Grading basics

Raw or graded

A raw card is sold as it is, described on our plain scale. A graded card was judged by a grading company and sealed in a plastic case (a slab) with a label showing the grade and a cert number.

Our raw condition scale

Near mint

Looks fresh from the pack. At most a tiny flaw on close look.

Lightly played

Small edge or corner wear, light scratches. No creases.

Moderately played

Clear wear, whitening, scuffs, maybe a small crease.

Heavily played

Heavy wear, creases or bends, but whole.

Damaged

Tears, water damage, writing, or a big crease.

Grades

Most graders use 1 to 10 in half steps, where 10 is gem mint. Grades from different companies are not the same scale; compare like with like.

Cert numbers

Every graded listing shows the grader, the cert number and the grade. Use the "Check this cert" link to look the number up on the grader's own site and make sure the card and grade match the photos. Listings we have not checked say "Not checked by us".

Slab swaps and fakes

A real cert number in a fake or opened case is a known trick. Look at the label and case in the photos, compare the card to the grader's own picture when there is one, and report anything that looks wrong.

Card, set, game, league and grader names on this site describe the cards for sale. They belong to their owners, who do not sponsor or endorse this site.