Is CGA Grading Legit and Safe? A Friendly, Deep-Dive

If you love sealed toys, action figures, or old-school video games, you’ve probably heard of CGA—short for Collectible Grading Authority. Maybe you also saw “CGA grading” mentioned in collector forums, Instagram posts, or auction listings and wondered: “Is CGA legit and safe, or am I risking my grails?” Great question. Let’s unpack what CGA is, how it works, what it does well (and not so well), and how you can use it safely to protect value and avoid headaches.

Quick note on naming: “CGA” most commonly refers to Collectible Grading Authority (the company behind AFA—Action Figure Authority—and VGA—Video Game Authority). There’s also a differently named outfit sometimes abbreviated “CGA” in trading cards (e.g., “Card Grading Authenticators”), which has separate chatter online. In this article, we’re focused on Collectible Grading Authority (CGA) and its AFA/VGA services. I’ll flag the naming confusion where it matters so you don’t mix them up.

What “CGA Grading is Legit” Actually Means

When collectors say “CGA grading is legit,” they’re really asking three things:

1. Is CGA a real, established grading company?
   Yes. Collectible Grading Authority positions itself as a trusted leader in grading and authenticating collectible toys, action figures, and video games, operating through two well-known divisions: AFA (Action Figure Authority) and VGA (Video Game Authority). They also produce museum-quality acrylic cases made in the USA.
2. Is CGA “safe” for my items and my money?
   CGA publishes submission instructions, shipping/insurance practices, and turnaround guidance (including signature-on-delivery for higher-value shipments). They explicitly say turnaround times are estimates and not guaranteed—useful transparency so you can plan sanely. cgagrading.com
3. Does CGA follow standards that protect the market?
   CGA describes grading scales and offers sub-grades for some packaged items, using a 10–100 system to communicate condition consistently; this helps buyers and sellers speak the same language and reduce disputes. cgagrading.com

There’s also a policy that CGA employees do not buy or sell items graded by their divisions, to avoid conflicts of interest—exactly the kind of governance collectors like to see. cgagrading.com

Bottom line so far: In the world of toys/action figures/video games, CGA grading is legitimate: they’ve been around for years, run multiple specialist divisions (AFA/VGA), publish processes/policies, and are recognized in the hobby. cgagrading.com+1

How CGA Works (In Plain, Friendly English)

Think “neutral referee.” You send your sealed toy, figure, or game to CGA. Their graders assess authenticity and condition, assign a numeric grade, and then encase it in an acrylic display with a label. That label shows the grade, version, and other details, turning arguments about “condition” into a shared reference everyone recognizes. cgagrading.com

A typical submission looks like this:

1. Submit & ship your item(s) with the correct form/tier.
2. Intake & logging at CGA.
3. Grading under CGA’s scale (10–100), sometimes with sub-grades for aspects of packaging. cgagrading.com
4. Encapsulation in a museum-quality case with a label. cgagrading.com
5. Return shipping via USPS/UPS with insurance at your declared value; items valued over $500 require signature confirmation. Turnaround times are not guaranteed and exclude transit time. cgagrading.com

That’s the core loop. And yes, it’s similar in spirit to comic/card grading—but focused on toys, action figures, and video games (AFA/VGA).

Features You’ll Actually Care About

1) AFA and VGA Specialist Divisions

CGA’s grading brands are widely recognized in their niches:

• AFA (Action Figure Authority) covers action figures, vehicles, and related collectibles. Better Business Bureau
• VGA (Video Game Authority) covers video games, consoles, and some accessories, with a published grading/size pricing framework. cgagrading.com

2) Museum-Quality Cases

Beyond grading, CGA leans hard into display and preservation—their acrylic cases are a selling point for both protection and presentation. cgagrading.com

3) Clear Grading Scale (10–100) and Sub-Grades

CGA’s numeric 10–100 scale conveys condition. For some packaged items they provide sub-grades (e.g., bubble, card, box) to communicate strengths/weaknesses. The overall grade isn’t an average of the sub-grades—it’s a holistic assessment. cgagrading.com

