Condition grading of single cards

How we describe the condition of our cards

For single cards graded manually, we use clear guidelines to describe the condition. Each card is assessed to the best of our ability using the categories below — from essentially new to heavily played.

Near Mint (NM) – Pack-fresh

The card looks essentially new: sharp corners and edges and a clean surface — at most a tiny mark visible only on close inspection.

Excellent (EX) – Minor wear

A very clean card with small signs of handling, such as light edge wear or a faint scratch. Nothing that catches the eye.

Good (GD) – Visible wear

Moderate but clear wear, such as softer corners, edge wear or minor scratches. Still a whole, tidy collector's card.

Light Played (LP) – Clearly played

Noticeable corner and edge wear, scratches or a slight bend. Intact and collectible, but clearly used.

Played (PL) – Heavy wear

Worn corners and edges, scratches, creases or marks. The card is intact but well used.

Poor (PO) – Destroyed

Major damage such as creases, tears, water damage or writing. Mainly useful as a play copy or placeholder in a collection.

Condition is always a judgement and can vary slightly between copies. Some cards are scanned in automatically — see how we handle any errors in our terms.