AMG Grade Guarantee

The AMG Authenticity and Grade Guarantee (the "Guarantee") is central to AMG's reputation as a leading third-party authenticator and grader of music collectibles. Subject to the limited exceptions below, this Guarantee reflects AMG's commitment to stand behind its opinions regarding the authenticity and/or grade of each item we encapsulate, as shown on the applicable AMG label. These terms and conditions govern the Guarantee, which AMG may modify or update at any time. Any claimant must execute an attestation and may be subject to a background check to confirm eligibility.

AUTHENTICITY AND GRADE GUARANTEE:

AMG guarantees that all physical music products submitted to AMG will be evaluated and graded under AMG's authentication and grading standards. For clarity, this Guarantee applies only to items graded by AMG and does not cover items graded by any other company, even if owned by AMG under a different name.

If the current owner presents an AMG-authenticated and graded item (an "Item") to AMG and AMG determines that the Item was improperly graded or fails AMG's authenticity standards and the Item had an active certification number on AMG's online certification lookup at the time it was purchased by the claimant then, subject to the Maximum Amount, AMG will, in its sole discretion, provide one of the remedies described under "Guarantee Remedies."

GUARANTEE REMEDIES:

Upon a valid, eligible claim, AMG will do one of the following, at its sole discretion:

  1. In General. Purchase the Item from the current owner for its current market value as if the originally assigned grade or authenticity determination had been correct; or
  2. Certain Items Only. If AMG determines an authentic Item warrants a lower grade or no grade, refund the difference between the Item's value at the erroneous grade and its value at the revised grade, and return the Item with the refund.

AMG determines current market value in its sole and absolute discretion, including by reference to verifiable, recent realized prices. Proof of purchase must be provided as part of the valuation.

Per-claim and aggregate limits apply: (i) a per Item cap of $25,000, and (ii) a lifetime cap of $100,000 per Person across all Items (together, the "Maximum Amount"). AMG will not pay claims in excess of the Maximum Amount. "Person" means any individual or entity of any type. To prevent abuse, AMG may, in its discretion, aggregate the claims of related Persons (including, without limitation, members of the same household, an entity's directors and officers, and affiliated entities) toward a Person's lifetime cap.

GUARANTEE EXCEPTIONS:

The Guarantee does not apply in any of the following circumstances:

  • The original submitter of the Item (or anyone acting for or on their behalf) cannot use the Guarantee. AMG may investigate the relationship between the claimant and the original submitter, including via background check.
  • Clerical errors concerning the assigned grade or description are not covered.
  • Clerical or mechanical errors (e.g., typos or "mislabeled" specifications, pressings, or variations) are not covered.
  • Items removed from AMG holders, whether inadvertently or intentionally, are not covered.
  • Items whose AMG holders and/or labels show evidence of tampering or fraud are not covered.
  • Items showing evidence of rough handling (such as shaking or slamming) that produces a discernible pattern of damage are not covered.
  • Items environmentally damaged after grading (e.g., improper storage, fire, water, sunlight exposure, mold, or other environmental deterioration) are not covered.
  • Manufacturer defects, including misprints, are not covered.
  • Autograph authenticity or grades are not covered.
  • Items for which the certification number was deactivated by AMG prior to the most recent purchase are not covered.
  • Lost, stolen, or otherwise damaged Items are not covered; the Guarantee addresses only questions relating to authenticity or, for Items, their assigned grade.
HOW TO USE THE AMG GUARANTEE:

If you believe an Item is overgraded or counterfeit, contact AMG Customer Service through the AMG Support Form for instructions on submitting a Grade Guarantee Review via the Customer Request Center in your AMG account. After AMG receives and examines the Item, AMG will notify you by phone or email regarding next steps if it determines the Item is overgraded or counterfeit. If AMG confirms the original grade or authenticity, AMG will return the Item with its original grade, and you will be responsible for a $25 review fee plus return postage.

CLAIMANT REPRESENTATIONS; INVESTIGATIONS; FRAUD:

By submitting a Guarantee claim, you represent and warrant that: (1) you acquired the Item in an arm's-length transaction; (2) you are not submitting the claim on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the original submitter or any other ineligible Person; (3) you have no agreement with any third party regarding the claim proceeds; (4) you suffered or will suffer an actual injury because you purchased the Item in reliance on the then-active AMG certification accurately reflecting authenticity and grade; and (5) all information and documents you provide are true, accurate, and genuine to the best of your knowledge.

You also acknowledge that AMG may collect personal information, including from commercial third-party sources, to verify your identity, investigate the facts of your claim, identify related past or pending claims, and otherwise evaluate your claim. If AMG determines your claim is fraudulent or violates these terms, AMG may deny your claim and restrict your ability to submit additional claims under the Guarantee or to be an AMG customer.

GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; VENUE; FORUM:

ALL PERSONS SUBMITTING A GUARANTEE CLAIM: (I) CONSENT TO THE PERSONAL JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE FOR ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE OR ARISING FROM THIS GUARANTEE; (II) AGREE THAT THE COURT OF CHANCERY OR THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, OR, IF APPLICABLE, THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT SITTING IN DELAWARE, SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE VENUE, AND THE STATE OF DELAWARE THE SOLE FORUM, FOR SUCH ACTIONS; AND (III) AGREE THAT THIS GUARANTEE WILL BE CONSTRUED, INTERPRETED, GOVERNED, AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH DELAWARE LAW. THE GUARANTEE DOES NOT APPLY TO CLAIMS BROUGHT OUTSIDE THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHAT THE AMG GUARANTEE DOES NOT COVER (FURTHER EXPLANATION):
  • Clerical errors. From time to time, inputting mistakes may appear on a label enclosed in an AMG holder; these are not covered by the Guarantee. For example, if a label reflects a grade of AMG 10, but the Item is so fragile it would grade AMG 1 at best, that is a typographical/input error and not covered.
  • Items removed from AMG holders. The Guarantee does not apply to Items removed from, or found in partially opened, AMG holders. Removal is at your own risk. If an Item is removed - intentionally or inadvertently - it will be treated as if never authenticated or graded by AMG, may no longer qualify for AMG services, and any prior guarantee is void. AMG has no obligation to reassign a prior grade or authenticate such an Item if resubmitted.
  • Tampered or fraudulent holders/labels. Some individuals attempt to defraud collectors by swapping Items in holders, resealing holders, or altering/replacing labels. The Guarantee does not apply to Items that arrive with tampered or counterfeit holders and/or labels (regardless of certification status).
  • Environmental damage and deterioration. While AMG holders offer excellent long-term storage and protection, they do not protect against harsh conditions. The Guarantee does not apply to environmental damage (e.g., flood or fire) or to deterioration after encapsulation (e.g., fading, spotting, color changes from sunlight, or mold).
  • Manufacturer defects. Defects resulting from manufacturing processes are not covered.
  • Changes in hobby status or knowledge. The Guarantee does not cover changes in an Item's status within the collecting community as new information or examples emerge. Discoveries can alter widely held views on an Item's origins, date, or design, potentially affecting its value. AMG is not liable for updating its database to reflect new information or resulting changes in hobby status.
  • Lost, stolen, or damaged Items. The Guarantee covers only authenticity and, for Items, the assigned grade. It does not cover Items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Connect With Us

Be the first to know about new updates, products, and more from AMG.

© Audio Media Grading 2024