Identify the card
Check the set, card number, language, and version against the card you intend to submit.
Protection & verification
Care for the card.
Confidence in the details.
Get to know the GSM slab, our authentication process, and the certificate record behind the label.
The GSM slab
A closer look at the protection.
Protective holder
Graded cards are encapsulated to help protect them from handling.
- Keep slabs away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Do not open or modify a holder.
- Ask GSM about unusual-size cards or holder damage.
Certificate number
The label connects a card to its published GSM grading record.
- Enter the certificate number exactly as shown.
- Compare the card name, set, number, and grade.
- A valid number alone does not prove the physical card or holder is genuine.
Public certificate lookup
Review the recorded details and available images before relying on a certificate.
- Use the official GSM website to open the lookup.
- Compare the physical card with the record.
- Contact GSM when details do not match or a record is unavailable.
Card identity & authenticity
Know what you are submitting.
Share concerns early
Tell GSM about known alterations, authenticity concerns, or signatures before shipping. Do not clean or modify the card.
Confirm the service
Card-condition grading is not a promise of separate autograph authentication. Ask the team which service is appropriate.
Check the published record
After certification, compare the card and label with the GSM record. Report any discrepancy to the team.
Know your card
Start with the record.
Enter the certificate number from a GSM label to look up its active grading record. Compare the record with the card in front of you.
When you’re checking a card
- Read the certificate number from the label.
- Open the GSM certificate lookup and enter the number.
- Compare the card name, set, grade and available images.
- If something doesn’t match, contact GSM before proceeding.
Your graded card
The details, at a glance.
- Grading label
- Card identity and gradeCompare the label with the card and published record.
- Certificate number
- Online lookup referenceUse the full number shown on the label.
- Card format
- Confirm unusual sizes before submittingAsk GSM about thick, oversized, or already slabbed cards.
Before you buy
When to take a second look.
Details do not match
Pause a purchase if the physical card, label, and certificate record disagree.
- Different card name, set, or card number.
- A different grade on the label and record.
- Available images show a different card or variant.
The lookup does not resolve
Check the number and use GSM’s official lookup. A missing result alone is not proof of a counterfeit.
- A QR link sends you to an unrelated domain.
- The seller will not provide a readable certificate number.
- A mismatch remains unresolved after checking with GSM.
The holder needs attention
Ask GSM about visible damage or suspected tampering. Do not rely on appearance or a matching number alone.
- Cracks, gaps, or unexpected damage.
- A label that appears altered.
- A seller refuses clear photographs of the card and holder.
Something doesn’t look right?
Send us the certificate number and your questions.