Holy Grail Grading Scales

10 – Gem Mint ("Grail")

A virtually flawless card. The surface is free of any print spots, scratches, or blemishes. All four corners are perfectly sharp, and the edges are pristine. Centering must be exceptional, measuring between 50/50 and 60/40 on the front, and up to 75/25 on the reverse.

​9 – Mint

A superb condition card that appears perfect at first glance but exhibits one very minor flaw upon close inspection. This could be a tiny speck of edge whitening, a microscopic surface scratch, or slightly imperfect centering (up to 65/35 on the front).

​8 – Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT)

A high-end card that presents beautifully but has one or two minor flaws. It may show slight corner wear (a tiny touch of white), very light surface scratching, or minor print lines. Centering can be up to 70/30 on the front.

​7 – Near Mint (NM)

A clean card that shows slight but visible wear. You may notice minor edge whitening, faint surface scuffing, or a slightly fuzzy corner. There are no major creases, but the card has clearly been handled carefully. Centering can be up to 75/25.

​6 – Excellent-Mint (EX-MT)

A visibly handled card. It may have slight rounding on the corners, noticeable edge wear, or moderate surface scratches. Centering may be visibly off (up to 80/20). Still an attractive card with no major structural damage.

​5 – Excellent (EX)

A card with moderate, noticeable wear. It may have multiple rounded corners, heavier edge whitening, loss of surface gloss, or a very faint corner wrinkle (though no major creases cutting across the card).

​4 – Very Good-Excellent (VG-EX)

A card showing obvious signs of play and handling. It will have heavier scuffing, edge wear, and possibly a light crease or distinct wrinkle. The card remains intact but lacks its original crispness.

​3 – Very Good (VG)

A card with heavy wear all around. It will feature noticeably rounded corners, distinct creasing, heavier surface scratches, and potential discoloration or loss of gloss.

​2 – Good (G)

A card suffering from severe wear. It will have multiple heavy creases, significant edge damage, heavy surface scuffing, or slight peeling. Despite the heavy damage, the card remains fully intact with no missing pieces.

​1 – Poor (P)

A card with extreme damage. This includes major tears, heavy multi-directional creasing, pinholes, water damage, or severe surface peeling. The card must still be identifiable and authentic to receive a 1.