🎴 Pokémon Card Condition Guide
At Summit Labs, all raw Pokémon cards are graded using a consistent 6-tier system based on PSA, CGC, and BGS standards. Each tier outlines expected wear and grading equivalencies from Mint to Damaged condition.
⚪ Mint (MT) – Tier 1
PSA 9–10 / CGC 9–10 / BGS 9+ (click to expand)
Color Code: WhiteGrading Equivalent: PSA 9–10 / CGC 9–10 / BGS 9+
Mint cards are near-perfect with only very minor imperfections allowed. These may include faint holofoil scratches, tiny edge nicks, or minor surface specks from factory handling. Surfaces are glossy and clean, corners remain sharp, and centering tolerances are no worse than 60-40 ratios. There is no visible play wear, creasing, or discoloration.
🟢 Near Mint (NM) – Tier 2
PSA 7-8 / CGC 7.5–8.5 / BGS 7.5–8.5 (click to expand)
Color Code: GreenGrading Equivalent: PSA 8 / CGC 8–8.5 / BGS 8–8.5
Near Mint cards show very light handling wear, usually visible only under bright or angled light. Typical signs include minor edge or corner whitening, faint holo scratches, or slight surface marks. There are no creases, bends, ink marks, or structural damage.
🔵 Lightly Played (LP) – Tier 3
PSA 6–7 / CGC 6–7.5 / BGS 6–7.5 (click to expand)
Color Code: BlueGrading Equivalent: PSA 6–7 / CGC 6–7.5 / BGS 6–7.5
Lightly Played cards have noticeable but light wear on edges and surfaces. This may include whitening on multiple edges or corners, light holo scratches, or mild clouding or dulling of foil surfaces. There are no major creases, staining, or tears.
🟡 Moderately Played (MP) – Tier 4
PSA 4–5 / CGC 4–5.5 / BGS 4–5.5 (click to expand)
Color Code: YellowGrading Equivalent: PSA 4–5 / CGC 4–5.5 / BGS 4–5.5
Moderately Played cards show clear signs of regular play. These can include small creases or bends, extensive edge wear or whitening, surface scuffing, print wear, or light staining. While the card may show some structural wear, it remains intact and playable when sleeved.
🟠 Heavily Played (HP) – Tier 5
PSA 2–3 / CGC 2–3.5 / BGS 2–3.5 (click to expand)
Color Code: OrangeGrading Equivalent: PSA 2–3 / CGC 2–3.5 / BGS 2–3.5
Heavily Played cards show significant wear, including large scratches, multiple creases, corner bends or fraying, and edge chipping. Surface staining or minor tears may also be present. Though visibly damaged, these cards are often still complete and readable, These cards are NOT legal in official TCG tournaments.
🔴 Damaged (DMG) – Tier 6
PSA 1 / CGC 1–1.5 / BGS 1–1.5 (click to expand)
Color Code: RedGrading Equivalent: PSA 1 / CGC 1–1.5 / BGS 1–1.5
Damaged cards exhibit severe issues such as major creases, tears, holes, water damage, ink marks, missing surfaces or peeling. Note: These cards are NOT legal in official TCG tournaments.
🌸 Error Cards
Printing / manufacturing defects (click to expand)
Error Cards are Pokémon cards that exhibit printing or manufacturing defects that deviate from the standard appearance. These errors
can include miscuts, crimping, misprints, off-center printing, missing or doubled elements, incorrect colors, or issues affecting the card’s
front or back.
💲 Pricing & Market Comparison
How we value cards (click to expand)
We price all cards at fair market value by referencing leading marketplaces such as eBay and TCGPlayer. This
ensures competitive, transparent pricing aligned with current collector demand and trends.Our team regularly reviews market data to provide accurate valuations and to help you get the best value whether buying or selling.
