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Card Condition Guide

Raw card condition is one of the biggest factors in value. We use five simple condition tiers so you know what to expect before a card reaches your hands.

Important: Our raw-card condition labels are not predictions of a PSA, CGC, BGS, or other grading-company grade. Grading standards and raw condition descriptions are separate systems, and a raw Near Mint card is not guaranteed to receive any particular numeric grade.

Near Mint

A clean, well-kept card with only minor signs of handling or storage.

Very light edge or corner whitening may be presentMinor surface scratches, print lines, or small imperfections may be visibleNo major creases, bends, dents, or significant structural damageOverall eye appeal should remain strong

Lightly Played

A card that presents well but shows noticeable signs of use or handling.

Moderate edge or corner whiteningLight surface scratching, scuffing, or holo wearSmall dents, pressure marks, or minor edge wear may be presentNo severe creasing or major damage that dominates the card

Moderately Played

A visibly worn card with multiple condition issues, but still intact and collectible.

Heavier whitening and edge wearNoticeable scratches, surface wear, or holo scratchingDents, indentations, light bends, or small creases may be presentWear is clearly visible without making the card structurally compromised

Heavily Played

A heavily worn card with significant visible flaws, but one that remains complete and identifiable.

Heavy whitening, edge wear, or corner wearLarge scratches, scuffs, surface wear, or discolorationCreases, bends, dents, or other structural wear are commonThe card may have reduced eye appeal but remains a complete card

Damaged

DMG

A card with major damage beyond normal play wear.

Major creases, folds, tears, peeling, or severe bendsWater damage, staining, writing, or material lossSevere dents, separation, warping, or other structural damageAny flaw serious enough to clearly compromise the card's condition

What you see matters.

Whenever possible, our listings show the actual card being sold so you can inspect the front, back, edges, and surface for yourself. Condition labels are there to help summarize the card, but the listing photos are part of the condition description.

We evaluate the card as a whole. One flaw does not always tell the entire story, and two cards in the same condition tier can still look different. Vintage cards, modern cards, holo surfaces, specialty printings, and different card stocks can all wear differently.

If a card has a notable issue that we believe deserves specific attention, we aim to disclose it in the listing notes and show it in the photos. When in doubt, inspect the images and reach out before purchasing.