Original cards from JapanProtected shipping: top loader + rigid cardboardShipped within 2 business daysShipped from Italy · No customs−5% from 4 cards−10% from 8 cardsOriginal cards from JapanProtected shipping: top loader + rigid cardboardShipped within 2 business daysShipped from Italy · No customs−5% from 4 cards−10% from 8 cards
ZapFromJapan — carte Pokémon giapponesi originali

Collecting

Pokémon card condition: Mint, Near Mint, Excellent… the scale with examples

Updated on 15/10/2026

Pokémon card condition: Mint, Near Mint, Excellent… the scale with examples
The same card in five conditions, from Mint to Poor (simulation)
Simulation: the first is the real photo of Duskull AR, the others are the same photo with wear added digitally (white corners, scratches, a crease) to show how a card changes.

The condition scale

ConditionCodeWhat the card looks like
MintMPerfect, no flaws even up close
Near MintNMLike new: at most a speck or a minimal mark
ExcellentEXA few light marks on corners or edges, clean surface
GoodGDVisible wear on corners and edges, some scratches
Light PlayedLPUsed: marked edges, scratches, no creases
PlayedPLHeavily used, possible light creases
PoorPODamaged: creases, tears, stains, writing

1. Corners

Sharp corner of a genuine card and worn corners (simulation)
On the left the real corner of one of our cards, sharp and full. In the middle and on the right (simulation) the white specks typical of wear: the inner card stock showing through.

They're the first thing to check. A perfect corner is sharp and full of colour; a worn corner has white specks or is slightly rounded. Look closely, on the back as well.

2. Edges (and the back)

The blue edges of the back show every little knock as white specks: it's by far the most common flaw, even on cards fresh from the pack. On the front of Japanese cards the borders are often silver or light, so marks show less: that's why the back tells you much more.

3. The surface

Tilt the card under a lamp: scratches, fingerprints and print lines only appear in raking light. On holo and textured cards (AR, SR, SAR) scratches show more.

4. Centring

Look at the margins: on a well-centred card they're equal left and right, top and bottom. It isn't damage, but it matters a lot for grading and for the most demanding collectors. Japanese cards are known for careful centring.

How much the value changes

A lot: a Near Mint card can be worth double or more than the same card in Good condition. That's why it pays to protect cards straight away: read how to store your cards.

Cards in stock now

Chandelure 069/067 — Battle Region

Chandelure

069/067

3,99 €2 pcs
Kleavor 071/067 — Battle Region

Kleavor

071/067

2,49 €1 pcs
Mightyena 072/067 — Battle Region

Mightyena

072/067

3,49 €1 pcs
Hoothoot 073/067 — Battle Region

Hoothoot

073/067

8,79 €4 pcs

Frequently asked questions

What does Near Mint mean?+
Almost perfect: the card looks fresh from the pack, with at most a tiny flaw visible only up close.
What's the difference between Mint and Near Mint?+
Mint is flawless; Near Mint may have a white speck or a minimal mark. In practice most cards sold as new are Near Mint.
Are shop conditions and PSA grades the same?+
No: shop conditions (Mint, Near Mint…) are the seller's visual assessment; PSA, BGS and CGC give a grade from 1 to 10 after an examination and seal the card.
What condition are your cards in?+
Our cards are Near Mint or better: each one is photographed and checked by hand before shipping.

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