AI Transparency
Last updated: 13 September 2026
At CLV Grading, we believe technology should strengthen human judgement rather than replace human accountability.
Artificial intelligence is used across selected parts of our grading, verification and creative processes. This page explains where AI is used, what it does, and—just as importantly—what it does not do.
Human Grading → AI Verification → Human Seconder → SLAB
Every CLV grade begins and ends with human involvement.
AI forms an additional verification layer within the process. It is not the sole decision-maker responsible for a CLV grade.
1. Human Grading
Every card begins with a human grader.
The grader physically examines the card and assesses its condition against the published CLV grading criteria.
This includes consideration of the relevant CLOVER grading categories and any defects, characteristics or observations that may affect the final assessment.
The grader records their assessment and relevant grader notes before the card progresses to AI-assisted verification.
2. AI Verification
Following the initial human assessment, CLV uses artificial-intelligence-assisted technology as an additional verification layer.
Cards are scanned and imaging is prepared in a format designed to allow the grading system to analyse relevant characteristics of the card.
This processed imaging may differ substantially from a conventional photograph or scan and may not necessarily resemble the card in a format that would ordinarily be useful to a human viewer.
The AI-assisted system may receive information including:
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processed card imaging;
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card-related measurements or observations;
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relevant grader notes; and
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grading information required to contextualise its analysis.
The system may produce its own suggested subgrades or assessment, agree with elements of the human grader's assessment, or identify areas that warrant further human consideration.
The purpose of this stage is to provide an additional independent analytical layer within CLV's grading process.
3. Human Seconder
AI does not have final authority over a CLV grade.
Following AI-assisted verification, the assessment is subject to further human review.
The human seconder considers the grading information and relevant findings before the final result is approved.
Where the AI-assisted analysis identifies something requiring further consideration, the card can be examined again before the grade is finalised.
The final CLV grade therefore remains human approved.
4. Finalisation and Encapsulation
Once the assessment has passed through the grading and verification process, the final grade is confirmed.
The card can then proceed to label production, encapsulation, quality control and registration within the CLV certification system.
The result is the process we summarise as:
HUMAN → AI → HUMAN → SLAB
What AI Does — and What It Doesn't
AI is used by CLV as an assistive and verification technology.
It may help us analyse card-derived information, compare observations, produce suggested assessments and identify areas requiring additional attention.
AI does not remove human responsibility for the final grading decision.
We do not claim that the use of AI makes grading infallible.
Card grading remains an assessment performed against CLV's grading criteria using a combination of human judgement, equipment, imaging and technology.
Privacy and AI Grading
Customer identity information is kept separately from the information used by the AI-assisted grading system.
Information such as the customer's name, home address, email address and telephone number is not intentionally provided to the grading AI for the purpose of determining the condition or grade of a card.
Card imaging used for AI-assisted analysis is processed for the grading system and is intended to be deleted following completion of the relevant AI grading or verification process, subject to any short-term technical, security or processing requirements.
CLV may separately retain ordinary card or slab images where required for certification, quality control, customer service or the public certification registry.
For full information about how personal information is handled, please read our Privacy Policy.
AI-Assisted Label Design
Artificial intelligence may also be used as part of CLV's creative process.
CLV may use AI-assisted tools to help create, expand, edit, enhance or develop elements of slab-label artwork and other visual material.
These tools may include services and technologies provided by companies such as OpenAI and AI-assisted functionality within Adobe Photoshop.
AI-assisted output is not automatically used as a finished CLV label.
Designs may be selected, modified, combined, expanded, edited or rejected before a final design is approved for production by CLV.
Final creative decisions remain with CLV.
Our Labels Are Designed to Evolve
CLV labels are a creative element of our slabs and may change from time to time.
Artwork, backgrounds, visual treatments, layouts and other creative elements may be updated, replaced or varied as our design library develops.
As a result, two examples of the same card graded by CLV do not necessarily have to receive identical label artwork.
For example, a card graded at one point in time may receive a different label design from another example of the same card graded later.
Different artwork does not indicate a different grading standard, level of certification or authenticity.
The grade and certification record relate to the card and its assessment. The accompanying artwork is a creative component of the finished CLV slab.
Unless CLV expressly advertises a particular label as guaranteed, limited, numbered or otherwise fixed, customers should not assume that a particular artwork design will always be used for a particular card.
Label Artwork Is Not a Subgrade
The visual design of a CLV label does not influence the grade assigned to the card.
Grading is completed through the CLV grading and verification process.
Label artwork forms part of the subsequent presentation and encapsulation process.
A particular label design therefore does not indicate that a card received preferential grading treatment or belongs to a different grading standard unless CLV expressly identifies a separate service or certification type.
Third-Party AI Providers
CLV may use technologies supplied by third parties as part of its grading, creative or supporting workflows.
At the time of this policy, these may include technologies or services provided by organisations such as OpenAI and Adobe.
The technologies used by CLV may change as our systems develop.
Where a material change affects how personal information is processed, we will update our Privacy Policy and other relevant information as appropriate.
The use or mention of a third-party technology provider does not imply that the provider sponsors, endorses, certifies, approves or is affiliated with CLV Grading.
CLV remains responsible for its own grading decisions and services.
Our Approach to AI
We don't believe the choice should be between human expertise and technology.
We believe the stronger system is one in which they check one another.
Human judgement provides context.
Technology provides another analytical perspective.
Human review provides accountability.
Human Grading. AI Verification. Human Seconder. SLAB.
Questions About Our Use of AI
If you have questions about how artificial intelligence is used within CLV Grading, you can contact:
Four Leaf Trading Ltd t/a CLV Grading
Email: fourleaftradingcompany@gmail.com
For questions specifically concerning your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Four Leaf Trading Ltd trading as CLV Grading
Company No. 17257994
Last updated: 13 September 2026