GRADING
Mint Condition (M) - This is a perfect card with no defects. The card has razor-sharp corners, original gloss and no signs of wear on either side of the card. Centering should be 55/45 or better. Catalogue prices are for this condition. Near Mint (NM) - A card with a minor defect - fuzziness on one corner, some original gloss lost, a few noticeable print spots or speckling, or very minor
wear on edges. Centering should be 65/35 or better. For trading cards in this condition 90% of listed prices. Excellent (EX) - A card with minor wear – spots or fuzziness on up to all four corners, minor surface scratches or marks. May also have some colour discolouration and noticeable print spots, or wax/gum marks on card surface. Centering should be 75/25 or better. Generally describes cards pre-1981. For trading cards in this condition 75% of listed prices. Very Good (VG) - A card with visible defects - fuzziness on more than one corner, some original gloss lost, wax/gum marks on card surface, colour discolourations, or very minor wear on edges. May have a light hairline crease. Centering should be 80/20 or better. Generally describes cards from 1940s to 1980s. For trading cards in this condition 50% of listed prices. Good (G) - A card with visible defects or heavy wear. Rounding of corners, minor wear at edges, and visible wear and tear. Cards may have more than one crease, or the card may have been altered in order to try and gain a better grade (such as trimming). For modern cards where they are hard to come by, it is commonly acceptable to have lower graded cards in a collection while waiting for a better condition card to come along. This is called a ‘spacefiller’. While this condition applies to cigarette cards only, many early gum or trade cards can be commonly found in this condition, but their value is quite low. Some card series are affected by what is known as printing or manufacturing issues, which is picked up by collectors at the time of opening packets. This is known as a ‘condition sensitive’ release. For example, Tap n Play 2018 New Zealand Rugby Trading Cards would be classed as a ‘condition sensitive release’ and some leniency on condition will be required due to the printing issues that were encountered. You may also hear of the grading terms for Pristine and Gem Mint – these grades are predominately for PSA and BGS Graded cards (among a few other smaller companies offering this service). It is a matter of personal preference and opinion if you decide to do this within your collection. In general, cards that are professionally graded may be onsold at a premium to catalogue values. Trading cards offered for sale from 1990 onwards will be at catalogue price in NM-M condition. Anything 1981-1989 in NM-M condition will attract a 25% premium. Trading Cards pre-1981 in NM-M condition will attract a 50% premium. Cigarette card seconds are 20% of retail when available