4) Published Submission & Shipping Practices

CGA publicizes how to submit, insurance, carriers, and signature requirements—helpful for planning, especially with high-value collectibles. They’re explicit that turnaround times are estimates only, not promises. cgagrading.com

5) Conflict-of-Interest Policy

CGA states that employees don’t buy or sell items graded by CGA divisions. That’s a strong market-confidence signal. cgagrading.com

6) Public Presence

CGA (and especially AFA) has a visible history in the hobby and on social platforms; AFA lists 22+ years in business at the BBB and posts actively to the community. Better Business Bureau+1

“How Safe Is CGA?” (Security, Risk, and Realistic Expectations)

Safety has two sides here:

1. Transaction & Handling Safety
   • Encapsulation keeps your item secure and presentable.
   • Shipping back to you is insured for declared value, and higher-value shipments require a signature. Those are basic but important protections. cgagrading.com
   • CGA’s public FAQs address common shipping concerns, including international customs delays (which CGA doesn’t control). cgagrading.com
2. Expectation Safety
   • Turnaround times are not guaranteed. If you need a piece graded by a certain show/auction, pad your schedule generously or choose faster service levels where available (and still pad your timeline).
   • Operational pauses can happen. For example, loose-toy grading had a temporary suspension in the past; this kind of category-specific pause is not unique in collectibles, but it’s a reminder to check status pages before shipping. wheeljackslab.com
   • Grading is expert judgment. Any grading company has some subjectivity; sub-grades help—but the final number is a professional opinion, not a machine measurement. cgagrading.com

My take: From a process and policy perspective, CGA grading is safe for most collectors when you plan timelines and pack/insure properly. It’s as “secure” as specialty toy/game grading gets; you just need to manage expectations like an adult (which you are, even if your shelf is full of 80s plastic).

The Value Proposition (Why Use CGA at All?)

• Liquidity & Confidence. A trusted third-party grade can make it easier to sell, particularly for sealed items where minute packaging details change value.
• Price Discovery. The 10–100 scale and sub-grades create a common language that buyers and sellers understand—less arguing, more clarity.
• Presentation. Museum-quality cases elevate shelf appeal (and, yes, photos for your listing).
• Protection. Encapsulation helps protect delicate bubbles/boxes from handling damage.

For collectors who care about display, preservation, and resale, grading with AFA/VGA through CGA makes practical sense.

Pricing, Sizes, and the VGA Example

VGA publicly documents how it classifies items as standard vs. custom sizes and how that affects pricing. For custom-size items, the pricing depends on the combined dimensions (C1, C2, etc.). This transparency helps you estimate costs before you commit. cgagrading.com

Of course, shipping both ways and insurance add to your total outlay, so plan accordingly.

Community Chatter: The Good, the Bad, and the Useful

• Longstanding role: AFA (CGA’s toy division) is frequently referenced in the toy community, trade sites, and collector YouTube channels; this doesn’t “prove perfection,” but it does demonstrate continued relevance and usage. Better Business Bureau+2YouTube+2
• Editorial coverage: Mainstream hobby press has described CGA’s process—ship to CGA, get graded, receive a cased item back—highlighting how grading adds confidence and value. The Pop Insider
• Policy updates/pauses: When CGA pauses a category (e.g., loose-toy grading), collectors notice and discuss; that’s your cue to check category status before sending. wheeljackslab.com

Important clarity: Do not confuse Collectible Grading Authority (CGA) with similarly initialed card graders. Some forum posts and BBB pages discuss “CGA” in the context of card grading controversies—these refer to different entities than AFA/VGA’s parent. Know which CGA you’re talking about. Better Business Bureau+1

Also noteworthy: In July 2025, Graphic Policy reported CGA (Collectible Grading Authority) got new owners, referencing a history of community complaints and signaling a potential shift in operations/standards. It’s fresh news—worth keeping an eye on for how policies and service evolve. graphicpolicy.com

How to Use CGA Safely (My 12-Step, No-Drama Checklist)

