Card grading is a very subjective thing. While opinions will diverge, below is our definition of the different grades, and how we’ll interpret card conditions. If this diverges from yours, please adjust to accommodate ours when you send us your lists.
We do not currently buy cards lower than Excellent (EX) – NM for bulk – with the large majority of cards sent to us being Near-Mint (NM). As such, lower grades won’t be discussed. We do not entertain “grading steps” like NM- or EX+. If in doubt, go with the lower grade.
Mint
MT
Nowadays this grading is rare within newer prints of cards because value of MT vs NM in new cards is basically the same. This grading is mostly reserved for highly collectible older cards, typically professionally graded.
These cards are absolutely unblemished.
Near Mint
NM
Near Mint cards are virtually indistinguishable from cards fresh out of a pack, and it is the grade normally given to cards that have never been player, have seen very little play, or were played sleeved from new, without blemishes resulting from this.
The front and back have no scratches, dirt, or dust, with minimal blemishes.
The border can have very small spots, but not many and definitely not large.
Overall, it is completely unmarked.
Excellent
EX
A card graded EX is allowed to have some more markings than NM, but not by much.
The card may have been played a few times unprotected, and the faces may present some very light signs of wear on close inspection. Any scratches are only visible on close inspection, but not with a quick glance.
The border may have some slight white marks, but not clearly visible with a quick glance.
No deep scratches or readily visible marks are allowed.