Last Updated: June 2026

Overview

At TAJINE LLC, we strive to accurately describe the condition of football cards and collectibles whenever condition information is provided.

Card condition is an important factor in collectibility and value. While we make reasonable efforts to evaluate cards fairly, condition assessments remain subjective and may vary between collectors, dealers, and professional grading companies.

This guide is intended to help customers better understand our condition terminology.

Important Notice

Unless otherwise stated:

  • Raw cards are not professionally graded.
  • Minor imperfections may be present.
  • Condition assessments are opinions, not guarantees.
  • Professional grading companies may assign different grades.
  • Manufacturing defects can occur directly from the manufacturer.

Customers seeking investment-grade cards should consider professionally graded products.

Mint (MT)

A Mint card is a card that appears virtually flawless upon casual inspection.

Characteristics may include:

  • Sharp corners
  • Clean edges
  • Strong surface quality
  • Excellent centering
  • Minimal or no visible wear

Even cards appearing Mint may not receive a Gem Mint grade from professional grading companies.

Near Mint (NM)

Near Mint is the condition most collectors expect from modern cards.

Characteristics may include:

  • Sharp corners
  • Minor edge wear
  • Minor surface imperfections
  • Slight print defects
  • Slight centering variation

Most modern cards pulled directly from packs fall within this category.

Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT)

Cards in this category generally display strong overall eye appeal with only minor imperfections visible upon close inspection.

Possible imperfections may include:

  • Small surface marks
  • Minor edge wear
  • Slight corner wear
  • Minor print lines

Excellent (EX)

Excellent cards show moderate signs of handling or age.

Possible characteristics:

  • Noticeable corner wear
  • Edge wear
  • Surface scratches
  • Minor discoloration
  • Moderate centering issues

These cards remain attractive but are no longer considered high-grade examples.

Very Good (VG)

Very Good cards show clear signs of use.

Possible characteristics:

  • Rounded corners
  • Surface wear
  • Multiple scratches
  • Edge chipping
  • Minor creases
  • Printing imperfections

Collectors often purchase Very Good cards for set building or personal collections.

Good (GD)

Good cards exhibit substantial wear.

Possible characteristics:

  • Heavy corner wear
  • Significant edge wear
  • Surface damage
  • Creases
  • Staining
  • Discoloration

Despite wear, the card remains identifiable and collectible.

Fair (FR)

Fair condition cards display heavy wear and handling.

Possible issues include:

  • Multiple creases
  • Surface damage
  • Writing
  • Staining
  • Heavy edge wear
  • Noticeable visual defects

These cards are generally purchased as budget collector items.

Poor (PR)

Poor condition cards show extensive wear and damage.

Possible characteristics:

  • Major creases
  • Tears
  • Missing paper
  • Water damage
  • Writing
  • Significant structural damage

These cards typically have minimal collector value except in rare circumstances.

Surface Imperfections

Even modern cards may contain manufacturing imperfections such as:

  • Print lines
  • Roller marks
  • Scratches
  • Surface dimples
  • Chrome surface issues
  • Factory defects

These imperfections may exist immediately after opening a pack.

Corner Quality

Corner quality is one of the most important factors in card condition.

Factors considered include:

  • Sharpness
  • Whitening
  • Fraying
  • Corner bends
  • Corner softening

Even small corner flaws can significantly impact grading outcomes.

Edge Quality

Card edges are evaluated for:

  • Chipping
  • Whitening
  • Fraying
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Wear from handling

Dark-bordered cards often reveal edge wear more easily than light-bordered cards.

Centering

Centering refers to how evenly the card image is positioned within its borders.

Cards may display:

  • Perfect centering
  • Slight centering variation
  • Moderate centering variation
  • Significant off-centering

Manufacturing centering issues are common and can affect grading results.

Autograph Cards

For autograph cards:

  • The authenticity of manufacturer-certified autographs is determined by the manufacturer.
  • Sticker placement and signature quality vary.
  • Smudges or light signatures may occur.

Autograph quality does not necessarily affect authenticity.

Memorabilia and Patch Cards

Memorabilia cards may contain:

  • Fabric pieces
  • Jersey swatches
  • Patch materials

Variations in color, texture, and appearance are normal and determined by the manufacturer.

Graded Cards

For professionally graded cards:

  • The grade displayed is assigned by the grading company.
  • TAJINE LLC does not alter grades.
  • Slabs may contain minor scratches or manufacturing marks.
  • Future regrades may differ.

Grading remains an opinion of the grading company at the time of evaluation.

Sealed Products

TAJINE LLC cannot guarantee the condition of individual cards contained inside sealed products.

Manufacturing defects can occur before products leave the factory.

Possible issues include:

  • Print defects
  • Surface scratches
  • Off-centering
  • Damage during packaging

These matters are controlled by the manufacturer.

Condition Disputes

If you have questions regarding a product’s condition, we encourage you to contact us before making a purchase whenever possible.

Additional photos or information may be available for certain items.

Contact Us

TAJINE LLC
939 Dola Mine Road
Cary, NC 27513
United States

Email: contact@tajinellc.com
Phone: (479) 345-1674

Our goal is to provide accurate descriptions, transparent communication, and a positive collecting experience for every customer.