Certain types of collectibles cannot be graded or encapsulated by CGC. Some of the most common reasons involve authenticity, size, and subject matter. Before sending in your submission, make sure it qualifies for CGC grading by referencing the policies below.
Grading Policies
TCGs, Sports Cards & Non-sports Cards
CGC grades virtually all trading card games (TCGs), sports cards and non-sports cards.
Currently, CGC accepts cards sized 2-5/8” x 3-3/4” (6.6cm x 9.5cm) or smaller. Cards may be up to 7.25mm thick.
Note:
Cards that are smaller or larger than standard sizes may be automatically placed into a CGC holder with a protective inner sleeve.
Telephone cards may only be submitted to the Shanghai, China, office through select Authorized Dealers.
Certain thick cards that would normally be accepted by CGC may have irregular dimensions and cannot be encapsulated for this reason. In those cases, the cards will be returned unencapsulated ("raw"), and the grading fee will be refunded.
Certain cards are not eligible for CGC certification. See below for a complete list.
Restrictions
Comics, Magazines & Posters
Collectibles that are not genuine will not be graded or encapsulated. They will be returned raw. The full grading fee will apply.
The full grading fee is charged because CGC provides an expert opinion of a collectible’s authenticity. If a collectible is not genuine, that determination has been reached as a result of CGC’s authentication process. There is at least as much, if not more, work involved in determining that a collectible is not genuine as there is in determining that a collectible is genuine.
If CGC believes that a collectible is likely not genuine but its research is inconclusive, the collectible will be labeled “Questionable Authenticity” and not encapsulated. The grading fee will be refunded less a $5.00 processing fee.
In rare instances, a collectible that may normally be eligible for CGC certification will be returned not encapsulated with a label that says “No Opinion.” This notation is used for collectibles that cannot be conclusively attributed, authenticated and/or graded due to their condition, a lack of available research or other factors. When a collectible is labeled “No Opinion,” the full grading fee will be refunded.
On occasion, CGC will not encapsulate a collectible and return it with a label that says “Not Suitable for Certification.” This notation is used for collectibles that are severely damaged or otherwise impaired, so that it is impossible for CGC to even attempt to authenticate them or assign a grade. Then a collectible is determined to be “Not Suitable for Certification,” the grading fee will be refunded less a $5.00 processing fee.
CGC will not certify some floating items, such as free-floating 3-D glasses, or poly-bagged collectibles. All collectibles must be taken out of poly bags before being graded.
Certain collectibles may not be eligible for certification due to the content contained and/or displayed. Read the Certified Collectibles Group Potentially Offensive Materials Policy here.
Restrictions
Video Games
CGC grades select cartridge-only games. CGC does not currently grade unaccompanied manuals and inserts, improper components, big boxes, pirate reproductions, long box Philips CD-i games, consoles, controllers, and accessories.
Restrictions
Home Video
At this time, CGC does not grade home video big boxes, long box CD-i, 2-tape slipcases, 2-tape clamshells, LaserDiscs, Super 8, Video 8, MovieCDs, personal home movies, recorded TV broadcasts, or box sets.