Technical Authentication & Grading (TAG): Complete Guide

Quick facts

Where Technical Authentication & Grading fits in the grading market

TAG is a US-focused, tech-forward grader positioned against legacy incumbents (PSA/BGS/SGC/CGC) by leaning into two things buyers can verify:

• Explainability: TAG’s “DIG” report is meant to show why the grade is what it is, and it’s shareable/QR-accessible (TAG DIG, TAG “View DIG report” instructions).
• Granularity inside a 1–10 grade: For “TAG Score” tiers, TAG assigns a precise 3-digit 100–1000 score intended to indicate how “strong” the grade is within the same label grade (TAG Score, TAG services).

In resale terms, community discussions commonly frame TAG as easier to defend (because you can link the report) but sometimes harder to sell quickly than PSA for mainstream buyers who only trust familiar slabs (r/sportscards “Has anyone used TAG…”, r/PokeInvesting “TAG grading isn’t good for investing…”, Elite Fourum: TAG consistency).

Services offered

TAG’s service tiers change over time; the most recently updated official tier list (updated 12/18/25) describes the following (TAG services):

• Card grading tiers:
  • TCG Bulk (20-card minimum, TCG-only; no TAG Score; upgrade option for 360 slab videos)
  • Basic (5-card minimum; optional upgrades for 360 slab videos and TAG Score)
  • Standard (includes TAG Score; optional 360 slab video upgrade)
  • Express (includes TAG Score)
  • Priority (includes TAG Score + DIG+ + 360 slab video included)
  • Walkthrough (includes TAG Score + DIG+ + 360 slab video included)
• Authentication-only:
  • TAG offers “TAG V” encapsulation without grading, including for “officially-licensed sketch cards and printing plates” per TAG’s submission guidance (How to submit).
• Crossover / reholder / regrade:
  • Unknown / Unverified on the pages cited here (TAG’s Help Center has a slab FAQ collection, but specific crossover documentation was not retrievable via the sources accessed in this environment) (TAG slab FAQ collection).
• Bulk submissions:
  • TCG Bulk requires a 20-card minimum (TCG-only) (TAG services).
• Add-ons:
  • 360 slab videos are described as included at Priority/Walkthrough and optional on certain other tiers; TAG also describes DIG+ “with 1000pt subscores” on Priority/Walkthrough (TAG services).
• Dealer/partner programs:
  • TAG references “Authorized Dealers” and a group submission portal as “coming soon,” but details are limited on the pages cited here (taggrading.com).

Grading scale and standards (deep dive)

The scale and grade definitions

• Label grade: TAG uses a standard 1–10 grade scale and explicitly references “10 Pristine” language in its services documentation (TAG services).
• TAG Score (100–1000): TAG defines a TAG Score as a “3 Digit, precise 100-1000 point score” that correlates directly to the industry-standard 1–10 grade and indicates how “strong” the grade is (TAG Score).

Centering/corners/edges/surface definitions/tolerances (as published)

TAG publishes grade-by-grade criteria in its official rubric, broken into Centering, Corners, Surface, Edges, and includes explicit centering tolerance examples for “TAG Pristine” (TAG Grading Rubric).

Example from the rubric for 10 TAG Pristine (990–1000):

• Centering: front centered within ~51/49 and back within ~54.5/45.5 (Sports) or ~52/48 (TCG) (TAG Grading Rubric)
• Surface: “only Non-Human Observable Defects (NHOD’s)” mentioned for pristine-level surface evaluation (TAG Grading Rubric)

Human vs hybrid vs tech-first process (what they claim)

TAG describes a technology-heavy approach and positions itself against “manual grading,” while also stating card identification is “verified by OCR and our Card ID department” (taggrading.com). For practical purposes, collectors should treat TAG as tech-first with human operational steps rather than “purely automated,” because at least some steps are explicitly described as departmental/operational (taggrading.com).

How to interpret the label (concrete example)

Concrete way to read a TAG slab in the field:

• Scan the QR code on the slab to open the DIG report on a phone (TAG explicitly recommends using a QR reader app if the camera struggles) (TAG: View DIG report)
• If the card is on a TAG Score tier, you can interpret the 100–1000 score as “how strong” the grade is within its 1–10 grade (TAG Score)

Example interpretation (format-level, not a claim about a specific card): a “TAG 10” with a higher TAG Score should be understood as a “stronger” example of the same label grade than a “TAG 10” with a lower TAG Score, per TAG’s definition of the TAG Score (TAG Score).

