Near Mint
Looks like it just came out of the pack, front and back.
- 1–2 tiny white specks on the back edges
- Sharp corners
- No scratches visible without tilting
- No dents, bends or marks
Pokémon condition guide. How to judge your card’s condition
Turn it over. Check the corners, edges and surface.
The five grades
Torn between two? Pick the lower one.
Check the back too: whitening shows up most there. Grab a card to spin it.
Lightly Played
Looked after, but you can tell it's been handled.
- A few small white spots on edges or corners
- Faint scratches visible when tilted
- No creases, dents you can feel, writing or water marks
Moderately Played
Wear you can see at arm's length.
- White along several edges
- Obvious scratches or clouding
- Possibly a small bend or light dent
- Still flat and clean
Heavily Played
Well used.
- Heavy whitening
- Deep scratches
- A crease or bend
- Grime
- Still in one piece and readable
Damaged
Torn, folded, written on, a sticker or water damage.
- Tears, holes, folds, peeling, any water damage, writing or ink, stickers, heavy warping
What we buy, by age
We never buy Damaged cards.
1999–2003
Near Mint to Heavily Played
2003–2011
Near Mint to Moderately Played
2011 onwards
Near Mint to Lightly Played
