system.

Image credit: MGC Grading

What Can You Submit?

Eligible Items for MGC Grading

Sports Cards

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Pokemon TCG Card Icon

TCG Cards

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Stickers

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Sealed Packs and Tickets

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Submission Steps

How To Grade With MGC

Grading with MGC is straightforward and collector friendly.

Step 1 – Create an Account

Sign up on the official MGC website and log in to your dashboard. You can manage submissions, payments and track your grading progress online.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Cards

Use card sleeves and semi rigid holders to protect your cards during shipping. Avoid fingerprints or surface marks by handling cards carefully.

Step 3 – Complete the Submission Form

List each card accurately, including card name, year, set and number. Choose your desired service level – Bronze, Silver or Gold – depending on how quickly you’d like your cards graded.

Step 4 – Package and Send

Place your sleeved cards in a sturdy box with plenty of padding. Include your submission form and send your package to MGC’s grading centre.

Step 5 – Grading and Encapsulation

Once received, your cards go through authentication, grading and encapsulation. Each card is sealed in a tamper proof case and labelled with its grade.

Step 6 – Receive and Verify

You’ll receive your graded cards safely returned to you. You can verify each one online using its serial number.

Start Your Submission

Cost & Timing

MGC Fees and Turnaround Times

MGC offers three main service levels:

Bronze

From £12.99

Per Card

Key Features

  • cross Icon Typical Turnaround - 4–8 weeks

Silver

From £22.99

Per Card

Key Features

  • cross Icon Typical Turnaround - 2–3 weeks

Gold

Higher tier

From £39.99

Key Features

  • tick Icon Typical Turnaround - Fastest (approx. 5 working days)
Pros & Cons

Strengths and Considerations

Why Collectors Choose MGC:

  • UK-based service with local customer support
  • Lower shipping costs and faster turnaround within Europe
  • Strong anti-counterfeit measures through Secure Tech
  • Accepts cards, stickers, packs, and tickets
  • Affordable pricing, especially for bulk submissions

Things To Consider:

  • Market resale value may be lower than PSA or Beckett
  • No subgrades (a single overall grade is given)
  • Being newer to the grading scene, MGC is still building global recognition

For UK collectors, however, these trade-offs are often worth the convenience and trust in a local, tech-focused grading company.

Let’s Recap – Tips To Get The Best MGC Grades

  • Clean your cards gently before submission
  • Always use semi-rigid sleeves (avoid top loaders)
  • Handle cards only by the edges
  • Double-check your submission details for accuracy
  • Choose the right service tier for your budget and timeline
  • Use tracked shipping both ways for peace of mind

Taking these steps helps prevent unnecessary point deductions and ensures your cards arrive safely.

How MGC Compares

MGC vs Other Grading Companies

PSA Logo Square

PSA Grading Guide

Read PSA Guide

Beckett Grading Guide

Read Beckett Guide

CGC Grading Guide

Read CGC Guide

MGC Grading FAQs

Your Questions Answered

What does “10 GM” mean?

It stands for Gem Mint – a perfect card with no visible flaws under close inspection.

Can MGC grade patch or autograph cards?

Yes. MGC slabs can accommodate cards up to 180pt thick, suitable for premium cards.

Do they grade sealed packs and tickets?

Yes, MGC is one of the few companies to offer grading for packs and tickets.

Do I need to be a member to submit?

No, you can submit as a standard customer, but members may get discounts and offers.

Can I track my order?

Yes. All submissions can be tracked through your MGC account dashboard.

Are MGC cards easy to sell?

The brand is still growing in resale value, but interest is rising quickly within the UK collecting community.

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