1. Confirm you’re on the right CGA. You want Collectible Grading Authority for toys/games, not a similarly initialed card grader. Bookmark the official site. cgagrading.com
2. Check category status (e.g., loose vs. sealed, special programs) before shipping. wheeljackslab.com
3. Pre-screen your item. Photograph every angle; note flaws, seals, and any factory quirks.
4. Choose the appropriate tier/size class (especially for VGA). Price your submission realistically. cgagrading.com
5. Pack like a pro. Double-box, use corner protectors, avoid loose fill, and immobilize the item.
6. Insure for full declared value and keep tracking. CGA returns shipments insured as well; high-value returns require a signature. cgagrading.com
7. Expect variability in timelines. Turnaround times are not guaranteed. Pad your schedule if you have a show/auction deadline. cgagrading.com
8. Understand the scale and sub-grades. Know what a 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 means in AFA/VGA terms—and how sub-grades can affect perceived value. cgagrading.com
9. Document serials and labels when your items come back. Keep certs and photos with your records.
10. Monitor policy updates. Follow CGA/AFA/VGA socials or news to spot changes (e.g., ownership or category pauses). graphicpolicy.com
11. When buying graded items, verify. Compare photos to the case/label details; ask sellers for high-res images of the entire acrylic to detect cracks/swaps.
12. Don’t over-optimize. Sometimes a solid display-grade (say 85) is better for your shelf than chasing a 95 at triple the cost. Your joy matters!

“Is CGA a Scam?” Let’s Be Precise

“Scam” means intentional deception. That’s not what the public record shows for Collectible Grading Authority. CGA operates AFA/VGA, publishes scales, fees, and shipping practices, and has a long presence in the hobby. There are normal industry caveats—timelines, occasional category pauses, and the human element of grading—but CGA grading is legitimate. Keep your eyes open, follow the checklist above, and you’ll reduce risk significantly.

What It Means for You (Collector to Collector)

If you’re sitting on sealed Kenner classics, vintage MOTU, 90s Playmates turtles, or that minty N64/VHS oddity you never opened, CGA can help:

• Protect & present your item beautifully. cgagrading.com
• Communicate condition with a number other collectors recognize. cgagrading.com
• Support resale value by removing some uncertainty.

If you’re more of a “play and pose” collector who loves out-of-box displays—or you’re on a strict budget—grading might not be necessary for every piece. Pick your battles: grade the items where encapsulation and an authoritative number will really matter (top-tier condition, rare variants, key releases, or pieces you might sell later).

How It Works, Step-by-Step (With Practical Tips)

1. Identify candidates. Focus on sealed items in excellent condition or rare/valuable variants that benefit most from grading.
2. Research recent sales. Look at similar AFA/VGA grades to set expectations on value uplift.
3. Choose service/size. For games, use VGA’s size/pricing framework to estimate your submission cost. cgagrading.com
4. Photograph everything before packing. Front, back, seams, corners, and any factory quirks or sticker placement.
5. Pack with intention. Double-box. Use rigid corner protection. Avoid pressure points on bubbles/windows.
6. Insure shipments at declared value. Keep receipts and tracking. CGA will insure the return trip and require a signature at higher values. cgagrading.com
7. Plan for time. Assume estimates can slip. Don’t promise your auction house or a convention table until you’ve buffered enough weeks. cgagrading.com
8. On return, verify. Check the label, grade, sub-grades, and case integrity. Photograph the slab for your records and future listings.
9. Store smart. Keep cased items out of direct sunlight and away from heat/humidity extremes—even acrylic and sealed packaging appreciate gentle conditions.
10. If selling, list clearly. Use sharp photos, state the exact AFA/VGA grade, sub-grades, and any provenance. Good listings = better outcomes.

Where CGA Fits Among Graders (and Why It Matters)

In comics, CGC is the household name; in cards, PSA/SGC/BGS dominate. For toys and video games, AFA/VGA (CGA’s divisions) are among the most recognized by long-time collectors and specialty dealers. That recognition doesn’t mean “perfect” or “the only choice”—but it does mean your graded item will likely be understood by buyers, and that helps with liquidity.

