Representing the zenith of card perfection, this grade exudes impeccable corners, flawless edges, and a lustrous gloss, capturing the epitome of luxury.

This grade is awarded to cards with four razor-sharp corners, crisp focus, and full original surface gloss. The card must be free from any staining. Minor printing imperfections may be permitted only if they do not detract from the overall eye appeal.

Centre alignment must be within approximately 55/45 on the front and up to 75/25 on the back.

Virtually immaculate, this grade signifies a card where nuanced imperfections are discerned only upon the most detailed scrutiny, reflecting unparalleled refinement.

The card is in excellent condition with only a single minor flaw that prevents it from achieving a Gem Mint rating.

Possible imperfections include a faint wax mark on the reverse, a subtle printing blemish, or marginally off-white borders. The card must maintain strong overall eye appeal, with centring approximately 60/40 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Reflecting meticulous care, this grade subtly acknowledges its vintage while showcasing minimal wear, maintaining its esteemed allure.

This is a high-grade card that may initially appear Mint 9 but reveals very slight imperfections under closer examination.

Acceptable flaws at this level include a faint wax stain on the reverse, subtle corner fraying (at no more than one or two corners), a minor printing imperfection, or slightly off-white borders.

Centring must be approximately 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

With minor, tastefully-acknowledged indications of wear, this grade maintains a poised presentation, accentuating its inherent sophistication.

The card remains in strong collectible condition, showing only light signs of handling or age upon closer inspection.

Minor surface wear may be visible, and some corners may display slight fraying. Slightly off-centre image focus or a small printing blemish is acceptable. Light wax staining is permitted, but only on the reverse. The card should retain most of its original gloss.

Centring must be approximately 70/30 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Embodying a harmonious blend of age and elegance, this card displays moderated indications of handling while retaining its distinguished charm.

This card may display light but noticeable signs of wear while still maintaining solid overall appeal.

Acceptable flaws include visible surface wear or minor printing defects that do not significantly affect presentation. A faint scratch may be detectable under close inspection. Corners may show slight, even fraying, and image focus may be subtly off-register. The card may exhibit some loss of original gloss, slight edge notching, a minor wax stain on the reverse, or faint off-whiteness around the borders.

Centring must be 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Embracing its age with grace, this grade acknowledges moderate wear while preserving an air of regal collectability.

This card shows clear evidence of handling or ageing but remains visually appealing overall.

Minor corner rounding becomes more noticeable at this grade. Surface wear and printing flaws are more apparent, and slight edge chipping may be present. Loss of original gloss is more visible, and the image may be slightly out-of-register. Multiple fine scratches may be detected under close inspection, though they should not significantly detract from the card’s presentation. Some border discolouration or off-whiteness is acceptable.

Centring must be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

Showcasing the esteemed card's journey, this grade maintains a polished presentation, recognizing its historical significance with dignity.

This card shows moderate signs of wear but still retains decent overall appeal.

Corners may be mildly rounded, and surface wear is clearly noticeable. Light scuffing or surface scratches may be present, though not severe. Some of the card’s original gloss will remain. Slight off-whiteness on the borders is acceptable, and a light crease may be visible, provided it does not significantly impact the overall look of the card.

Centring must be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse.

With discernible indications of historical wear, this grade underscores the card's narrative significance, preserving its collectible legacy.

This card shows clear and consistent signs of wear, though it remains intact and collectible.

Corners will be noticeably rounded, though not excessively. Surface wear is evident and may include light scuffing or scratches. The image may be slightly out of focus, and edge wear will be more pronounced. Most of the original gloss will have faded. Borders may appear yellowed or discoloured. A visible crease is acceptable at this grade, and minor printing defects may also be present. A faint stain may be visible on the front, while wax staining on the reverse may be more noticeable.

Centring must be 90/10 or better on both the front and reverse.

Despite pronounced wear, this grade stands as a beacon of resilience and historical significance, maintaining its position as a coveted artefact.

This card shows heavy signs of wear and ageing, with multiple imperfections visible.

Corners will be significantly rounded, and surface wear is more pronounced. The front of the card may exhibit scratches, scuff marks, light stains, or areas where the surface enamel has chipped. Multiple creases may be present, and any original gloss is likely to be fully worn away. Noticeable discolouration across the card is common at this grade.

Centring must be 90/10 or better on both the front and reverse.

Emblematic of age and historical narrative, this grade, while bearing wear, retains an irreplaceable legacy and inherent value.

This card is in severely damaged condition, with significant defects that greatly diminish its eye appeal and collectability.

Cards at this grade may be missing small pieces, suffer from heavy creasing that nearly breaks through the card stock, or display extreme discolouration and dirt buildup—potentially obscuring key details or text on the front or back. Warping or other serious structural damage may also be present.

This grade represents cards that are heavily worn but still retain enough of their original form to be identifiable.