Every single is checked under daylight, front and back, at an angle. Here's exactly what each grade means, so nothing arrives as a surprise.
Near Mint
Sharp corners, clean edges, no surface scratching visible when tilted. Minor factory printing marks are still Near Mint — that's how they came out of the pack.
Lightly Played
Slight edge wear, or one small corner softening. Sleeve-playable and indistinguishable at arm's length. Priced roughly 15% under Near Mint.
Moderately Played
Noticeable whitening, light scratching, or a small crease that doesn't break the card. Always photographed close up. Roughly 35% under Near Mint.
What we won't do
We don't grade optimistically to move stock, we don't hide flaws behind a glare, and we don't use a stock photo in place of the card you're buying. If a card sits between two grades, it gets the lower one.
Sealed product is never weighed, searched, or resealed. If shrink is damaged in transit to us, it's listed that way and discounted.
If we get it wrong
Message us within seven days with a photo. If the card doesn't match the grade we listed, you choose: a full refund including return shipping, or keep it and take the difference back in store credit.