Explaining the different condition states of Pokémon cards

Condition classification Gem Mint means that the card itself, as well as the printed image on the front and back, are in absolutely flawless condition. The print is perfectly centered. Furthermore, the card shows no other printing defects, such as black streaks.

The condition Gem Mint is only displayed if the card has also been graded.

In the classification Mint the condition of the card is perfect. The front and back are in a first-class condition. They feature no scratches at all or signs of wear and are not soiled. The card is comparable to a card fresh from the booster (booster fresh) virtually indistinguishable.

Card condition Near Mint refers to a card that only very minor blemishes features, e.g. very small, white spots or very slight signs of wear. The card must be clean and no scratches feature.

Card condition Excellent means that Pokemon cards are in a general quite good condition are located. The Signs of wear are low and the edges as well as the corners may show some white spots. Very small pressure marks are also possible. The surface could also have minor scuffs, but generally no deep scratches.

Card condition Good describes that although the card no creases has, but still significant signs of wear and tear, such as having highly visible white spots on the edges and corners. The surface of the card may also be slightly dirty and scratched, as well as have pressure marks.

In the condition Light Played it is evident from the card that it was played for an extended period without protection, e.g., without sleeves. If the card is protected by a sleeve, it can certainly still be used in a tournament. Additionally, the card was not with colors on the edges manipulated and was also not scribbled on or similar. The Signs of use and wear are however very obvious.

The condition Played is awarded when the card is in a very poor condition is located. The Signs of use and wear are very pronounced and the card may have many white spots, especially along the edges and corners. The surface may be dirty and worn, and it can certainly have dents, pressure marks, light creases, and very heavy scratches.

The condition Poor is the worst condition of a card. This is not achieved through normal gameplay; instead, the card was through others damaged by external influences. For example, the card is heavily damaged or has been wet, showing severe creases or even tears. Even if the surface has been scribbled on or the edges have been touched up with ink, the value of the Map so to speak destroyed.

A card that serves as altered Card referred to as, means that the card artistically altered was.

Amerikaner use usually other terms than us. Instead, the grading scale is usually Mint/Near Mint (N/NM), followed by Slightly Played (SP) or similar, then Played (PL), Heavily Played (HP) or similar, and finally Poor.

If the Edge a card manipulated is, the card will be thereby always to a card in condition Poor. Blackening the edges is usually done to make a card look better than it actually is. If this is used to sell a card for more than it is actually worth, it is considered Fraud.

Foil or even Premium (Foil) Cards are subject to the same principles as regular cards during the grading process. When grading a foil card, however, one should take into account that foil cards not just for playing be used, but always also a Collector's value have.

A card that Clouding features, looks as if the Surface slightly misted. This is an effect caused by numerous microscopic surface damages. These eventually accumulate and make the surface appear dull or even hazy. A card where clouding is visible can not as Near Mint be rated.

In principle, this is a special form of "inking" the edges. Someone has attempted to touch up the card's appearance by painting over white spots on the edge of the card, for example with a fine-liner. Such cards are, of course, in the condition Poor to be classified.

If a card Scratches on the surface, the card condition is at most Good Scratches are particularly relevant for foil cards, as the surface is much more sensitive.