CGC Pokémon: how it works, and how to prepare your cards before sending them

CGC is one of the three big names in Pokémon card grading, alongside PSA and PCA. Many collectors pick it for its labels and subgrades. But how does its grading work, how do you send cards from Europe, and what should you do beforehand so you don't lose points for something avoidable? Here is what you need to know.

For the full process, from choosing a company to shipping, see our guide how to get a Pokémon card graded.

Key points:

CGC grades cards from 1 to 10, in half points. The top of the scale is the Pristine 10, just above the Gem Mint 10.
Subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface) are optional.
From Europe, cards can be sent to CGC's European office in Munich, by mail or by appointment.
The price depends on the service tier (declared value and turnaround): always check the official price list before sending.
The surface can be prepared: a clean card doesn't lose points to simple dirt.

What is CGC?

CGC (Certified Collectibles Group) is an American certification company. Through its sister companies it grades comics, coins and banknotes, and for several years now trading cards too, including Pokémon cards. A graded card is sealed in a rigid case (the "slab") with a label showing the grade.

CGC also publishes its own population report, called the "Census", which counts the cards graded at each level. To understand how such a report works, see our guide PCA population report: how to read it: the principle is the same.

How CGC grades a Pokémon card

Grades run from 1 to 10, in half points. Two grades share the top: the Gem Mint 10, and above it the Pristine 10, reserved for near-perfect cards.

As an option, CGC can show four subgrades on the label:

Centering: how even the borders are, front and back. It can't be fixed.
Corners: a soft or whitened corner quickly costs points.
Edges: edge whitening, especially on the back. See whitening: can it be fixed?.
Surface: scratches, marks, dust, greasy film. The only criterion where careful preparation really makes a difference.

Sending your cards to CGC from Europe

There's no need to ship your cards to the United States: since 2023, CGC has accepted trading cards, including Pokémon cards, at its European office in Munich, Germany. You can send them by mail or drop them off by appointment.

Two ways to do it:

Directly: direct submission requires a paid CGC membership. You fill in the submission form online, then ship the package.
Through a middleman: European services group cards from several collectors and submit them for you, for a handling fee.

CGC also attends some shows, including in Paris, where you can sometimes hand in cards in person. Dates are announced on CGC's official website.

How much does CGC cost, and how long does it take?

The price depends on the service tier, chosen according to the card's declared value and the turnaround you want. The cheapest tiers are for lower-value cards, often with a minimum number of cards per submission. As a rough guide, some European services advertise prices from around twenty euros per card, excluding shipping. Expect several weeks on the economy tiers.

Prices change regularly: always check CGC's official price list, or your middleman's, before sending. And add insured shipping both ways.

CGC, PSA or PCA?

Each company has its strengths: resale value, turnaround, price, subgrades, proximity. We compare them in detail in PSA, CGC or PCA: which grading service should you choose for your Pokémon cards?.

Before sending to CGC: prepare the card

Centering can't be fixed, and a damaged corner stays damaged. So start with an honest assessment using our guide pre-grading: assess your Pokémon card's condition: if the card can't aim for a high grade, grading may not be worth the cost.

The surface, however, can be prepared. Dust, fingerprints and greasy film cost points for nothing. A cleaning spray sprayed onto a microfibre cloth, never directly on the card, is usually enough. For a dull holo, a shine gel applied with a foam applicator brings back the mirror effect. A slightly curved card can be flattened beforehand with a flattening kit.

Keep it gentle: an altered card (aggressive pressing, touch-ups) may not receive a grade. Also avoid the 5 mistakes before sending a card for grading, then put the card in a new sleeve and a semi-rigid holder.

Conclusion

CGC is a serious option for grading your Pokémon cards from Europe: an office in Munich, a clear scale and detailed subgrades. Price and turnaround depend on the tier you pick, so check the official price list. What makes the difference on the grade is the card's condition: send it clean and well protected. Everything you need is in the complete kit.

FAQ

Does CGC accept non-English Pokémon cards?

CGC grades Pokémon cards in several languages. For a specific edition, check the list of accepted cards on CGC's official website before sending.

Do you have to ship your cards to the US for CGC?

No. Since 2023, CGC has received trading cards at its European office in Munich, by mail or by appointment. European middlemen can also submit for you.

What is a CGC Pristine 10?

It's the highest grade on the CGC scale, above the Gem Mint 10. It's reserved for cards that are near-perfect on every criterion.

Can you clean a card before sending it to CGC?

Yes, a light surface clean (dust, fingerprints) with a grading-safe product and a microfibre cloth is common. Avoid altering the card in any way: a modified card may not receive a grade.

How long does a CGC submission take?

It depends on the service tier you choose. Economy tiers usually take several weeks, express tiers much less. Check the stated turnaround times when you send.