Dean's Cards typically grades cards a little more conservatively than the grading criteria established by price guides such as Beckett, Sports Collector's Digest, Tuff Stuff. In my opinion, we grade as tough as PSA - with greater consistency.

Although we provide scans of most cards that are priced $300 or more, it would be very difficult for us to provide a scan of every single card we have in stock. So by grading our cards conservatively, clients can rest assured that the cards they order will be meet (and possibly exceed) their expectations. This practice is simply good business from our point of view. If a card should fail to meet your expectations for any reason, you can return it for a full refund .

Below is an explanation of typical criteria that we use to grade our cards.

NEAR MINT/MINT (NRMT/MT)

This is our top grade. The card can have one very minor flaw. Corners that are sharp to the naked eye, but may have a slight imperfection under intense scrutiny. At least 60/40 centering and tiny edge wear allowed. Less than 1% of vintage cards have this high of a grade. Most cards could have never earned a grade of Near Mint/Mint (even when just out of the pack with razor sharp corners) because of the centering requiements.

A typical NRMT/MT card is centered and has four sharp corners. The card looks perfect to the naked eye and is "the best of the best".  A NRMT/MT card is an "8" on a 10 point scale.

NEAR MINT (NRMT)

A MINT looking card with up to two very minor flaws. Centering must be 70/30 or better. The card must have the original gloss and original color borders. There can be a slight touch of one or two corners, subtle rough edges.

A typical NRMT looks sharp to the naked eye, but may have ONE of the following minor flaws upon close inspection: a slight "touch" on one of the corners, two corners that do not quite appear razor sharp, or centering that is not quite perfect. In short, a NRMT card is in great condition. My guess is that less than 5% of vintage cards grade this high!  A NRMT card is a "7" on a 10 point scale.

EXCELLENT/MINT (EX/MT)

The card can have 2 of the following flaws: 3 touched corners, a little edge wear, slight border discoloration, a few print spots, noticeable color or focus defects. The centering can be as bad as 85/15 on one side - if everything else is near perfect. Usually the centering is much better.

An EX/MT card may appear NRMT at first glance, but upon a closer look reveals minor wear on one or two corners and/or a "touch" on all four corners. Cards graded "Excellent/Mint" are still well above average in condition and very nice to look at.  A EX/MT card is a "6" on a 10 point scale.

EXCELLENT (EX)

The card may have four fuzzy corners that show visible signs of wear, but the corners will not be rounded. May have semi-rough edges, some border discoloration, slight loss of gloss. May have minor discoloration of color as well as focus imperfections. May also have noticeable print spots. The centering can be as bad as 5/95 on just one side, if everything else is near perfect. Usually the centering is much better. An EX card can NOT have creases.

A typical EX card will have a nice appearance, but may have one or more "fuzzy" corners. To the naked eye, a card with a grade of "Excellent" will show some ware, but is still very nice to look at. In general terms, EX cards are in "average" condition.  A EX card is a "5" on a 10 point scale.

VERY GOOD (VG)

A card that has been handled, but not abused. Four worn corners, notching and dings are permitted, discoloration and toning are allowed. Slight paper loss on the reverse. Could have a light stain or light pen mark on the reverse. The card may have a few light creases.

A VG card is considered "off-grade" and may have four fuzzy corners or some other noticeable imperfection.  A VG card is a "3" on a 10 point scale.

GOOD (G)

A card that has been noticeably handled. It has rounded corners and defects such as scuffing, pinholes, loss of gloss, or multiple creases. A GOOD card is often used as a "filler" by collectors. It could contain a rip, tear, or light pen mark on the front or reverse of the card. Cards grade "GOOD" are the lowest grade that we usually carry - with the exception of a few Super Star Cards. These cards are very worn.

A card graded "GOOD" is not good. It is downright LOUSY! For that reason, a GOOD cards sells for only 10% of a card in NEAR MINT condition and may have four rounded corners and possibly a crease - or both. A GOOD card is a "2" on a 10 point scale.  If you are looking for nice condition cards, please do not buy this grade!

Other Notes:

Off Center Cards reduce a card's rating by one to two grades depending on the severity of the mis-alignment.

Cards with writing on the Front can grade no better than GOOD.

Cards with writing on the Back of the Card will reduce the grade by at one to two levels depending on the severity of the writing and can grade no better than VERY GOOD.

Cards with Creases can grade no better than VERY GOOD.

If you have any questions about vintage card grading, please contact me at dean@deanscards.com