Protect your cards with our professional grading services.
Forensic level
technologies.
Beautiful and secure labels.
Simple pricing. Lightning turnaround.
Everything we do at Ark is to work towards an ideal concept; the exact card in the same condition should always achieve the same grade.
The evolution of trading cards is thought to have originated in the 17th century from prints resembling business cards that advertised a service, goods for sale or trader details. Their layout had black and white artistic adornments and a plain section for the informational text. Sports cards had their debut in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that collectible card games (CCG) flourished with the introduction of Magic the Gathering in 1993.
Since then, generations of hobbyist and collectors have come to love trading cards possibly owing to its ability to capture and compact elite athletes, fantastical creatures, and magical worlds into a tactile object. For many, it represents the memories of a time when life was simpler and serves as a psychological anchor in moments of worry. The need to preserve and authenticate trading cards goes hand in hand in protecting these memories.
Trading cards have also gained a lot of attention due to the monetary value they possess. It has rewarded early adopters, attracted investors, and captivated new collectors. However, this brings a new host of challenges including an increase in replicas and advancement in card alteration techniques. Collectors value the provenance of cards. Doctored or altered cards create turmoil; possibly because these acts represent non genuine or fabricated memories.
Everything we do at Ark is to work towards an ideal concept; the exact card in the same condition should always achieve the same grade.
Our company aims to provide an unprecedented level of quality and consistency with our grading service. We’ve engineered a custom case and label that is understated yet beautifully powerful. Furthermore, with the financial backing well beyond any others in Australia, we will be here for years to come; your serial and database will remain active forever. Ark works with a variety of consultants from IT-development to forensic specialists as well as artists and designers in conjunction with our core team.
Ark Forensic and Grading aims to:
All numerically graded cards include subgrades
We incorporate an incredible amount of science in every step of the grading process. Our software was developed from the ground up. Graders are prompted to enter key assessment information and our specifically calibrated algorithms analyse and reduce this to four key subgrades and a main overall score.
Our lighting systems allow for a wide range of adjustments for ideal exposure of fine details such as micro-scratches, indentations, whitening and alterations. High intensity visible light as well as near-UV lighting is available at the push of a button. Digital microscopes along with our research into x-ray fluorescence are routinely used to determine the authenticity of submitted articles.
Currently accepting submission from Australia only. Return addresses must be within Australia and its island territories.
1
$19.00 $25.00
20
$18.50 $22.00
50
$18.00 $20.00
100
$17.50 $19.00
1
$13.50 $16.00
20
$12.50 $15.00
50
$12.00 $14.00
1
$25.00 $35.00
20
$24.00 $30.00
50
$23.00 $28.00
100
$22.00 $27.00
1
$10.00
Use your online form to create a submission. Your progress is saved and you can return to it at any time.
Account holders can create, edit and save submission progress through our online submission form.
Secure PO box in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Upload your tracking number in the submissions dashboard for peace of mind. You’ll be notified as soon as it arrives.
Accurate digitally calibrated centering measurements. Multiple light sources assist us detect alterations and unauthentic cards. Incredibly precise condition assessment.
Track the progress of your order in your submission dashboard from receipt to grading. See the results of your submission immediately on completion- even before delivery.
Dark contrasting label. 3D laser forged hologram security seal. QR code for convenient weblink. And a world first, NFC chips embedded within. Robust for 100,000 scans. Verify ARK labels with a tap of your smart device.
Express shipping, tracked, signature and fully insured.
Our company aims to provide an unprecedented level of quality and consistency with our grading service.
We’ve engineered a custom case and label that is understated yet beautifully powerful. Furthermore, with
the financial backing well beyond any others in Australia, we will be here for years to come; your
serial and database will remain active forever. Ark works with a variety of consultants from
IT-development to forensic specialists as well as artists and designers in conjunction with our core
team. Our individual grader’s identity is protected to ensure fairness in the grading process.
Ark is
looking to expand and will be encouraging applications shortly.