Raw Pokemon Card Conditions
When buying or selling ungraded (raw) Pokemon cards, condition is everything. This guide explains the standard condition grades used by TCGplayer, CardMarket, and other marketplaces.
Quick Reference
Condition Grades Explained
Near Mint (NM)
(NM)The best condition for ungraded cards. Shows minimal to no wear from play or handling.
Acceptable
- Nearly unmarked surface
- Clean, sharp corners
- Edges with no whitening
- Factory-fresh appearance
Not Acceptable
- Scratched or damaged surface
- Bending or creases
- Foil scratches (for holo cards)
- Visible edge wear
Lightly Played (LP)
(LP)Minor wear from light use. Still presentable but shows some handling.
Acceptable
- Minor edge wear or scuffs
- Small nicks or slight scuffing
- Light clouding on surface
- Very light scratches
Not Acceptable
- Deep scratches exposing silver (holos)
- Major creases or bends
- Heavy corner wear
- Significant whitening
Moderately Played (MP)
(MP)Clear wear but card remains functional. Popular for budget players.
Acceptable
- Edge wear and surface wear
- Scratching or scuffing
- Bends with creases
- Noticeable whitening on edges
Not Acceptable
- Structural damage
- Tears or missing pieces
- Liquid damage
- Severe warping
Heavily Played (HP)
(HP)Significant wear but card remains intact. Suitable for casual play or placeholders.
Acceptable
- Heavy edge and corner wear
- Multiple creases
- Significant surface damage
- Major whitening throughout
Not Acceptable
- Missing pieces
- Tears through card
- Illegible text
Damaged (DMG)
(DMG)Significant structural damage. May still have value for rare or iconic cards.
Acceptable
- Heavy creasing
- Water damage
- Tears or small missing pieces
- Crimping or severe miscuts
Not Acceptable
- Complete destruction
- Illegible card
Common Defects & Their Impact
Understanding what defects to look for helps you accurately assess card condition. Here are the most common issues and how they affect grading:
| Defect | Description |
|---|---|
| Whitening | White marks on edges or corners from wear |
| Scratches | Surface marks from handling or storage |
| Creases | Visible folds in the cardboard |
| Clouding | Dark areas on card surface |
| Foil Damage | Scratches on holographic surface |
| Edge Dings | Small chips or nicks on card edges |
Tips for Evaluating Condition
- 1.Use good lighting: Natural light or a bright desk lamp helps reveal surface scratches and clouding.
- 2.Check all four corners: Corner wear is often the most noticeable defect and varies between corners.
- 3.Angle the card: Tilt holofoil cards to see scratches that only appear at certain angles.
- 4.Check both sides: The back of the card often shows more wear than the front.
- 5.Be conservative: When in doubt, grade the card lower. Buyers appreciate accurate descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Near Mint (NM) condition?
Near Mint (NM) is the best condition for ungraded Pokemon cards. A NM card shows minimal to no wear, with clean corners, unmarked surface, and no edge whitening. NM cards are valued at 100% of market price.
What's the difference between NM and LP?
Near Mint (NM) cards show almost no wear, while Lightly Played (LP) cards have minor imperfections like small edge wear, light scuffs, or slight scratches. LP cards typically sell for 70-85% of NM prices.
Is "Mint" the same as "Near Mint"?
No. "Mint" implies a perfect, untouched card and is not used on major marketplaces like TCGplayer. "Near Mint" is the highest standard condition grade for raw cards and allows for minimal factory imperfections.
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