Dean's Cards Grading Standards for Hostess Panels

Mint - 9

This is the highest grade we assign to the Hostess Panels. In order for a Hostess Panel to be a Mint - 9 it will be the entire box straight from the factory, and in near-perfect condition.  These panels have never been used and still have the glue on them where they were never assembled.

Near Mint/Mint - 8

In order for a Hostess Panel to be a NM-MT 8 it will be the entire box.  These are boxes that were assembled and filled with Hostess product, so the boxes will still be attached on some sides and on the sides that are detached you will see where the box was opened.

Near Mint - 7

The grade of NM 7 is assigned to a Hostess Panel when the actual panel of three cards has been cut from the original Hostess Box.  In order for the panel to receive this grade all of the original dashed border must be visible and the panel needs to be clean with no more than one minor defect, such as very light staining.  All of the letters at the top of the panel where it says "Player Statistics on Back of Each Card" in red must be fully visible and not cut off at all to grade NM 7.

Excellent/Mint - 6

The grade of EX-MT 6 is assigned to a Hostess Panel when the actual panel of three cards has been cut from the original Hostess Box. In order for the Panel to receive this grade all of the original dashed border must be visible and the panel can have no more than two minor defects, such as light staining or paper wrinkles.  All of the letters at the top of the panel where it says "Player Statistics on Back of Each Card" in red must be fully visible and not cut off at all to grade EX-MT 6.

Excellent - 5

The grade of EX 5 is assigned to a Hostess Panel when the actual panel of three cards has been cut form the original Hostess Box.  In order for the panel to receive this grade part of the original dashed border is missing and the panel can have several minor defects, such as severe staining, or creases but overall the panel will still have nice eye appeal.  The letters at the top of the panel where it says "Player Statistics on Back of Each Card" in red can be partially cut off or completely missing to grade EX - 5.

Very Good - 3

The grade of VG 3 is assigned to a Hostess Panel when the actual panel of three cards has been cut from the original Hostess Box.  In order the the panel to receive this grade most or all of the original dashed border is missing and the panel can also have heavy creases and considerable wear.  The letter at the top of the panel where it says "Player Statistics on Back of Each Card" in red can partially cut off or completely missing to grade VG - 3.