At the 2024 Spring Expo, I submitted my very first card to TAG Grading. For those who aren't aware, TAG (Technical Authentication & Grading) is the newest grading card company on the scene, but what they bring to the table is very interesting. Through the use of patented technology, they are able to use these visions to grade cards on a 1000pt scale, which I find really interesting. While the platform many not be perfect and they are only able to grade thinner cards at the moment, the technology-based grading practices is a fresh take in the graded card industry instead of the sole use of the eye test, which could vary person-to-person. When thinking of a card to submit, It didn't take much time to decide on an Enroth Young Guns card. I've been slowly gathering a collection of his graded Young Guns, so adding another company to that list was the main idea. After looking through a stack of Young Guns (admittedly, as I was running a tad late to the Expo) I grabbed the best copy I saw, knowing full well the grade may be sub-par. I submitted the card through a booth TAG was partnered up with for the show for submissions, and I received it on July 8th. So for a cheap grading submission, the timeline worked well. Regarding the card grade itself, I was really surprised! My goal was to receive at minimum an 8, so to receive a 9 Mint grade was pretty sweet. As for the presentation, each TAG card comes in it's own sealed "pack" which you can then open up to reveal your freshly graded card. So kudos to them on that. I've uploaded a picture of the TAG packs below. Aside from the presentation, each graded card through TAG comes with it's own online grading report you can view online through their portal. With this report, you can view the pop report, surface defect slider, dings, corners, edge details, and more. It really is a testament to how far the grading process has evolved, especially in the technological age we all find ourselves in.
I've linked my TAG Grading Report here: 2009-10 Upper Deck Young Guns - Jhonas Enroth - CERT #U5891290 Lastly, another thing I enjoy about the TAG grading reports are the high-quality images they freely provide with each submission. As a collector who displays his collection on this website and through my social channels, I often have had a tough time displaying graded cards since the slabs usually scan very poorly. With TAG and their front/back HD images that are downloadable, I can share my cards with crystal clear snapshots. Gotta love that.
2 Comments
Checking this post out today - I really appreciate the full deep dive into your experience with TAG. I have been on the fence about submitting a few things to them (especially if I can finally drive down to the Fall Expo this year) because I don't find a ton out there yet about them and PSA is the old stand by. I really love that Grading Report (thanks putting that link because it showcased it really well) and how they make it clear why a card got that grade. seems like they are going to be great for the hobby and raising the bar for grading.
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9/17/2024 05:32:47 pm
Thank you, Andrew! Glad this post helped you out! Yeah, TAG’s grading system is one of a kind and their process is really cool. And as a nice bonus, their slabs look amazing too!!
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Author - AaronI've been collecting Hockey cards since the late 90's. Mainly the goalies since 2005. I also Co-Host a Hockey Card Podcast. The PodcastFeatured ArticlesMost Wanted CardCategories
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