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Answers to the most common questions, and the photo method that changes everything.

In short

For a reliable analysis: lay the card flat on a plain contrasting background, light it with diffuse indirect light, hold the camera parallel to the card, frame tight while keeping all four edges visible, remove any glossy plastic sleeve, and shoot the front then the back under the same conditions.

The photo method in 4 points

This is the single biggest factor in estimate quality.

  1. 1. Diffuse light

    Near a window without direct sun, or under two side sources. Avoid flash and point spots, which create glare on holos.

  2. 2. Camera parallel

    Even a slight angle distorts the margins and completely skews centering assessment.

  3. 3. Tight framing

    All four edges must be visible with a small margin around them. Without the edges, centering cannot be measured.

  4. 4. No sleeve

    Remove sleeve, toploader and penny sleeve: plastic adds reflections and scratches that are not on the card.

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