Grading ScaleThe typical way of grading is on the “C” scale. It ranges from C1 (poor) to C10 (mint). Anything that typically would fall into a C6 or below will not be listed on our site in the main store area (unless a rare item such as Fortress Maximus etc), but will be listed in the Smelting Pool. There are many ways to arrive at an items grade, but I tend to follow the same grading scale as several other sites do for figures. Typically I will subtract 1/2-2 grades from C10 for the following items:
- Is anything broken or repaired? - subtract anywhere from at least 2 to at most 7 grades depending on extent of damage
- Is there any sticker wear? - subtract 1 grade for heavy wear, 1/2 grade for light wear (we don’t lower grades because stickers are missing, so a figure missing all stickers may grade higher than one that has all the stickers with heavy wear on them)
- Is there any chrome or paint wear? - subtract 1 grade for heavy wear, 1/2 grade for light wear
- Are the joints loose? - subtract 1 grade for very loose, 1/2 grade for slightly loose
- Any yellowing of parts? - subtract 1 grade for yellowing/discoloration
The grades will be listed in the description of the figures (we do not grade boxes but will list if there are any flaws on them). Typically we won’t rate anything a C10 unless it’s just come out of the package, because there are usually small flaws that can be missed by us.
Paperwork items sold separately will be graded in a similar fashion. Starting at C-10 we will subtract as follows:
- Is it repaired or missing pages/pieces? 1-5 grades depending upon severity
- Does it have any holes/tears ? 1-3 grades
- Any creases or bends? 1/2 - 1 grade
- Any edge wear? 1/2-3 grades
- Any writing/staining/discoloration?1/2-5 grades
More terms to know:
MIB/MOC (Boxed)
