Our Card Condition Guide

The condition of a card is assessed based on the number and extent of its imperfections. Imperfections refer to any atypical defects from the printing or manufacturing process, as well as wear or damage incurred after printing. These imperfections are categorized by their Type (e.g., scratch) and Severity (e.g., slight).

NEAR MINT (NM)

Near Mint cards should exhibit minimal to no wear, with only minor imperfections. These cards fall within the range of 'Mint' to 'Near Mint' and should closely resemble their condition when first removed from the pack, showing little to no signs of play. Examples of acceptable minor imperfections for a Near Mint card include:

  • A few light nicks or dings
  • Slight edge wear
  • Minor corner wear
  • Light scratches or scuffs
  • Other minor flaws

If a card has too many imperfections, it will be downgraded to Slightly Played.

Foil cards in Near Mint condition should similarly show minimal to no wear, with minimal or no signs of ‘clouding,’ scratches, or scuffs on the front side.

SLIGHTLY PLAYED (SP)

Slightly Played cards may display minor wear and share similar imperfections to those of Near Mint cards but with greater frequency or visibility. These cards may also have minor scratches and scuffs on both the front and back due to play wear. No additional imperfections are introduced in this category.

Foil cards in Slightly Played condition may show minimal wear, including minor ‘clouding,’ scratches, or scuffs on the front and back caused by play.

Signed and stamped cards are typically priced as Slightly Played at best, even before factoring in their actual condition.

MODERATELY PLAYED (MP)

Moderately Played cards exhibit moderate wear and more noticeable imperfections compared to Slightly Played cards. These cards may have moderate scratches and scuffs on both the front and back due to play wear. Additional imperfections that a Moderately Played card may include are:

  • Binder dents
  • Minor shuffle creases
  • Light dirt accumulation
  • Minor to moderate impressions
  • “Clouding”