Understanding Grading Limitations
DCM Optic™ provides accurate condition assessments from photographs, but some defects and card characteristics cannot be reliably evaluated without physical inspection.
Photo-Based Grading: Capabilities & Constraints
DCM Optic™ utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms and computer vision technology to analyze trading card images with professional-grade precision. Our system evaluates centering, corners, edges, and surface condition from high-quality photographs.
However, photograph-based assessment has inherent limitations. Certain physical characteristics and defects require tactile inspection, specialized equipment, or controlled lighting environments that cannot be replicated through standard photography.
This page outlines what our technology can reliably assess and where physical inspection by traditional grading services may be necessary for definitive evaluation.
Why DCM Optic™ Grades are Reliable
Centering Analysis
Precise measurement of border symmetry on front and back, detecting off-center cuts and misalignment with high accuracy.
Corner Condition
Detection of corner wear, whitening, dings, rounding, and fiber exposure across all eight corners.
Edge Wear
Identification of edge whitening, chipping, roughness, and coating loss along all card edges.
Visible Surface Defects
Scratches, scuffs, print defects, staining, and surface contamination visible in properly lit photographs.
Creases & Folds
Visible crease lines, fold marks, and associated white stress lines from structural damage.
Card Identification
Accurate recognition of card name, set, year, player/character, and special variants including serial numbering.
Conditions With Limited Assessment Accuracy
The following conditions may not be accurately detected or assessed through photographs. Grades for cards with these characteristics should be considered estimates with wider uncertainty ranges.
●Card Warping & Bowing
Physical warping is a three-dimensional deformation that cannot be reliably detected from two-dimensional photographs. A card may appear flat in an image while having significant curvature in reality.
Important Note:
Natural foil curl in holographic and refractor cards is common and typically does not affect professional grades. This occurs because the metallic foil layer expands differently than the paper stock. Severe warping from water damage or improper storage, however, may impact card value and is best assessed in person.
●Card Thickness & Stock Quality
Variations in card thickness, paper stock quality, and potential delamination (separation of card layers) cannot be assessed from photographs. These factors may indicate reprints, counterfeits, or manufacturing defects that require physical inspection to verify.
●Tactile Surface Characteristics
Surface texture, card stiffness, and tactile defects like raised bumps or embedded debris cannot be detected through images. Cards with textured finishes, embossing, or special coatings may have wear that is only apparent through touch.
●Micro-Scratches & Fine Surface Wear
Extremely fine scratches and surface wear may only be visible under specific lighting angles or magnification. While our algorithms detect many surface defects, hairline scratches that appear only at certain angles may not be captured in standard photographs.
●Odors, Smoke Damage & Chemical Exposure
Cards exposed to smoke, mold, chemicals, or other environmental contaminants may carry odors or invisible residue that affects their condition and value. These factors are impossible to assess through photographs.
How Photography Affects Accuracy
The quality and conditions of your photographs directly impact grading accuracy. Our confidence ratings account for image quality factors.
Optimal Conditions
- Even, diffused lighting without harsh shadows
- Neutral background (dark preferred)
- Card fills 70-80% of the frame
- Sharp focus on card surface
- Card removed from sleeve/toploader
Conditions That Reduce Accuracy
- Glare or reflections obscuring the surface
- Heavy shadows hiding corners or edges
- Blurry or out-of-focus images
- Card photographed at an angle
- Cards in holders with scratches or haze
Cards Not Suitable for Photo-Based Grading
Some cards should not be submitted for photo-based grading due to authentication requirements or characteristics that cannot be properly evaluated from images.
Authentication-Required Items
- • Cards suspected to be counterfeit
- • Reprints requiring verification
- • Cards with uncertain provenance
- • High-value vintage requiring authentication
Altered or Modified Cards
- • Trimmed cards (edge manipulation)
- • Re-colored or touched-up cards
- • Cards with added signatures (unverified)
- • Cleaned or chemically treated cards
Severely Damaged Cards
- • Cards with missing pieces
- • Water-damaged with visible warping
- • Fire or heat damaged cards
- • Cards with tape residue or sticker damage
Special Format Cards
- • Oversized cards (jumbo, box toppers)
- • Mini cards or non-standard sizes
- • 3D or lenticular cards
- • Cards with attached elements (relics in certain conditions)
Understanding DCM Optic™ Confidence Ratings
Every grade includes a confidence rating that reflects our assessment certainty based on image quality and visibility of card features.
A lower confidence rating doesn't mean the grade is wrong—it indicates higher uncertainty due to image quality factors. Consider retaking photos under better conditions for improved confidence.
Important Disclaimer
DCM Grading provides condition assessments for informational and entertainment purposes. Our grades are generated through automated analysis of submitted photographs and should be considered estimates based on visible characteristics.
DCM grades are not equivalent to, and should not be represented as, grades from PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, or any other professional grading service. For authentication, insurance valuation, or high-stakes transactions, we recommend submitting cards to an established physical grading service.
By using DCM Grading, you acknowledge these limitations and agree that grades are provided as-is without warranty of accuracy for any specific purpose.