Slab, label, and security features

Holder and label construction (as claimed by TAG)

• Inscribed data (no paper flip): TAG states grades and data are “permanently inscribed directly inside the slab” and frames this as removing “distracting paper flips” (taggrading.com).
• Material + UV claim: TAG claims slabs are made from “UV and abrasion-resistant acrylic” and are “~99% UV resistant” (taggrading.com).

Anti-counterfeit / verification features

• DIG report via QR: TAG states DIG reports are accessible by scanning the QR code on the slab label (TAG DIG, TAG: View DIG report).
• PROOF™ authentication: TAG describes authenticating a TAG slab using “PROOF™ technology” and instructs users to download the Proof Authentication app (TAG: Authenticate slab, Proof app (Apple), Proof app (Google Play)).

Label/version changes over time

Official documentation about label “versions” was not found in the sources retrieved here. Collector discussion about slab/label changes exists (and is best treated as community reporting until TAG publishes a changelog) (r/taggrading “When does the tag pristin slab change?”).

Verification and data tools

Cert lookup workflow (step-by-step)

1. On a phone: scan the slab QR code to open the DIG report (TAG: View DIG report).
2. By certification number: TAG states DIG reports can be accessed by looking up the card via its certification number found next to the QR code (TAG DIG).
3. Pop report / leaderboard context: TAG links a portal “Pop Report” experience that appears to show population/rank/chronology as part of its tools ecosystem (TAG pop report portal, TAG DIG).

Pop report limitations

• TAG’s pop report is hosted in a portal that loads dynamically in the browser, so the exact data model and exportability are not verifiable from static HTML alone (TAG pop report portal).

Registry mechanics

• TAG references a “Leaderboard” and “Card Rank” for TAG Score tiers; this functions like a lightweight registry/ranking system rather than a traditional set registry, based on the official descriptions (TAG services).

Grader notes / reports

• TAG’s core reporting artifact is the DIG report, described as included with every TAG’d card and accessible by QR/cert number (TAG DIG).

Pricing and turnaround (how it works, not just numbers)

Pricing model

TAG’s current service tiers (updated 12/18/25) are per-card pricing with different tier inclusions (TAG Score, DIG+, 360 slab video) and minimum quantities on some tiers (TAG services).

Shipping/insurance expectations

• TAG’s service tiers list per-card insurance coverage caps (e.g., $200/card for TCG Bulk, $5000/card for Walkthrough) and state that coverage begins with “Intake processing at TAG’s facility” (TAG services).
• TAG offers an optional Submission Kit Service (supplies + prepaid insured return shipping + SafeCase) for $49.95 in the US and notes it is optional and not required; availability is not currently outside the US and Canada per the submission article (updated “over 4 months ago”) (How to submit).

Stated turnaround vs user-reported reality

• How TAG defines turnaround: TAG states business-day turnaround begins after receiving-team processing and ends when grades are visible in the portal and the order is completed for shipment (How to submit).
• User-reported: Recent threads show both positive experiences and cautionary tales; collectors frequently focus on whether turnaround matches the tier promises and whether any issues (damage/holder concerns) occur during processing (r/sportscards “Has anyone used TAG…”, r/PokemonTCG “Cautionary tale regarding TAG Grading”, Elite Fourum: PSA→TAG crossover results).

Current prices table (tier, price, stated TAT)

As of the service update dated 12/18/25 (TAG services):

Submission experience

Step-by-step submission overview

TAG’s Help Center describes this high-level flow (How to submit):

1. Purchase grading services upfront via TAG’s pricing flow.
2. Log into the TAG portal and start a new submission.
3. Enter Card ID details for the purchased package.
4. If you added a Submission Kit, TAG states the kit is approved for shipment within five business days of Card ID input.
5. If you did not add a kit, TAG emails packaging/shipping instructions.

Packaging rules + common pitfalls

TAG explicitly warns collectors to review eligibility rules before sending cards, and links to its “currently grading” list and eligibility guidelines (How to submit, What can I grade with TAG?, Eligible for Grading).

Common pitfalls that cause delays or rejection are usually eligibility-related:

• Cards outside 1989–present range (current focus) (Eligible for Grading, What can I grade with TAG?)
• Disallowed formats/materials “at this time” (e.g., acetate, memorabilia/relic/jersey, sketch cards, printing plates, die-cut, lenticular) (Eligible for Grading, What can I grade with TAG?)

