Trading Card Grading Guide

Understanding the condition of your trading cards is crucial for valuing and preserving your collection. Here's a guide to help you grade your cards from Near Mint to Damaged.

Near Mint (NM)

Near Mint cards are in almost perfect condition with only minor imperfections. They might include:

• Slight edgewear
• Slight scuffing
• Slight indentations
• Minor scratches
• Slight defects

 

Lightly Played (LP)

Lightly Played cards show signs of minor wear. The following characteristics might be present:

• Minor edgewear
• Minor scuffing
• Minor scratches
• Minor indentations
• Minor bending
• Slight surface wear
• Slight grime
• Minor defects

 

Moderately Played (MP)

Moderately Played cards have more visible signs of play and handling. They can feature:

• Moderate edgewear
• Moderate scratches
• Moderate scuffing
• Moderate indentations
• Minor surface wear
• Minor bends
• Minor grime
• Minor faults
• Minor defects

 

Heavily Played (HP)

Heavily Played cards show significant wear. They often exhibit:

• Major edgewear
• Major scratches
• Major scuffing
• Moderate surface wear
• Moderate indentations
• Major grime
• Moderate bends
• Minor faults
• Moderate defects

 

Damaged

Damaged cards have serious condition issues and may not be suitable for play. Their flaws might include:

• Moderate, major, or severe faults
• Any damage
• Bends that make the card form a 'V' when flexed between fingers
• Shifting with a full cut dot visible
• Presence of foreign substances, including non-manufacturer ink
• Indentations that can be felt through a sleeve

Remember, grading is subjective and can vary based on individual interpretation. Always handle cards with care to maintain their condition.