Pros and Cons (Sweet and Straight)

Pros

• CGA grading is legit and well-known for grading toys, action figures, and video games.
• Offers museum-quality acrylic cases that protect and display collectibles beautifully.
• Uses a 10–100 grading scale with sub-grades for detailed accuracy.
• Insured shipping and signature confirmation make the process safer.
• Adds trust and value when buying or selling collectibles.
• Staff follow a no-buy/sell policy, which keeps grading fair.

Cons

• Turnaround times are only estimates and can take longer during busy periods.
• Grading is subjective, so slight differences can happen.
• Some categories or services may pause temporarily.
• International shipping can be costly and slow.

The 60-Second Verdict

• Is CGA grading legit? Yes. CGA (through AFA and VGA) is an established, specialty grader for toys/action figures/video games, with a long community presence, clear scales, and a focus on preservation/display.
• Is CGA grading safe? Generally, yes—assuming you pack/insure well and budget time because turnaround is not guaranteed. The shipping/insurance/signature practices and public policies are solid.
• Any watch-outs? Check category status (e.g., loose-toy grading pauses), keep expectations realistic on timing, and do not confuse Collectible Grading Authority with similarly abbreviated “CGA” card graders discussed elsewhere. Also keep an eye on ownership/policy updates in 2025.

If you go in informed—measure twice, ship once—CGA grading is safe and can be a genuine boost for your collection’s protection, presentation, and potential resale.

Key Sources & References

• CGA overview: AFA/VGA divisions, museum-quality cases, “trusted leader” positioning.
• AFA BBB profile (years in business).
• CGA submission & shipping policies: insurance, carriers, signature, and non-guaranteed turnarounds.
• CGA grading scales (10–100) & sub-grades.
• VGA pricing & size classification (standard vs custom).
• FAQ on customs timing (international shipping realities).
• Loose-toy grading pause explainer (context for status checks).
• CGA public presence/social statements.
• Editorial overview of CGA’s process in hobby media.
• Ownership news (July 2025) to watch for policy changes.

CGA Grading FAQ

1. What does CGA stand for?
CGA means Collectible Grading Authority, a professional company that grades toys, action figures, and video games through its divisions AFA (Action Figure Authority) and VGA (Video Game Authority).

2. Is CGA grading legit?
Yes, CGA grading is legit. It’s been around for years and is trusted by collectors for authenticating and grading sealed toys and games.

3. Is CGA grading safe?
Yes. CGA uses insured shipping, signature confirmation for high-value returns, and durable acrylic cases to keep collectibles safe.

4. How does CGA grading work?
You ship your collectible to CGA. Experts inspect, grade it on a 10–100 scale, then seal it in a museum-quality acrylic case with a label showing the grade.

5. What items does CGA grade?
CGA grades toys, action figures, vehicles, video games, consoles, and related collectibles through its AFA and VGA branches.

6. How long does grading take?
Turnaround times vary and are not guaranteed, but CGA provides estimates depending on the service level and workload.

7. What do CGA grades mean?
Grades range from 10 (Poor) to 100 (Gem Mint). Sub-grades may assess areas like box, bubble, or figure condition.

8. How are items protected after grading?
Each graded collectible is placed in a tamper-proof, UV-resistant acrylic case with a secure label.

9. Does CGA buy or sell graded items?
No. CGA has a strict conflict-of-interest policy—its staff cannot buy or sell CGA-graded collectibles.

10. Can I verify my CGA-graded item?
Yes. Check your collectible’s serial number and division (AFA or VGA) to verify it through CGA’s official channels or database.

11. What if I need my collectible back quickly?
You can choose faster service tiers, but always plan extra time since turnaround times are estimates.

12. Is CGA grading good for resale?
Yes. A CGA grade often increases buyer trust and can boost value by proving authenticity and preserving condition.

13. Has CGA changed ownership?
Yes, CGA received new ownership in 2025, aiming to improve service and transparency for collectors.

14. Does CGA offer international grading?
Yes, international collectors can submit items, but they should account for customs and longer shipping times.

15. Should I grade my collectibles with CGA?
If you collect sealed toys or vintage video games and care about preservation, authenticity, and resale value, CGA grading is a safe and legitimate choice.