Resale liquidity: what happens on the secondary market

What to expect on eBay/Whatnot/shows

TAG’s resale story is currently driven more by buyer education than by universal slab recognition. A major positive signal is that COMC publicly announced it accepts TAG-graded cards for consignment, suggesting marketplace integration beyond peer-to-peer selling (COMC blog (2023): accepting TAG, COMC blog (2025): COMC & TAG).

Typical buyer objections

From recurring discussion themes:

• “I don’t know this slab, so I’ll pay less than PSA” (r/PokeInvesting, r/hockeycards TAG vs PSA)
• “Are TAG slabs secure / easy to crack?” (r/pokemoncardcollectors “Genuine concern…”, r/PokeGrading slab break test)

How sellers overcome them

• Share the DIG report link (or show it live via QR scan) to make “why the grade” obvious (TAG DIG, TAG: View DIG report).
• Emphasize marketplace acceptance signals when relevant (e.g., COMC accepting TAG slabs) (COMC blog (2023)).

Public opinion: Reddit, X, and hobby communities

Recurring positive themes (5–10)

• High transparency / “show me why” reports via DIG (r/sportscards, YouTube DIG review)
• Interest in score granularity and leaderboard ranking (TAG Score tiers) (Elite Fourum crossover thread, TAG Score)
• Modern-looking slab and no paper flip appeal (r/PokeInvesting “Future of TAG Slabs?”, taggrading.com)

Recurring negative themes (5–10)

• Resale liquidity lag vs PSA for many buyer pools (r/PokeInvesting, r/hockeycards)
• Holder security concerns (ease of cracking, side marks, etc.) discussed by collectors (r/pokemoncardcollectors, r/PokeGrading slab break test)
• Service/handling risk concerns show up in individual reports (e.g., damage allegations) (r/taggrading “TAG damaged my Arceus…”, r/PokemonTCG cautionary tale)

Most common misconceptions

• “TAG is fully automated end-to-end”: TAG’s own site references operational steps like OCR plus a “Card ID department,” so collectors should assume human oversight exists (taggrading.com).
• “TAG only grades Pokémon”: TAG lists multiple sports and entertainment categories and explicitly separates TCG and sports eligibility by tier (Eligible for Grading, TAG services).

Controversies, trust signals, and red flags

What I searched

• Official TAG documentation (grading rubric, DIG/Score pages, eligibility rules, service tier docs, slab authentication docs) (taggrading.com, TAG rubric, TAG DIG, TAG Score, TAG services, Authenticate slab).
• Community reports about slab integrity and service outcomes (Reddit + Elite Fourum + YouTube) (see Public opinion).

Notable controversy themes (community-reported)

• Slab integrity concerns: Some collectors claim TAG slabs are easier to break/crack than expected; treat these as anecdotal until TAG publishes comparative lab testing (r/pokemoncardcollectors, r/PokeGrading slab break test).
• Handling/damage allegations: Individual claims exist that cards were damaged during grading; treat as unverified case reports without independent documentation (r/taggrading “TAG damaged my Arceus…”, r/PokemonTCG cautionary tale).

Trust signals

• Verification + anti-counterfeit workflow: TAG provides QR-based report access and a PROOF-based slab authentication workflow via official documentation (TAG DIG, Authenticate slab).
• Marketplace integration: COMC publicly announced acceptance and collaboration messaging involving TAG (COMC blog 2023, COMC blog 2025).

Who should use Technical Authentication & Grading (and who shouldn’t)

Good fit

• You’re grading modern cards and want the ability to prove the grade with a shareable report (especially to skeptical buyers) (TAG DIG, TAG: View DIG report).
• You care about centering tolerances and visible defect explanation (TAG publishes rubric language and tolerances) (TAG rubric).

Bad fit

• You’re grading mainly for fastest resale with minimal buyer education: community threads repeatedly position PSA as the most liquid option for investing/resale speed (r/PokeInvesting, r/hockeycards).
• Your cards are outside TAG’s current acceptance rules (years/materials/types) (Eligible for Grading, What can I grade with TAG?).

Comparison snapshot

Rationale citations:

• TAG transparency and tooling are documented via DIG/Score/rubric and portal tools (TAG DIG, TAG Score, TAG rubric, TAG pop report).
• TAG resale liquidity vs PSA is a recurring community theme rather than a formal market study (r/sportscards, r/PokeInvesting).
• TAG slab security is debated in hobby threads (community-reported, not a controlled test) (r/pokemoncardcollectors, r/PokeGrading).

