Archiving Media

Every item graded by AMG is searchable via our proprietary, tamper-proof, serial-numbered holograms. These holograms are applied to each individual case and documented on the accompanying Statement of Archival (SOA) and grade label, providing multiple layers of security for every graded item. This ensures that you can verify the authenticity and details of any item graded by and encased in an AMG slab.

AMG’s grading language uses distinct icons and color coding to represent features like first pressings, authenticity, autographs, sealed, and open statuses.

Type

Vinyl

Vinyl

CD

CD

Cassette

Cassette

8-Track

8-Track

Variation

Promotional

Promotional

Reissue

Reissue

First Pressing

First Pressing

Bootleg / Unofficial

Bootleg / Unofficial

Test Pressing

Test Pressing

Grades

A sealed item is graded solely on the condition of the packaging. For open items, two sub-grades will be given: one for the condition of the packaging (P) and one for the condition of the media (M). These two sub-grades will blend into the overall grade.

These sub grades pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of each of your items. While AMG never averages an item’s subgrades to determine the overall grade of the item, sub grades provide you with more clarity about how we determined each overall grade.

What we encapsulate

  • Sealed Media

    Any audio media product that is factory sealed. The seal must be original. If resealed, it may be considered for refusal.

  • Open Media

    Any audio media product that is not in the original, sealed factory packaging.

  • Authenticated Media

    The item will be authenticated by AMG as legitimate but instead of a grade on the label, the letter “A” will appear.

  • Signature Series

    Any audio media product that is signed by the artist where the autograph has been authenticated. We partner with JSA to authenticate autographs and will also accept COAs from PSA and Beckett for previously authenticated autographs.