Guide to Playing Card Grading
Decklopedia has now integrated the ability to grade your playing cards!
(Based on the scale Gene Hochman created)
“These descriptions were developed by Mr. Gene Hochman at the time of writing the original volumes of the Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards and have stood the test of time.” – Thomas Dawson
An Interview About Grading Cards
Listen to a short interview with playing card experts Tom and Judy Dawson, as they casually talk about how to grade your playing card collection.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE – Listening Time 5:29
These two authorities are responsible for finishing Gene Hochman’s work cataloging American playing cards, card makers, details, types, and brands of playing cards from the late 1700s to the early 1930s. They’re also members of the internationally acclaimed 52 Plus Joker Organization.
Decklopedia Grading Statement
We have expanded the original Hochman grading scale to the blend with 1 thru 10 grading scale.
Due to manufacturing procedures and processes, we find it is difficult to find ‘As Issued/Pristine’ decks of cards. However the deck is completed by the manufacturer, it is in the best condition it will ever be in, even if that deck has flaws in print formatting or an over-folded side tuck flap etc. The standard playing card scale attempts to rate any aftermarket damage/wear to a deck of cards once it leaves the factory.
Playing Card Condition Ratings
10 = As Issued – Absolutely no alterations of any kind, and the deck is as it was when it left the factory. Deck and box or cello and stamp, etc., are fully intact.
9 = Mint Sealed – Never opened. Still in the cello or original inner wrap. Referring to antique decks, if the cello is removed and the tax stamp or seal has been cut, but the deck is still sealed in glassine.
8 = Mint – An unused deck in perfect condition.
7 = Near Mint – Maybe used a couple of times. Some marks due to handling and natural age flaws.
6 = EX/NM – Excellent to Near Mint
5 = Excellent – Noticeable usage but no significant dirt. Good edges.
4 = VG/EX – Very Good to Excellent
3 = Very Good – A marginally playable deck with edge wear, some dirt, and possible creases. The gold edges will be worn.
2 = Good – Frayed edges, dirt, creases, and dings on corners. The backs are OK, but it’s not a playable deck. It’s worn.
1 = Fair – Extreme usage, with grubby, well-worn backs and faces.
Box Condition Ratings
Box Condition – OB (Original Box) grading is only applied to ‘Mint’ and below graded decks for specificity and are generally used with antique decks where finding them complete and in a box are extremely rare.
OB1 – AI ‘As Issued’ – MS ‘Mint Sealed’, Mint or Near Mint condition. May have minor wear or age.
OB2 – Used with wear, in average condition
OB3 – Considerable wear to edges and surfaces
Common Card Condition Notes (Definitions)
Creased – When referring to a single card being creased
Crushed (Box) Corner(s) – Box that shows pressure damage to one or more of its corners
Euchred – a deck where some cards were used (e.g., 7-A of a 52-card deck). The deck has a striped look when viewed from the side.
Missing Cards – An open deck that is missing cards
New In Box – As Issued New Condition
New Open/Missing Cellophane – As Issued New Condition with released, torn or missing cellophane
Nicked / Scraped
Stained
Soiled
Yellowed – Yellowing of the paper due to age
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