All trading card singles we carry at Calico Keep are split into 5 categories.

Our grading guidelines are based on TCGPlayer's own guidelines.

 

Near Mint (NM)

Near Mint cards show little to no wear from general use. They have a nearly unmarked surface, crisp corners and unblemished edges outside of a few minimal flaws. While Near Mint cards look nearly unplayed, they may have a few minor flaws (e.g. tiny edge nick or scratch); but will definitely not have no major defects or flaws.

The acceptable range of cards within the Near Mint condition include both cards with no imperfections and cards with a few minor imperfections.

A card with no discernable imperfections whatsoever is considered Gem Mint. We do not grade any of our cards Gem Mint, though you may receive a Gem Mint card if you order a Near Mint one.

 

Lightly Played (LP)

Lightly Played cards may have minor border/corner wear, or minor scratches.

Major defects like water damage, creasing across the card, or other major damage to the integrity of the card will exclude it from this category.

Cards with minor factory errors (e.g. print lines or minor inking errors) which would otherwise be Near Mint are included in this category.

The acceptable range of cards within the Lightly Played condition include cards with a few minor imperfections.

 

Moderately Played (MP)

Moderately Played cards will have some combination of corner wear, border wear, scratching, scuffing, creases, and/or card discolouration. 

Cards with moderate-to-major factory errors which would otherwise be Near Mint are included in this category.

Signed or Stamped cards that are otherwise in Near Mint condition are included in this category.

A Moderately Played card may have some moderate imperfections (commonly wear along multiple borders), or some form of major marking (such as creasing), but not in combination with other issues such as scratches, scuffs or border/edge wear and not impacting a large area of the card.

 

Heavily Played (HP)

Heavily Played cards show severe wear, and may be marked by ink from a pen or vivid marker. HP cards will show more severe instances of wear indicative of Moderately Played cards, but can still be played if sleeved.

Generally, we do not buy Heavily Played cards.

 

Damaged

Damaged cards show the most severe wear out of all 5 grades.

The extent of damage to the integrity of the card may make the card illegal for tournament play, even when sleeved.

We do not buy Damaged cards.