magic-the-gathering-grading

name	magic-the-gathering-grading
description	Use when grading MTG. BGS dominates this category. Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Revised, and Modern Frame eras drive 90% of value.

Magic the Gathering Grading

BGS is the default grader for MTG. Alpha-Beta-Unlimited Power Nine + Dual Lands are the high-end. Modern frame (M15+) requires precise corner inspection.

MTG era hierarchy

1. Alpha (1993): rounded corners, 1175 of each card, ultra-scarce
2. Beta (1993): rounded corners, ~8000 of each
3. Unlimited (1993): squared corners, ~40K of each
4. Revised (1994): lighter ink
5. 4th-9th Editions (1995-2005)
6. M15+ (2014+): modern frame with bottom holographic anti-counterfeit stamp

Power Nine values

The Power Nine (Black Lotus, Mox set, Time Walk, Ancestral Recall, Timetwister) drive the high-end. Black Lotus Alpha BGS 9.5 sold $540K (2021); BGS 10 sold $1.6M+ (2024-2025). Power Nine in BGS 9.5+ moves the entire MTG market.

Grading approach

1. BGS for the slab (collector preference)
2. PSA acceptable but discount 20-30% on Power Nine
3. CGC viable on modern frame only — Alpha/Beta sub-grade calibration loose
4. Never use bargain graders (HGA, GMA, KSA) on MTG

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Powers MTGAppraiseAI tool and the MTG-specific Concierge flow.