Card Condition Guide

Every raw card sold by Dallas Card Shop is inspected under bright lighting. We examine the front, back, surface, edges, corners, and overall presentation.

Condition descriptions are good-faith evaluations, not guarantees of a particular third-party grade. Review all product photographs before purchasing.

Gem Mint

A virtually flawless card with sharp corners, clean edges, a clean surface, and excellent overall presentation. Minor manufacturing characteristics might still be present.

“Gem Mint” does not guarantee a PSA 10 or an equivalent third-party grade.

Mint

An exceptionally clean card with very limited visible wear. It may have one or two minor imperfections that prevent a Gem Mint assessment.

Near Mint

A clean, attractive card that may have minor imperfections visible upon close inspection. Possible characteristics include:

• Very light edge or corner wear

• Minor surface marks

• Small print imperfections

• Slight centering issues

• Minimal whitening on the back

Near Mint cards remain suitable for most collections but are not guaranteed to receive a specific professional grade.

Lightly Played

A card with noticeable but limited wear. Possible characteristics include:

• Light edge whitening

• Minor corner wear

• Small scratches or surface marks

• Light scuffing

• Moderate centering issues

The card remains fully intact and suitable for binder collections.

Moderately Played

A card with visible wear from handling or play. Possible characteristics include:

• Noticeable whitening

• Edge or corner wear

• Surface scratches

• Small dents

• Light creasing

• More significant scuffing

Heavily Played

A card with substantial wear. Possible characteristics include:

• Heavy whitening

• Significant scratches

• Worn corners or edges

• Dents

• Creases

• Surface wear

• Minor staining

The card remains identifiable and intact but shows extensive use.

Damaged

A card with major defects, which may include:

• Tears

• Severe creases

• Water damage

• Writing or ink

• Peeling

• Missing material

• Significant staining

• Structural damage

Damage will be described and photographed whenever reasonably possible.

Graded Cards

Cards graded by PSA, CGC, BGS, SGC, or another grading company are sold according to the grade shown on the slab.

Slab condition is separate from the card’s assigned grade. Any notable cracks, chips, scratches, label issues, or other slab defects will be disclosed when identified.

Third-party grading companies are independent. Dallas Card Shop does not guarantee their grading decisions, population reports, certification services, or future market values.

Product Photographs

For individually photographed products, the card shown is intended to be the exact card shipped unless the listing states otherwise.

Screen settings, lighting, reflections, sleeves, and protective cases may affect how colors and surface details appear. Review every available photograph before purchasing.

Questions

If you need additional photographs or condition details, contact Dallas Card Shop before placing your order.