Card grading uses a numerical scale—most commonly 1 through 10—to summarize a card’s overall condition. While each grading company applies its own standards, the scale generally reflects how close a card is to its original, pack-fresh state.
A higher grade indicates fewer flaws, stronger eye appeal, and greater collector demand.
The Standard 1–10 Grading Scale
Gem Mint (10)
A Gem Mint card is as close to perfect as possible.
Typically features:
- Sharp corners
- Clean edges
- Original gloss and surface
- Strong centering within tight tolerances
These cards often command the highest premiums, especially for modern releases.
Mint (9)
Mint cards appear nearly flawless at first glance but show one very minor imperfection.
Common examples:
- Slight corner softness
- Minor surface print line
- Centering just outside Gem Mint range
Mint cards remain highly desirable and are often indistinguishable from 10s without close inspection.
Near Mint–Mint (8)
Near Mint–Mint cards show light wear that is visible upon inspection.
May include:
- Slight corner wear
- Minor edge chipping
- Subtle surface marks
These cards are still considered strong condition and are common for older or pack-handled cards.
Near Mint (7)
Near Mint cards display noticeable but modest wear.
Typical traits:
- Softened corners
- Light surface scratches
- Minor edge wear
While not pristine, these cards maintain solid collector appeal.
Excellent–Mint (6)
Cards graded 6 show clear wear but remain visually presentable.
Often includes:
- Multiple worn corners
- Surface scuffing
- Edge wear visible without magnification
This grade is common for vintage cards that were handled but cared for.
Excellent (5)
Excellent cards show moderate wear across multiple areas.
Common characteristics:
- Rounded corners
- Noticeable surface wear
- Edge chipping
At this level, condition begins to significantly impact value compared to higher grades.
Very Good–Excellent (4)
Cards in this range show consistent wear but remain structurally intact.
May show:
- Heavy corner rounding
- Creases that do not break the card
- Surface dullness
Very Good (3)
Very Good cards show heavy wear and reduced eye appeal.
Typical issues:
- Multiple creases
- Significant surface damage
- Pronounced edge wear
These are often collected for historical or sentimental reasons rather than condition.
Good (2)
Good cards display extensive wear and damage.
Includes:
- Heavy creasing
- Corner loss
- Surface cracking
Despite the name, this grade reflects poor condition by modern standards.
Poor (1)
A Poor card is heavily damaged but still identifiable.
May include:
- Tears
- Missing pieces
- Severe creases or water damage
These cards are typically collected only when scarcity or significance outweighs condition concerns.
How Grading Companies Apply the Scale
Although the 1–10 scale is standard, grading companies may differ in:
- Centering tolerances
- Surface defect weighting
- Use of half grades or subgrades
Because of this, the same card can receive different grades depending on the grader.
Why the Grading Scale Matters
Understanding the grading scale helps collectors:
- Evaluate card value accurately
- Compare listings across marketplaces
- Decide whether grading is worth the cost
- Set realistic expectations before submission
Grade alone does not determine value—but it strongly influences demand, liquidity, and long-term collectibility.
How This Fits Into the Grading Guide
The grading scale is only one part of the evaluation process. Other factors—such as centering, corners, edges, and surface quality—are examined individually before a final grade is assigned.
These factors are covered in the next sections of the Grading Guide.