How Grading Works

Condition is everything in collecting. Here's how I describe what I sell, so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy.

Graded vs. Raw

Graded items have been evaluated by an independent third-party grading company, sealed in a tamper-evident holder, and assigned a numeric grade. The grading company and grade are always listed in the title and description.

Raw items have not been professionally graded. I describe their condition myself, honestly and conservatively, and photograph them front and back so you can judge for yourself.

Sports Cards

I sell both graded and raw cards. Most of my inventory is raw.

Graded cards use the grading company's 1–10 scale. For reference, here is the common PSA scale:

  • 10 Gem Mint · 9 Mint · 8 NM-MT · 7 Near Mint
  • 6 EX-MT · 5 Excellent · 4 VG-EX · 3 Very Good
  • 2 Good · 1 Poor

Raw cards are described using standard hobby terms (Near Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Poor), with specific notes on corners, edges, centering, surface, and creases. I don't assign numeric grades to raw cards. That's the grading companies' job.

Concert Posters & Handbills

Posters and handbills are sold professionally graded and encapsulated. Each listing shows the grading company, the grade, and clear photos of the item in its holder.

Vinyl Records

Records are graded visually and by play, with the vinyl and the cover graded separately. Here's the scale I use:

  • Mint (M): Perfect, likely unplayed or still sealed
  • Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect, minimal signs of handling
  • Excellent (EX): Light signs of play, no impact on sound
  • Very Good Plus (VG+): Light wear or scuffs, plays cleanly
  • Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear, some surface noise when played
  • Good Plus (G+): Heavier wear and surface noise, plays through
  • Good (G): Significant wear and noise, still plays through without skipping
  • Fair (F): Heavy wear, may have skips or distortion
  • Worn (W): For display or collection completion only

I also note any seam splits, ring wear, writing, stickers, or skips in each listing.

Disneyana & Vintage Paper

Vintage paper items such as park guides, postcards, brochures, and tickets are described by condition with specific flaws noted: creases, tears, fading, stains, writing, or tape. If it's there, I mention it and photograph it.

My Promise

Every item is photographed in detail and described honestly, flaws included. If something isn't as described, every purchase is covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.

Questions about a specific item? Email jakemansports@gmail.com or send me a message through eBay.