Understanding card conditions and grading

Buying

Updated November 30, 2025

1 min read

Understanding card conditions and grading

How raw card conditions and grading scales affect buying decisions

Understanding card condition is crucial for making informed purchases.

Raw Card Conditions

**Mint (M):** Perfect condition, sharp corners, centered, no flaws

**Near Mint (NM):** Minor imperfections visible under close inspection

**Excellent (EX):** Light wear, minor corner wear, slight off-centering

**Very Good (VG):** Noticeable wear, rounded corners, creasing possible

**Good (G):** Significant wear, creases, staining possible

**Poor (P):** Heavy damage, major creases, tears, or missing pieces

Professional Grading Companies

**PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator):** 1-10 scale, most popular

**BGS (Beckett Grading Services):** 1-10 scale with subgrades

**SGC (Sportscard Guaranty):** 1-10 scale, known for vintage

**CGC (Certified Guaranty Company):** Popular for TCG cards

Grading Scale (1-10)

10: Gem Mint (pristine)

9: Mint (nearly perfect)

8: Near Mint-Mint

7: Near Mint

6: Excellent-Mint

5: Excellent

4: Very Good-Excellent

3: Very Good

2: Good

1: Poor

Buying Tips

Always review all photos carefully

Ask sellers for additional photos if needed

Graded cards provide more certainty on condition

Factor condition into your price expectations

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Understanding card conditions and grading

How raw card conditions and grading scales affect buying decisions

Raw Card Conditions

Professional Grading Companies

Grading Scale (1-10)

Buying Tips

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