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NEAR MINT or NM (click on a picture for a high res version) images represent the worst condition we consider for a given grade |
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Cards in Near Mint condition are generally described as ‘pack fresh’ though they may have very minor wear from being inserted / removed from sleeves or from general handling. Typically, NM cards haven’t been played with. Edges are clean and sharp with no whitening. There may be a tiny nick or blemish on one or two of the edges. The face and back are clean and free of easily noticeable scratches, scuff marks and dirt. The cards should retain their original sheen. A card graded in NM condition is generally indistinguishable from cards in an unsleeved deck of other NM cards. A MINT condition card is flawless in every way. (FOIL cards sometimes have a natural 'arch'. This is considered normal and is not taken into account when grading FOIL cards.) Stamped, autographed or altered cards are automatically graded as SP or lower, even if the condition of the card would normally warrant a NM grade. |
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SLIGHTLY PLAYED or SP (click on a picture for a high res version) images represent the worst condition we consider for a given grade |
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Cards in Slightly Played condition have seen play, with or without sleeves and show definite, but usually minor wear. Edges and corners may show minor wear and whitening. The face and back may have minor scratches, scuff marks or dirt. Cards that are SP have usually lost their sheen due to play. Sleeves may or may not be needed with a card in this condition due to possible identifiable markings. |
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MODERATELY PLAYED or MP (click on a picture for a high res version) images represent the worst condition we consider for a given grade |
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Cards in Moderately Played condition have seen a decent amount of play, without sleeves, and show moderate wear in most, if not all areas. Edges and corners show moderate wear and whitening. Shuffle creasing at the top of the card is possible. Minor (½” in length) bends or creases are possible. Black inking in an attempt to ‘fix’ the edges and corners is sometimes seen. The face and back have moderate scratches, scuff marks, dents and dirt. All of the original sheen is gone and the face and back show some whitening or cloudiness. Sleeves are almost always needed with a card in this condition due to multiple identifiable markings. |
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HEAVILY PLAYED or HP (click on a picture for a high res version) images represent the worst condition we consider for a given grade |
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Cards in Heavily Played condition have seen a lot of play, without sleeves, and show a great deal of wear in all areas. Edges and corners show major wear and whitening. Moderate to major (over ½” in length) bends and creases are possible. Heavy black inking in an attempt to ‘fix’ the edges and corners is sometimes seen. The face and back have major scratches, scuff marks, dents and dirt buildup. There is major whitening and cloudiness on the face and back. Moderate water damage is possible. Writing is sometimes found on the card, such as proxies (autographs and altered cards do not fall into this descriptor). Sleeves are always needed with a card in this condition and there is a chance that the card may not be allowed to be played even with a sleeve. |
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| DAMAGED (click on a picture for a high res version) |
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Cards that are damaged are usually not tournament playable, even with sleeves. Cards in this category can range anywhere from major creases and bends, major water damage such as being washed, rips and tears, holes, and even fire damage. We usually don’t sell or purchase cards in this condition on our website or eBay, but we may have cards in this condition in our store or at events where the buyer can see the exact extent of the damage. |
