Grading Standards
Every listing shows a condition badge using the scale below — the same scale our specialists use during intake inspection.
Flawless. Perfect centering, sharp corners, no visible print or surface defects even under magnification. The rarest grade — typically third-party certified.
Excellent centering and corners with only the faintest, non-distracting imperfections visible on close inspection.
Minor wear visible only under close inspection — light edge wear or a small surface mark. Displays as new from normal viewing distance.
Visible handling wear — light scratches, minor corner wear, or slight edge whitening. Fully intact and display-worthy, priced accordingly.
Noticeable wear from regular handling — creasing, edge whitening, or surface scuffing. Still fully legible and collectible.
Significant structural wear — deep creases, tears, water damage, or heavy print loss. Always clearly disclosed and priced well below market.
Who Assigns These Grades?
Every card is graded during our intake process, with certified third-party grades (CGC, PSA, Beckett) honored as-is. Read more about how that works on our authentication page.