Card Grading Index

Here at LevelUp Loot we use the following grading scale when we are looking at single cards:

1. GEM MINT (GEM MT) - 10

  • Description: Perfect card; no visible flaws.
  • Characteristics:
    • Centering: Nearly perfect centering (usually 55/45 or better).
    • Corners: Sharp and pristine, no whitening.
    • Edges: Smooth with no visible nicks or wear.
    • Surface: Clean, glossy, and free of scratches, smudges, or print lines.
  • Ideal for: Grading with PSA/BGS/CGC for high-end collection or resale.

2. MINT (MT) - 9

  • Description: Nearly flawless card with very slight imperfections.
  • Characteristics:
    • Centering: Slightly off but still within tolerance.
    • Corners: Tiny imperfections, almost unnoticeable.
    • Edges: Minor edge wear visible under close inspection.
    • Surface: Minimal marks or factory issues (e.g., faint print line).
  • Ideal for: High-end collectors and competitive decks.

3. NEAR MINT (NM) - 8-9

  • Description: Fresh card from a pack with minor handling marks.
  • Characteristics:
    • Centering: Slightly off, but visually appealing.
    • Corners: Minor whitening visible upon close inspection.
    • Edges: Tiny nicks or spots of wear.
    • Surface: May have minor surface scuffing or print defects.
  • Ideal for: Playable condition; retains high value for collectors.

4. LIGHT PLAY (LP) - 6-7

  • Description: Lightly handled, still in good collectible/playable condition.
  • Characteristics:
    • Corners: Noticeable whitening but no major damage.
    • Edges: Visible edge wear, minor chipping or nicks.
    • Surface: Small scratches, light dirt, or slight warping.
    • Centering: Slightly more off-center than NM.
  • Ideal for: Players and budget-conscious buyers.

5. MODERATE PLAY (MP) - 4-5

  • Description: Clearly used but not heavily damaged; still playable.
  • Characteristics:
    • Corners: Noticeable wear, possible dings.
    • Edges: Moderate chipping and visible wear.
    • Surface: Scuffs, small creases, or some dirt/discoloration.
    • May have: Small bends or signs of shuffling.
  • Ideal for: Casual players or proxy decks.

6. HEAVY PLAY (HP) - 2-3

  • Description: Heavily used with significant wear; still intact and identifiable.
  • Characteristics:
    • Corners: Rounded with significant whitening.
    • Edges: Major chipping and wear.
    • Surface: Large scratches, creases, stains, or discoloration.
    • May have: Small tears or damage that does not obscure text/art.
  • Ideal for: Budget players and heavily discounted sales.

7. DAMAGED (DMG) - 1

  • Description: Severe damage; card is still identifiable but may not be tournament legal.
  • Characteristics:
    • Corners: Torn or missing parts.
    • Edges: Significant chipping, rips, or major wear.
    • Surface: Extensive damage such as water stains, tears, or peeling.
    • May have: Writing, ink, or significant warping.
  • Ideal for: Collectors of rare cards willing to restore or keep for nostalgia.