Rating in 10 levels
With our precise grading scale, we grade your trading cards accurately and professionally. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts - maximize the value of your treasures. Immerse yourself in the world of professional card grading and experience the difference!
Card Condition: Flawless
Pristine
- Cards in Pristine 10 condition are considered near perfect.
- The corners of the card are absolutely sharp and show no signs of wear.
- The image sharpness and original gloss are impeccable.
- The card must not show any discoloration.
- Minimal printing errors are acceptable as long as they do not affect the overall impression.
- The centering of the image on the front should be almost perfect.
Card condition: Mint
Mint
- Mint 9 condition cards are still in excellent condition but have minimal flaws.
- Minor imperfections such as tiny wax spots, minor printing errors, or slightly off edges are acceptable.
- The centering of the card should be approximately 60/40 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Card Condition: Near Mint/Mint Condition
NM-MT
- Cards in NM-MT-8 condition appear Mint 9 at first glance, but closer inspection may reveal minimal flaws.
- Minor stains on the back, minimal wear on one or two corners, minor printing errors and slightly different margins are permitted.
- Centering should be approximately 65/35 to 70/30 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Card condition: Almost new
NM7
- Maps in NM-7 condition show light surface wear that becomes visible upon close inspection.
- There may be minimal wear to some corners, slight image misalignment, and minor printing errors.
- Minor stains on the back are only acceptable.
- Centering should be approximately 70/30 to 75/25 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Card Condition: Excellent/Mint
EX-MT
- Cards in EX-MT-6 condition may have visible surface wear or printing defects that do not significantly affect the overall appearance.
- Very light scratches can only be seen upon close inspection.
- Centering should be approximately 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
- Corners may be slightly worn but without dents.
Card Condition: Excellent
EX5
- Cards in EX-5 condition show visible wear and possible printing errors.
- Centering should be approximately 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
- The corners may be slightly worn or have minimal dents.
- Scratches and minor printing errors are acceptable.
Card condition: very good/excellent
VG-EX
- Cards in VG-EX-4 condition may show light corner wear and visible surface wear.
- Centering should be approximately 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
- Minor printing errors are acceptable.
Card condition: very good
VG
- Cards in VG-3 condition show significant wear on the corners and surface.
- The centering should be about 90/10 or better on the front and back.
- Corners may be rounded or have slight dents, and there is visible surface wear and printing errors.
Card condition: good
Good
- Cards in Good 2 condition show heavy wear to the corners and surface.
- The centering should be about 90/10 or better on the front and back.
- Corners may be rounded or more heavily dented, and there is visible surface wear and printing errors.
Card condition: poor
Poor
- Cards in Poor 1 condition show extremely heavy wear on corners and surface.
- The centering can deviate significantly from the norm.
- Corners may be severely rounded or have severe dents and layers, and there is severe surface wear and printing defects.
- Luster is completely missing and there may be discoloration.
Half-Point Grades
Please note that final card ratings may be in half-point increments, for example 8; 8.5; 9; 9.5. Cards that are assigned a half-point rating typically show characteristics that correspond to both the higher and lower rating levels.
In general, a card should have a centering that is at least 5% better than the lowest percentage allowed in that grade. It is important to note that there are situations where the overall quality of the card, including corners and printing, will give the card an advantage, even if the centering is minimal for that particular grade.
Differences in trading cards
Offcenter (OC) Non-standard centering
For off-center cards, the centering differs from the usual standards. The note "OC" is used in the rating and subcategories for centering.
Misprint (MP) Incorrect surface structure
Cards with structural errors that occur during the production process are considered misprints. However, scratches are not considered such defects. The notation "MP" appears in the rating and subcategories for the surface.
Miscut (MC) different cut
Cards with cutting errors or deviations are called miscuts. The note "MC" appears in the rating and the appropriate subcategories.
Custom autograph
Handwritten autographs or drawings on cards that are not authenticated are called custom autographs. The authenticity of these autographs is not confirmed, but the card itself is still graded, albeit without subgrades.
Evaluation of deviations
When evaluating a (MP) trading card overall, the subgrade surface is not taken into account. In addition, there is no evaluation of deviating formats such as missing corners or slanted cut edges. However, such cards can be submitted for review by the Authentic & Custom Service.
Cardstade: The premium grading for trading cards
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