Card Condition Guide

Condition matters. Clear photos make better offers possible.

When you submit cards, condition affects whether we can buy, trade or consign them. This guide gives a simple working standard so expectations stay clean from the start.

Condition levels

• Near Mint: clean front and back, minimal whitening, no dents, bends or heavy scratches.
• Excellent: light wear, small whitening or surface marks, still strong binder quality.
• Good: visible edge wear, surface marks or handling, but no major structural damage.
• Played: heavier whitening, scratches, corner wear or clear signs of use.
• Damaged: creases, bends, dents, peeling, water damage, ink, heavy surface damage or warped cards.

Photos we need

• One clear front photo.
• One clear back photo.
• Close-ups of corners, edges and any damage.
• For shiny cards, angled photos that show scratches, print lines or surface marks.
• For graded cards, clear slab front, back, label and certificate number.

Why this matters

A card can look perfect in a binder but price very differently once whitening, dents or surface scratches are visible. Honest condition notes help us move faster and keep offers fair.

Submit cards for review or go back to The Vault Exchange.