Card Condition Guide

Understanding card condition is essential for buying and selling raw trading cards. This guide explains the five condition grades used on Vault & Value and how each affects value.

Near Mint

NM

100%

Full market value

Example photos coming soon

Front
Back
Corner close-up
Edge close-up

Virtually perfect. Sharp corners, clean edges, centered 60/40 or better, no surface wear.

  • Corners are sharp and virtually free of wear
  • Edges are clean with no nicks or chips
  • Surface free of scratches, print lines, or staining
  • Centering 60/40 or better on both front and back
  • Gloss fully intact on surface

Excellent

EX

70–85%

of NM value

Example photos coming soon

Front
Back
Corner close-up
Edge close-up

Light wear. Slightly soft corners, minor edge nicks, surface may show faint lines.

  • Corners slightly soft from minor handling
  • Minor edge nicks possible but not distracting
  • Surface may show very faint lines or light scratches
  • Centering generally good (65/35 or better)
  • Gloss largely intact with minimal loss

Very Good – Excellent

VG-EX

50–70%

of NM value

Example photos coming soon

Front
Back
Corner close-up
Edge close-up

Moderate wear. Slightly rounded corners, light creasing possible.

  • Corners show moderate rounding from wear
  • Edges may show noticeable nicks or chipping
  • Light surface creasing may be visible
  • Centering may be off (up to 70/30)
  • Some gloss loss on surface

Good

G

25–50%

of NM value

Example photos coming soon

Front
Back
Corner close-up
Edge close-up

Heavy wear. Rounded corners, creases, possible staining but card intact.

  • Corners heavily rounded from wear
  • Edges show significant nicking or chipping
  • Surface creases or wrinkles clearly visible
  • Possible light staining or minor marks
  • Card remains structurally intact

Poor

P

<25%

of NM value

Example photos coming soon

Front
Back
Corner close-up
Edge close-up

Major defects. Tears, heavy creasing, writing possible.

  • Major corner wear, possibly worn to white
  • Significant creasing or fold marks
  • Possible tears, holes, or tape marks
  • Writing or stamps may be present
  • Heavy staining or discoloration

Tips for Accurate Grading

Check under good lighting

Hold the card at different angles under a bright light to spot print lines, surface wear, and centering issues.

Assess both sides

Condition is judged on both front and back. A pristine front with a bent back still affects the overall grade.

When in doubt, grade lower

Buyers prefer honest descriptions. Accurately graded cards build trust and lead to better reviews.

Ready to buy or sell with confidence?