MTG Card Condition Guide

Not sure whether your Magic: The Gathering card is Near Mint, Excellent or Played? Our practical card condition guide explains the grading labels you'll see when buying or selling MTG singles. Use it to check your cards before asking Scotsman26777 for an offer.

Condition affects the value of an MTG card, and small differences can matter especially for older, scarce and foil printings. These descriptions are guidance rather than a professional grading certification. We'll confirm the condition and the final offer after reviewing the actual cards.

MTG card condition grades explained

Mint (M) — virtually flawless

A Mint card should be exceptionally clean, with no visible handling damage, edge wear, scratches, dents or creases. This is a very high standard. A card being freshly opened from a booster does not automatically make it Mint, because print or handling imperfections can exist from the start.

Near Mint (NM) — exceptionally clean

A Near Mint card looks very clean on both sides. At most, it might have a tiny, barely noticeable imperfection under close inspection. Obvious whitening, scratches, scuffs or damage suggest a lower grade. Check the back and all four corners carefully.

Excellent (EX) — light signs of handling

An Excellent card is attractive and well cared for, but may show small signs of use, such as slight edge whitening or faint surface marks. Wear should be limited and not immediately prominent when viewing the card normally.

Good (GD) — noticeable but moderate wear

A Good card shows more noticeable handling or play wear. Edge whitening, surface marks and small scuffs may be visible, but the card remains intact and identifiable. It will generally look clearly used when inspected closely.

Light Played (LP) — clear signs of play

A Light Played card has evident wear, potentially including more pronounced whitening, scratches or other imperfections. It is typically still suitable for casual or sleeved play, subject to the card's actual condition and the rules of the event.

Played (PL) — significant wear

A Played card shows substantial use. Worn edges, scuffs, scratches and other visible damage can affect its appearance and value. We'll assess individual damage carefully; don't assume a worn card will be acceptable for sanctioned play.

Poor (PO) — heavily damaged or altered

Poor covers cards with serious damage or alterations, such as major creases, water damage, significant bending, inked edges or other heavy defects. These cards may have very limited resale value, even when the card itself is sought after. Please disclose any such damage before requesting an offer.

How to check the condition of your MTG cards

  1. Look at both sides. Wear on the card back is easy to overlook.
  2. Check each corner and edge. Small white spots and rubbed edges can affect the grade.
  3. Inspect the surface under good light. Tilt the card gently to see scratches, indentations, clouding or scuffs.
  4. Check foils especially carefully. Foil surfaces can reveal scratches, clouding, curling and other issues more clearly.
  5. Watch for bends and alterations. Creases, water damage, marker ink, signatures, altered artwork and manufacturing oddities should be mentioned separately.
  6. When in doubt, be conservative. If a card sits between two grades, describe the wear in your list rather than guessing.

What to include when requesting a price

We prefer a card list, not photographs, for initial pricing. ManaBox CSV exports and Moxfield deck links or exports are welcome, along with spreadsheets, CSVs and typed lists. Include card names, exact set or printing, quantity and estimated condition, adding language and foil or special finish where relevant. For a large collection, start with notable cards and an approximate count of the remainder. We may request photographs later for a particular unusual or valuable card if needed to verify its condition, printing or authenticity.

Does a misprint or a signature change the value?

Potentially. Some unusual printings, artist signatures and authentic printing errors can appeal to specialist collectors, while other alterations reduce demand. Tell us about them rather than assuming they make the card more valuable. We assess unusual cards individually.

Ready to sell your Magic cards?

Scotsman26777 considers selected MTG singles, Commander staples, desirable cards, sealed Magic products and worthwhile collections in the UK. Your initial condition estimate helps us review your enquiry, but any final offer depends on the confirmed cards, printings, condition and current demand.

Learn how to sell your MTG cards to Scotsman26777 or contact us about your collection.