THE SSG GRADING SCALE
Every card is evaluated for centering, corners, edges, and surface using a consistent review process.
10 GEM MINT
Virtually flawless with outstanding eye appeal.
9 MINT
Excellent condition with only a minor imperfection.
8 NEAR MINT–MINT
Strong condition with light wear or a small defect.
7 NEAR MINT
Slight wear or multiple minor imperfections.
6 EXCELLENT–MINT
Noticeable flaws with strong overall presentation.
5 EXCELLENT
Moderate wear or several visible defects.
4 VERY GOOD–EXCELLENT
Significant wear with clear defects.
3 VERY GOOD
Major wear or defects affecting presentation.
2 GOOD
Heavy wear, damage, or multiple major defects.
1 POOR
Severe damage or extensive wear.
WHAT WE EVALUATE
CENTERING
border balance and alignment
CORNERS
sharpness, wear and damage
EDGES
chipping, roughness and defects
SURFACE
scratches, print defects, marks and imperfections
The final grade reflects the card’s complete condition and overall presentation; it is not simply a mathematical average of individual characteristics.
THE SSG GRADING SCALE
Every card is evaluated for centering, corners, edges, and surface using a consistent review process.
10 GEM MINT
— Virtually flawless with outstanding eye appeal.
9 MINT
— Excellent condition with only a minor imperfection.
8 NEAR MINT–MINT
— Strong condition with light wear or a small defect.
7 NEAR MINT
— Slight wear or multiple minor imperfections.
6 EXCELLENT–MINT
— Noticeable flaws with strong overall presentation.
5 EXCELLENT
— Moderate wear or several visible defects.
4 VERY GOOD–EXCELLENT
— Significant wear with clear defects.
3 VERY GOOD
— Major wear or defects affecting presentation.
2 GOOD
— Heavy wear, damage, or multiple major defects.
1 POOR
— Severe damage or extensive wear.
WHAT WE EVALUATE
CENTERING
border balance and alignment
CORNERS
sharpness, wear and damage
EDGES
chipping, roughness and defects
SURFACE
scratches, print defects, marks and imperfections.
The final grade reflects the card’s complete condition and overall presentation; it is not simply a mathematical average of individual characteristics.