FAQs

1. Is TAG legit? TAG operates a public-facing grading service with published service tiers, eligibility rules, a grading rubric, and a portal for reports/tools (TAG services, Eligible for Grading, TAG rubric).
2. How do I verify a TAG slab? Scan the slab QR code to open the DIG report, and use PROOF-based authentication per TAG’s instructions (TAG: View DIG report, TAG: Authenticate slab).
3. Does TAG have a pop report? TAG links a portal pop report experience (TAG pop report portal).
4. Does TAG have subgrades? TAG describes “DIG+ with 1000pt subscores” included at Priority/Walkthrough tiers; exact subscore category names are not published on the pages cited here (TAG services).
5. What is a TAG Score? TAG defines it as a precise 3-digit 100–1000 score correlated to the industry-standard 1–10 grade, meant to show how “strong” the grade is (TAG Score).
6. What does “10 Pristine” mean at TAG? TAG uses a 1–10 scale and explicitly references “10 Pristine” in its tier documentation, and its rubric defines “TAG Pristine” with explicit criteria and score band 990–1000 (TAG services, TAG rubric).
7. What cards can TAG grade right now? TAG states it accepts licensed standard-size 2.5" x 3.5" cards manufactured from 1989–present up to 50pt, with multiple exclusions (e.g., acetate, memorabilia, printing plates) (Eligible for Grading, What can I grade with TAG?).
8. Does TAG grade vintage cards? TAG’s current eligibility documentation focuses on 1989–present and states it is “currently focusing on modern era” and may move back in time “as capacity allows” (Eligible for Grading, What can I grade with TAG?).
9. How much does TAG cost? TAG’s official tier list (updated 12/18/25) ranges from $19/card (TCG Bulk) to $299/card (Walkthrough), with minimums and different inclusions (TAG services).
10. How fast is TAG’s turnaround? Official stated turnaround depends on tier; for example, Standard is estimated 15 business days and Walkthrough is same-day after intake processing, per the 12/18/25 tier list (TAG services).
11. Is the Submission Kit required? No; TAG states it is optional, costs $49.95 in the US, and is not required to submit (How to submit).
12. Will TAG add value vs PSA? In many markets, PSA remains the most liquid and recognized slab; TAG’s added value is often framed as transparency/reporting rather than immediate premium, based on community discussion (not a controlled price study) (r/PokeInvesting, r/hockeycards).
13. How do I share a TAG report with a buyer? TAG states DIG reports can be accessed via QR and shared (TAG DIG, TAG: View DIG report).
14. Does TAG insure my cards? TAG’s tier list states per-card insurance caps and describes coverage beginning with intake processing at TAG’s facility (TAG services).
15. If I see side marks or “cracks,” is the slab damaged? TAG has an official slab FAQ collection, but the specific “side marks/cracked sides” articles could not be retrieved from accessible sources here; treat community claims cautiously and verify with TAG support if concerned (TAG slab FAQ collection).

Sources

Official

• TAG official site
• TAG: DIG reports
• TAG: TAG Score
• TAG: Grading rubric
• TAG: Eligible for grading / currently grading
• TAG: View DIG report + authenticate slab
• TAG Help Center: service tiers (updated 12/18/25)
• TAG Help Center: how to submit (submission kit, turnaround definition)
• TAG Help Center: eligibility details
• Proof Authentication app (Apple)
• Proof Authentication app (Google Play)
• TAG pop report portal

Reputable hobby/news

• COMC blog: “COMC Now Accepting TAG Graded Cards For Consignment!” (2023)
• COMC blog: “COMC & TAG: A new chapter in card grading” (2025)

Community sentiment (Reddit/X/forums)

• r/sportscards: Has anyone used TAG to grade cards?
• r/PokeInvesting: TAG grading isn’t good for investing…
• r/PokeInvesting: Future of TAG Slabs?
• r/PokemonTCG: Cautionary tale regarding TAG Grading
• r/pokemoncardcollectors: Genuine concern for Tag Slabs
• r/PokeGrading: slab break test
• r/taggrading: TAG damaged my Arceus during grading
• Elite Fourum: Yet another technological grading company: TAG
• Elite Fourum: Does TAG maintain consistency?
• Elite Fourum: PSA to TAG crossover results
• X profile (limited access to individual post URLs in this environment)

Directories/reference lists

• TAG slab FAQ collection (index page; specific articles may be JS-rendered)