THE RATINGS
Copyright 1996-1999 Eric G. Myers
This guide may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the author.
Version 1.1
General: Card is flat with bright, clear colors. Depending on original
condition, most cards have a noticeable sheen. No stains, tears, holes,
or writing (with the possible exception of autographs. See above). Card
may be punched or unpunched, though some collectors view an unpunched
card with no other flaws as the pinnacle of "mintness."
Edges: Tight, no fraying or separation allowed.
Corner Curl: None allowed.
Creases: None allowed.
Price Tag/Card Surface Tear: None allowed.
Bubble: Clear, completely attached, no yellowing, no crushing, no
dents, dings, malformations or cracks of any size.
General: Card is flat (or nearly flat) with bright, clear colors.
Depending on original condition, most cards have a noticeable sheen. No
stains, tears, holes, or writing (with the possible exception of
autographs. See above). Card may be punched or unpunched.
Edges: Tight, no fraying or separation allowed.
Corner Curl: Minimally allowed if no creasing or cracking has occurred
(i.e., card probably could be flattened out without further damage).
Should be barely noticeable.
Card Curl: Minimally allowed if no creasing or cracking has occurred
(i.e., card probably could be flattened out without further damage).
Should be barely noticeable.
Creases: None allowed.
Price Tag/Card Surface Tear: None allowed.
Bubble: Clear, completely attached, no yellowing, no crushing. Minimal
dents or dings if barely noticeable. No severe malformations or cracks
of any size.
General: Card may be curled and/or creased to some degree (no cracking
of ink/print). Colors are still reasonably bright though some of the
original sheen may have faded. Card has no major tears, stains, holes or
writing (with the possible exception of autographs. See above). Card may
be punched or unpunched.
Edges: Mostly tight. May have some minor fraying or separation
(section[s] less than 1 inch in length total).
Corner Curl: May be more pronounced with minor permanent
creasing/cracking of print and/or fraying of card at corners (1-2
corners).
Creases: Minor creases allowed. No cracking of print or ink allowed
along creases.
Price Tag/Card Surface Tear: Small tears (less than 1/8 inch) permitted.
Bubble: Some yellowing may have occurred. Bubble may appear light tan or
yellowish, but not dark tan or brown. Bubble is not opaque. Bubble is
still primarily attached (i.e., there is no possibility that the figure
could have been removed), though may have detached sections smaller than
1/2 inch without tears to any other part of the card front. Bubble may
show some signs of damage or crushing if reformed. Minor dents or dings
are allowable. Cracks less than 1/8 inch are allowed.
General: Card may be curled or creased permanently including cracked
print/ink. Original sheen may have almost completed faded to a flat,
dull finish though colors remain. Card may have small tears (less than
1/2 inch). Card may also have some stains/dirt and/or writing (including
autographs). Small holes may also be present (1-3 pinholes or one large
hole less than 1/4 inch in diameter).
Edges: May have some minor fraying or separation (section[s] less than 3
inches in length total).
Corner Curl: May be severe with permanent creasing/cracking of print
with severe fraying of card corners (1-4 corners).
Creases: More severe creases that may include cracking of print or ink.
Price Tag/Card Surface Tear: Larger tears (less than 1/4 inch)
permitted.
Bubble: More pronounced yellowing may be present. Bubble may be medium
tan, but not completely brown. Bubble is not completely opaque. Bubble
is still primarily attached (i.e., there is no possibility that the
figure could have been removed), though it may have detached sections
smaller than 1 inch. This detachment may involve other parts of the card
front including tears to the print/ink. Bubble may have cracks less than
1/4 inch. May have pronounced bubble damage such as crushing or large
dents without any reformation.
General: Card may be almost completely folded over or severely
curled/creased including cracked print/ink. Original sheen may have
completely faded to a flat, dull finish and colors/inks themselves may
have also faded/discolored. Card may also have more prounounced stains
(such as water stains) or dirt. Card may have more pronounced tears or
holes.
Edges: May have pronounced fraying and separation (greater than 3 inches
total).
Corner Curl: May be severe with permanent creasing/cracking of print
with severe fraying of card corners (2-4 corners).
Creases: Card may be permanently creased with cracked print/ink. Card
can be almost completely folded over.
Price Tag/Card Surface Tear: More pronounced tears on card surface (1/4
up to 1 inch).
Bubble: Severe yellowing may be present. Card may be completely brown or
opaque in sections. Bubble is still attached, though it may be detached
on up to two complete sides. Although unlikely, it may be possible that
the figure could have been removed and re-inserted into bubble. Detached
areas may involve the card front surface including pronounced tears in
the print/ink. Bubble may be completely crushed (if figure is undamaged)
and contain major dents/dings without any reformation. Bubble may have
cracks up to inch in length.
General: Card may be completely ripped or curled with permanent crease.
One or more prominent holes may be present. Water stains (or other
stains) and similar damage may also be present. Card may have writing
(including autographs). Print colors may have faded completely in spots.
Edges: Card front and back may be completely unattached (two separate
sheets of cardboard) or may be severely frayed.
Corner Curl: Corners may be severely curled or torn with permanent
creasing/cracking (< 2 corners).
Creases: Card may be permanently creased with cracked print/ink. Card
can be completely folded.
Price Tag/Card Surface Tear: Large tears (over 1 inch) due to price tag
or other removal may be present.
Bubble: May be completely brown/dark yellow. Bubble may be cloudy or
opaque totally or in part. Large cracks (larger than 2 inches) may be
present. Bubble may be detached from card to the point which the figure
may have been removed. Major crushing or other bubble damage may be
present.
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