Our Authentication Process
At Top Shelf Cards, trust is everything. Every card we sell is handled with care, transparency, and respect for collectors. This page explains exactly how we authenticate and verify our inventory so you can buy with confidence.
Our Commitment to Authenticity
We believe buyers should always know exactly what they’re purchasing. That’s why every item listed on TopShelfCards.net clearly states whether it is:
- Professionally graded by a third-party authentication company, or
- Verified in-house through our Top Shelf Verified™ process, or
- Sold as raw with condition details only
No vague claims. No misleading labels. Just straight answers.
Third-Party Graded Cards
High-value and premium cards in our inventory are authenticated and graded by industry-leading third-party companies, including:
- PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
- SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)
- BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
For these cards, we provide:
- The grading company
- The assigned grade
- The official certification number
- Clear images of the card and holder
Certification numbers can be verified directly through the grading company’s website.
Top Shelf Verified™ (In-House Authentication)
For select raw cards, we offer Top Shelf Verified™, our in-house authenticity verification process.
What Top Shelf Verified™ Means
Each Top Shelf Verified™ card has been:
- Examined for authenticity
- Inspected for signs of alteration or tampering
- Reviewed under magnification and proper lighting
- Compared against known authentic examples
This process is designed to provide buyers with added confidence when purchasing raw cards.
Important Disclosure
Top Shelf Verified™ is an in-house verification process.
It is not a grading service and is not affiliated with PSA, BGS, SGC, or any other third-party grading company.
Top Shelf Verified™ does not assign a numerical grade or guarantee a specific grade if the card is later submitted to a third-party grader.
Autographed Cards
When autographed cards or memorabilia are sold, listings will clearly state whether the autograph has been authenticated by a third-party service such as:
- PSA/DNA
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
If an autograph has not been third-party authenticated, this will be clearly disclosed in the product description.
Condition Transparency
For raw cards, condition descriptions are provided to the best of our ability based on visual inspection. Minor surface marks, centering variations, or print imperfections may exist on ungraded cards and are part of the normal manufacturing and handling process.
High-resolution photos are always provided so buyers can evaluate condition themselves before purchasing.
Buyer Confidence & Returns
If you have a legitimate concern regarding the authenticity of an item purchased from Top Shelf Cards, please contact us promptly. We stand behind our inventory and will work with you to address any verified issues in accordance with our return policy.
Questions?
We’re collectors too. If you have questions about a specific card, authentication type, or grading decision, feel free to reach out before purchasing.
Transparency builds trust — and trust is Top Shelf.