Pokemon Card Condition Guide — NM vs LP vs MP vs HP vs Damaged
Whether you’re buying Pokemon cards online or preparing to sell your collection, understanding card condition grades is one of the most fundamental skills in the hobby. Overstating a card’s condition is the fastest way to lose a buyer’s trust. Understating it means leaving money on the table. Here’s the definitive guide to the five standard condition grades used across the Australian Pokemon TCG market.
Near Mint (NM) — The Standard for Selling Raw Cards
Near Mint is the gold standard for most card transactions. A NM card looks essentially unplayed — crisp edges, no visible wear on the card surface, no whitening on corners or edges, and clean printing with no print defects. Very light handling marks that are only visible under direct light at the right angle are still considered NM by most sellers.
The vast majority of cards pulled fresh from packs are NM — though some sets are notoriously prone to print quality issues straight from the pack. Always check before assuming NM.
Lightly Played (LP) — Light Handling Wear
LP cards have minor signs of use: slight whitening on one or two corners, very minor edge wear, or faint scratches on the card surface that don’t affect the overall appeal. These are cards that have clearly been played or handled, but remain presentable and desirable to collectors.
LP cards typically sell for 80-85% of NM price on the Australian market, though this varies by card value. On expensive cards, LP vs NM can be a $50+ difference.
Moderately Played (MP) — Clear Wear Present
MP cards show obvious wear: multiple whitened corners, edge wear around the entire card, moderate scratching on the surface, or slight creasing. These cards are still fully identifiable and structurally sound, but the condition is immediately apparent when handled.
MP typically sells for 50-70% of NM price. For bulk common cards, MP is often acceptable. For expensive singles, MP condition significantly impacts value.
Heavily Played (HP) — Significant Damage
HP cards have heavy wear across corners and edges, deep scratches, significant creasing, or other damage that clearly reduces the card’s appeal. The card is still intact and recognisable but has been through a lot.
HP cards sell for 20-40% of NM price in most cases. These cards are rarely worth grading (grades would land in the PSA 2-4 range at best) and are usually only purchased by players who need the card for gameplay without caring about condition.
Damaged (D) — Heavily Compromised
Damaged cards have structural issues: heavy creasing, bends, tears, water damage, writing on the card, or missing pieces. These cards are essentially valueless from a collector perspective and may not be tournament-legal for gameplay either.
The only exception is extremely rare vintage cards where even damaged copies hold significant value due to scarcity.
Grading Your Own Cards Accurately
The most common mistake new sellers make is overgrading. When in doubt, grade one step lower than you think. The reverse — listing an MP card as NM — destroys trust and generates disputes.
Check cards under direct LED light, looking specifically at corners and edges first. Then examine the card surface for scratches and the back for scratching or fading. Finally, check for any print defects from the factory.
If you’re buying or selling Pokemon cards in Australia, HOKO Collectables grades all singles accurately and stands behind the condition described. Browse the singles collection or reach out if you have cards to sell.