MPE Grading Scale: Understanding How We Grade Your Cards

At MPE Grading, we use a 1-10 grading scale to assess the quality and condition of your trading cards and sports cards. Each card is carefully inspected for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality before receiving a final grade.

MPE Grading Scale (1-10)

10 – Gem Mint

Virtually perfect card with no visible flaws under magnification.
Centering is 55/45 or better on the front and 75/25 or better on the back.
Sharp corners, flawless edges, and a pristine surface with no print lines or scratches.

9 – Mint

Nearly perfect card with only minor imperfections upon close inspection.
Centering is 60/40 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Extremely sharp corners, clean edges, and minimal surface wear.

8 – Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT)

A high-quality card with slight wear visible upon close examination.
Centering is 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Corners may have very slight touches, with edges and surfaces showing minimal wear.

7 – Near Mint (NM)

Minor flaws like faint edge wear, minor print defects, or slight corner rounding.
Centering is 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Clean surface with no major scratches, though slight imperfections may exist.

6 – Excellent-Mint (EX-MT)

Noticeable but minor imperfections like light corner wear or small surface scratches.
Centering is 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back.
Small amounts of edge wear may be present.

5 – Excellent (EX)

More pronounced corner and edge wear, but still in solid collectible condition.
Surface may have minor scuffs or slight print defects.
Centering remains decent but not perfect.

4 – Very Good-Excellent (VG-EX)

Moderate wear on corners and edges.
May have light creases or some surface imperfections.
A solid card but clearly played or handled.

3 – Very Good (VG)

Heavier wear on corners and edges.
Potential surface creases or print issues.
May have visible scuffing or slight discoloration.

2 – Good (G)

Significant wear, noticeable creases, and possible edge chipping.
May have surface damage or staining but is still identifiable.

1 – Poor (P)

Severe damage, heavy creasing, or major surface issues.
Card may have tears, holes, water damage, or extreme wear.

How MPE Grading Uses This Scale

Each card submitted to MPE Grading is:

Individually examined under proper lighting and magnification.
Checked for centering, edges, corners, and surface condition based on our strict standards.
Sealed in a protective case with its official MPE Grading label and final grade.

Our goal is to provide accurate, transparent, and fair grading, ensuring that your collection maintains its value and authenticity.

Submit your cards today and experience the MPE Grading difference!