🎴 Pokémon Card Condition Guide

At Summit Labs, all raw PokΓ©mon 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.

βšͺ Mint (MT) – Tier 1

Color Code: White
Grading 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 is within tight tolerances expected of top grades. There is no visible play wear, creasing, or discoloration. These cards are suitable for premium collections and often grade PSA 9 or PSA 10 depending on subtle centering or print flaws.

🟒 Near Mint (NM) – Tier 2

Color Code: Green
Grading 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. These cards remain highly collectible and are excellent for display or binder storage.

πŸ”΅ Lightly Played (LP) – Tier 3

Color Code: Blue
Grading 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. These cards are structurally intact and are fully playable when sleeved.

🟑 Moderately Played (MP) – Tier 4

Color Code: Yellow
Grading 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. These cards are less desirable for display but good for casual use or budget collectors.

🟠 Heavily Played (HP) – Tier 5

Color Code: Orange
Grading 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, playable in tournaments when sleeved, and suited for collectors on a budget or proxy use.

πŸ”΄ Damaged (DMG) – Tier 6

Color Code: Red
Grading 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, or peeling. These cards are often no longer legal for tournament play and hold little value beyond sentimental or restoration purposes. They may still be collectible if extremely rare but are generally sold as fillers or restoration projects.

🌸 Error Cards

Error Cards are PokΓ©mon cards that exhibit printing or manufacturing defects that deviate from the standard appearance. These errors can include miscuts, misprints, off-center printing, missing or doubled elements, incorrect colors, or issues affecting the card’s front or back. In some cases, the back of the card may have significant damage or printing flaws distinct from the front, which is also noted.

Collectors often find error cards intriguing due to their rarity and uniqueness, which can sometimes increase their value despite the imperfections. However, the condition and type of error heavily influence desirability and pricing.

πŸ’² Pricing & Market Comparison

We price all cards at fair market value by referencing leading marketplaces such as TCGPlayer, eBay, and alternate platforms. 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.