| Here is how we do it!
The overall numerical grade is not a simple average of the four
report card grades. Beckett Grading Services uses an algorithm which
determines the final grade using the 4 sub grades on the front label of the card
holder. The lowest overall grade is the first category to observe because
it is the most obvious defect, and the lowest grade is the most heavily
weighted in determining the overall grade.
Example:
Centering = 9.5
Corners = 9.5
Edges = 9
Surface = 8
Final grade = 8.5
The reason that this card received an 8.5 is that even though the Surface
grade was an 8 (the lowest grade overall), the 9.5 grades on Centering and
Corners were strong enough to bring it up a full point to reach the 8.5 level.
Another example:
Centering = 9.5
Corners = 9.5
Edges = 8.5
Surface = 9
Final grade = 9
Upon first glance, it may appear that this card should've received a grade
different than a 9. The most this card could receive was .5 (or one-half grade)
above the lowest sub-grade. The Edges were the lowest in this case, hence, the
card received the overall 9 grade. Even though Centering and Corners received
grades of 9.5, a key point to remember is that the minimum requirement to
receive a grade of Gem Mint is to have at least three grades of 9.5 and the
fourth to be no less than a 9.
Also, please note that the final grade rarely, if ever, exceeds
two levels above the lowest of the four characteristic grades. For
example, if a card has characteristic grades of Centering 10, Corners 6,
Edges 10 and Surface 10, the final grade will be a "7" (of which is exactly
two grading levels above the lowest characteristic grade). | 
