ShyneeCard Condition Guide
Every card we sell is graded honestly against these standards. If you're selling to us, use this guide to self-assess before submitting — it helps us turn around offers faster.
Near Mint
The standard for unplayed cards
Card appears freshly opened from a pack. No visible surface scratching, no edge whitening, sharp corners, and excellent centering. Minor print lines or tiny factory flaws may be present but there is no wear from handling or play. This is the grade you should expect on any card listed as unplayed.
What to look for: Under normal light, the card should look flawless. Tilt it at an angle — very faint factory print lines are acceptable; any surface scratching is not.
Light Play
Minor wear, still excellent condition
Very minor surface scratching visible under direct light or when tilted. Edges may show the slightest whitening at one or two points. Corners remain sharp. A card that was sleeved quickly but has seen some careful handling. Still an excellent collectible — most buyers won't notice the difference from NM without close inspection.
What to look for: Tilt under a light source. Fine surface scratches will catch the light. Edges should look clean — only the lightest whitening is acceptable.
Moderately Played
Visible wear, solid collectible
Noticeable surface scratching, edge whitening visible on multiple edges, or one corner showing slight softening. The card has clearly been handled but is still in solid shape with no creases or major damage. Suitable for play or collection where condition isn't the top priority.
What to look for: Scratches visible without tilting. Edge whitening visible under normal light. Corners may have minor rounding but no bends.
Played
Heavy wear from regular use
Significant surface wear throughout, heavy edge whitening, and possible light creasing or corner bends. The card has clearly been through regular play without sleeve protection. Still readable and identifiable, but obviously well-used. Mainly suitable as a filler copy or for casual play.
What to look for: Scratches visible immediately. White edges. Possible crease lines. Any bend in a corner.
Heavily Played
Major damage throughout
Major wear on all surfaces — deep scratches, heavy creasing, significantly bent or torn edges, or water staining. The card is still identifiable but is severely damaged. Only suitable as a placeholder in a binder or a filler for trade.
What to look for: Damage obvious at a glance. Creases, tears, heavy staining, or bent corners that won't flatten.
Damaged
Not suitable for play or collection
Written on, torn, severely water damaged, missing pieces, or otherwise destroyed. We do not typically buy Damaged cards and do not sell them as collectibles. If you have a large bulk lot that includes Damaged cards, mention it in your submission and we'll let you know if they factor into the offer.
Tips for self-grading
- Examine cards in natural daylight, not artificial light
- Tilt the card at different angles to catch surface scratches
- Check all four corners individually for bends or rounding
- Run a fingertip lightly along all four edges for rough spots or whitening
- For high-value cards, a jeweller's loupe or phone macro lens reveals scratches invisible to the naked eye
- When in doubt, go one grade lower — it's better to under-promise. We'll always tell you if we think the card is in better shape than you described.
PSA & CGC grades
Graded cards are assessed by PSA or CGC and sealed in a tamper-evident slab. The numeric grade maps roughly to our conditions as follows:
| PSA / CGC | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 10 — Gem Mint | Better than NM |
| 9 — Mint | NM |
| 8 — Near Mint–Mint | NM / LP |
| 7 — Near Mint | LP |
| 6 — Excellent–Mint | LP / MP |
| 5 — Excellent | MP |
| 4 and below | P / HP / D |
Get an offer for your cards
Now you know how we grade, submit your cards and we'll come back with a fair offer within 24 hours.
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