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Card Condition Grading Guide

Understanding card conditions helps buyers and sellers communicate accurately about card quality. Use this guide when listing or evaluating cards.

Quick Reference

When Listing Cards

  • •Be honest about condition - it builds trust
  • •Photograph any flaws clearly
  • •When in doubt, grade conservatively
  • •Mention specific issues in description

When Buying Cards

  • •Review photos carefully
  • •Ask seller for additional photos if needed
  • •Understand that grading can be subjective
  • •Contact seller with questions before buying

Grading Scale

Near Mint (NM)

Excellent condition with minimal to no flaws

Numeric Grade
9.5-10

Characteristics:

✓Sharp corners with minimal wear
✓Minor edge whitening possible
✓Centering slightly off but acceptable
✓No creases or stains
✓Surface may have very light scratches
✓Gloss mostly intact

Excellent (EX)

Light play wear but still displays well

Numeric Grade
9

Characteristics:

✓Slight corner wear
✓Light edge whitening
✓Minor surface scratches
✓Possibly slight centering issues
✓No major creases or stains
✓Colors remain vibrant

Very Good (VG)

Moderate play wear but structurally sound

Numeric Grade
8-8.5

Characteristics:

✓Visible corner wear
✓Edge whitening present
✓Surface scratches visible
✓Possible light creasing
✓Centering may be off
✓Overall appearance still decent

Good (G)

Heavy play wear with visible damage

Numeric Grade
7-7.5

Characteristics:

✓Rounded corners
✓Significant edge wear
✓Multiple surface scratches
✓Creasing present
✓Possible small tears
✓Fading or discoloration

Poor (P)

Severe damage but card is intact

Numeric Grade
6.5 or worse

Characteristics:

✓Heavily rounded corners
✓Major creases or folds
✓Surface damage throughout
✓Possible writing or staining
✓Tears or missing pieces
✓Significant fading

Common Defects to Look For

Edge & Corner Issues

Whitening: White edges from wear
Chipping: Small pieces missing from edges
Rounding: Corners lose their sharpness
Dings: Small dents on corners

Surface Issues

Scratches: Lines across the surface
Creases: Bends or folds in the card
Staining: Discoloration from liquids or dirt
Print Lines: Manufacturing defects

Centering

Well-Centered: Even borders all around
Off-Center: Uneven borders
Miscut: Significantly off-center or showing another card

Other Defects

Indentations: Pressed marks from pressure
Fading: Loss of color vibrancy
Warping: Card is bent or curved
Writing: Pen or marker on card

Professional Grading Services

For valuable cards, professional grading services provide authentication and official condition ratings. Common services include:

PSA

Professional Sports Authenticator - Most popular for sports cards

BGS

Beckett Grading Services - Detailed sub-grades for corners, edges, surface, centering

CGC

Certified Guaranty Company - Popular for TCG cards like Pokemon and Magic

Note: Professional grading can significantly increase card value but comes with service fees and wait times.

Best Practices

For Sellers

  • •Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles
  • •Photograph any defects up close
  • •Grade conservatively - it's better to under-promise and over-deliver
  • •Describe specific issues in your listing description

For Buyers

  • •Always request additional photos if you're unsure
  • •Understand that grading can be subjective between individuals
  • •Message the seller with specific questions before purchasing
  • •Keep photos as reference when receiving your purchase