Understanding Pokemon card condition is crucial for determining Pokemon card values and Pokemon card prices. This comprehensive guide teaches you how to grade Pokemon card conditions accurately, from Near Mint to Damaged. Use PokeCardScanner to track condition-based Pokemon card prices.
Use our Pokemon card scanner app to scan cards and get condition-based price estimates. Track your collection and understand how condition affects Pokemon card values. Download PokeCardScanner now - it's free!
Pokemon card condition directly impacts Pokemon card values. A Near Mint Pokemon card can be worth 5-10x more than a Heavily Played version of the same card. Understanding condition helps you:
Description: Perfect condition with no flaws whatsoever. Pokemon cards in mint condition are extremely rare and command the highest Pokemon card prices.
Characteristics:
Value Impact: 2-10x base Pokemon card value
Description: Excellent condition with only minor wear. Near Mint is the standard for most Pokemon card collectors and represents the baseline for Pokemon card values.
Characteristics:
Value Impact: 100% base Pokemon card value
Description: Minor wear from handling but still in good condition. Lightly Played Pokemon cards are playable and collectible but have reduced Pokemon card values.
Characteristics:
Value Impact: 60-80% of Near Mint Pokemon card value
Description: Noticeable wear from use. Moderately Played Pokemon cards show clear signs of handling but remain intact and identifiable.
Characteristics:
Value Impact: 40-60% of Near Mint Pokemon card value
Description: Significant wear and damage. Heavily Played Pokemon cards have major defects but are still identifiable and may be valuable if rare.
Characteristics:
Value Impact: 20-40% of Near Mint Pokemon card value
Description: Major damage affecting the card's integrity. Damaged Pokemon cards have severe defects but may still have value if extremely rare.
Characteristics:
Value Impact: 10-20% of Near Mint Pokemon card value
Check all four corners for:
Look along all edges for:
Examine the card surface under good lighting for:
Evaluate how well-centered the card is:
Check for:
PSA is the most popular grading service for Pokemon cards. PSA grades Pokemon cards on a scale of 1-10, with PSA 10 being perfect condition. PSA graded Pokemon cards typically sell for 2-5x more than ungraded cards.
BGS provides detailed sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface. BGS 10 (Black Label) is the highest grade and commands premium Pokemon card prices.
| Condition | PSA Grade | Value Multiplier | Example: $100 Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint | PSA 10 | 2-10x | $200 - $1,000 |
| Near Mint | PSA 7-9 | 1x | $100 |
| Lightly Played | PSA 5-6 | 0.6-0.8x | $60 - $80 |
| Moderately Played | PSA 3-4 | 0.4-0.6x | $40 - $60 |
| Heavily Played | PSA 1-2 | 0.2-0.4x | $20 - $40 |
| Damaged | N/A | 0.1-0.2x | $10 - $20 |
Use PokeCardScanner to scan Pokemon cards, assess condition, and get accurate price estimates. Track your collection and understand how condition affects Pokemon card values. Get started free with 2 price views per day!
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