Pokémon Card Condition and Grading

As collectible items, Pokémon cards can be found in various states and conditions. Although individual perception can be slightly subjective, a standardized consensus has been developed among players and collectors over the years. This consensus allows the condition or “grade” of a card to be classified with precision and objectivity.

 

Importance of Condition

• Impact on Price: Condition is a crucian factor that determines a card’s value. The selling price can vary drastically between a card in “Near Mint (NM)” condition and one in “Poor (PO)” condition.
• Purchase Decision: it is fundamental to know the card’s true condition to ensure the asking price is fair and that one is not overpaying for a condition inferior to what is expected.

 

Evaluation Criteria

To determine the condition or grade of a card, both the front side and the back side are evaluated exhaustively. Collectors and professional grading companies (such as PSA, BGS, or CGC) examine aspects such as:

• Edge wear.
• Scratches or marks on the surface.
• Whitening or damage on the corners.
• Centering of the print.

 

Card Condition Scale

 

 

Gem Mint (M)

This grade represents the maximum possible perfection. The card is flawless and shows no visible defects of any kind. This includes the edges, corners, surface, and, crucially, perfect centering of the print. This term is reserved almost exclusively for cards that have been professionally certified with the highest possible grade.

 

 

Mint (MT)

It refers to a card in perfect or near-perfect condition. Although its condition is pristine, it may have an extremely minor manufacturing or printing defect that prevents it from reaching perfection (such as slightly off-center centering that is only visible upon close inspencion).

 

 

Near Mint (NM)

It is the standard for cards freshly pulled from boosters or those that have been meticulously conserved. An NM card looks clean and unused. It may allow for one or two very small defects, such as an almost invisible white dot on an edge or a small imperfection in the cut, but it has no visible scratches or damage.

 

 

Excellent (EX)

The card shows very light use or less rigorous conservation. Defects are more evident upon close inspection and typically include small white dots on the back edges or faint surface scratches.

 

 

Good (GD)

These cards show visible use and multiple marks. Collectors can appreciate surface scratches and/or white dots visible to the naked eye. These are cards that have often been played without sleeved but still maintain a solid condition.

 

 

Light Played (LP)

It shows clear marks of regular use. It presents noticeable edge wear and may have slight wrinkles or superficial discoloration due to handling. The defects are no longer subtle.

 

 

Played (PL)

Cards in this state are clearly damaged due to intensive use and lack of protection. They exhibit creases, visible folds, heavily worn edges, and prominent scratches, giving the card a notably deteriorated appearance.

 

 

Poor (PO)

It represents the lowest condition. The card is very damaged or “destroyed”. It may include tears, liquid stains, missing parts, or large folds. Generally, they lack value, unless they are extremely rare and old cards.

 

 

 

Intermediate Conditions

Occasionally, we may find cards for sale with comments like NM- or EX+. Since each state represents a spectrum of possible conditions, these labels indicate that the card is at the lower limit (NM-) or upper limit (EX+) of its category. An NM- card must be clearly justifiable as Near Mint and not as an Excellent card being sold at a higher price.

Recommendation: The use of these partial states is discouraged. It is preferable to be clear and assign the card to the lowest category if there is doubt.

 

Special Formats

Sealed Cards

Promotional cards delivered directly in a factory sealed plastic envelope or blister pack. As long as it remains sealed, the inner card is usually considered to be in Near Mint condition.

 

 

Graded Cards

Cards that have been authenticated, evaluated, and graded by specialized companies (such as PSA, BGS, or CGC). They are encapsulated in a protective plastic slab that certifies their grade and prevents future damage.

 

 

Altered Cards

A card is considered altered when the original design has been modified through personalization that confers artistic merit. The most typical way is to extend the drawing of the illustration over the rest of the card, but there are no limits to the artist’s imagination.

 

 

Signed Cards

A card can be cataloged as signed if it bears the signature of the card’s official illustrator or an anime or movie voice actor who has a direct and recognized connection with that character. If the signature is from a person without a direct connection (such as a friend or a collector), it is considered damage or “marked”, and its condition must be classified as Poor, as the permanent damage drastically reduces its collectible value.

 

 

In summary, precision in classifying a card’s condition is an indispensable requirement in the world of Pokémon collecting. This knowledge is essential for all market participants, as it guarantees transparency and fairness in transactions, strengthening confidence in the hobby.