GRADING STANDARDS
Card Grading Assessment Criteria
Each grade classification includes maximum imperfection thresholds across four primary categories: CORNERS | EDGES | CENTERING | SURFACE. Assessment based on tolerance protocols for each grade level.
Gem Mint
CORNERS
All 4 must be razor sharp, no whitening, even under 10x magnification.
EDGES
Clean with zero chipping. No printing layer separation.
CENTERING
Front: 50/50 to 55/45. Back: Up to 60/40.
SURFACE
Flawless. No print lines, dimples, scratches, or roller marks.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
None. Any visible flaw = drop in grade.
Mint+
CORNERS
1 micro-touch allowed (tiny whitening barely visible under 10x).
EDGES
1 tiny speck of edge roughness or flaw lift.
CENTERING
Front: up to 55/45. Back: up to 65/35.
SURFACE
1 very faint print line or speck under bright light. NO scratches.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
Up to 2 minor total flaws across all categories.
Mint
CORNERS
Up to 2 corners with light whitening.
EDGES
Slight roughness or 1 small chip.
CENTERING
Front: up to 60/40. Back: up to 70/30.
SURFACE
Minor printing dot or faint roller line. 1 very light, short surface scratch allowed.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
Up to 3 minor flaws. Nothing eye-catching at first glance.
NM-MT+
CORNERS
Noticeable wear on 1-2 corners (small fuzzing or whitening).
EDGES
Light chipping on up to 2 edges.
CENTERING
Front: 65/35. Back: 75/25.
SURFACE
1 or 2 light surface flaws (e.g., fingerprint-thin scratch, roller line, faint dent).
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
3-4 moderate flaws total, none severely detracting.
Near Mint-Mint
CORNERS
2-3 corners with moderate whitening or softening.
EDGES
Multiple light chips or rough edges.
CENTERING
Front: 70/30. Back: 80/20.
SURFACE
Minor scuff, light print defect, light fingerprint, tiny indent or gloss loss.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
4-5 moderate flaws or 1 slightly heavier flaw.
Near Mint+
CORNERS
All 4 may show light wear; 1 with moderate softening.
EDGES
Minor fraying up to 2 small chips.
CENTERING
Front: up to 75/25. Back: up to 85/15.
SURFACE
Light roller lines, minor dent, light scratch, or gloss fade.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
5-6 moderate flaws. Slightly visible at arm's length.
Near Mint
CORNERS
Noticeable wear, but not bent.
EDGES
More consistent chipping/fraying.
CENTERING
Up to 80/20 front or back.
SURFACE
Multiple surface flaws, one minor wrinkle or dent.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
6+ flaws, some visible at first glance.
Excellent-Mint
CORNERS
Moderate wear, soft but intact.
EDGES
Worn, possibly 3+ chips.
CENTERING
Up to 85/15.
SURFACE
Small crease (not through card), visible scuffs, small stain.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
Multiple visible flaws, but not heavily damaged.
Excellent
CORNERS
Rounding or heavier whitening.
EDGES
Chipping on all sides.
CENTERING
Up to 90/10.
SURFACE
Surface loss, light crease, printing defects, minor stains.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
Flaws in all 4 categories, but card structurally intact.
VG-EX
CORNERS
Rounded, possible soft bend.
EDGES
Worn all around, with deep chips.
CENTERING
90/10+
SURFACE
Multiple light creases, staining, fading, surface indentations.
IMPERFECTION TOLERANCE
Flaws may detract but no tears or missing pieces.
LOWER GRADE CLASSIFICATIONS
VERY GOOD
All categories show heavy wear. Creases and major edge wear are present. Stains and scuffing common. Corners may be fully rounded.
GOOD
Multiple creases, heavy stains, or discoloration. Corners and edges extremely worn. Surface gloss often gone. May have small tear or paper separation.
POOR TO FAIR
Tears, holes, missing paper, or major structural issues. Multiple creases and heavy damage in every category. Not eye-appealing but may be collectable for scarcity.