Whether you collect sports cards or have acquired just a few through the years, you should know their value. Cards in perfect condition can fetch a pretty penny, especially if they’re rare.
Even if you don’t plan on selling, knowing that you have an expensive card is fun and unique. Below, we reveal how to tell if your sports trading card is in mint condition—the most valuable grade there is.
Inspect the Card’s Corners
First, take a look at the card’s corners. Perfectly sharp and pointed corners indicate a mint condition card. Look for any signs of browning, rounding, or fraying, as these imperfections can significantly reduce the card’s value.
Check the Edges
If the corners are in perfect condition, move on to the edges. Mint condition cards will have crisp, clean edges without any chipping or wear. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the edges for any nicks or rough spots.
Check the Surface for Flaws
Next, examine the card’s surface under good lighting. A mint condition card will have a smooth, glossy surface completely free from scratches, dimples, or blemishes. Ensure there are no print lines, stains, or discoloration.
Basically, the card should look fresh off the manufacturing line and never played.
Evaluate the Centering
Centering in trading cards refers to the alignment of the card’s image and text with its borders. A mint-condition card will have no less than 55/45 alignment, and value peaks with 50/50 alignment.
To both the naked eye and magnifying glass, the card’s image and borders should be evenly aligned and centered.
Verify the Card’s Authenticity
Lastly, confirm the card’s authenticity by comparing it to known examples and checking for counterfeit indicators.
A mint-condition card won’t be worth anything if it’s inauthentic, which is why doing your research is so important for growing a dream trading card collection. Authentic cards will have clear printing, official logos, and the correct weight and feel.
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By following these steps, you can accurately determine if your sports trading card is in mint condition. If you discover you have a mint-condition card, you can decide to sell it for a chunk of cash or preserve your rare memorabilia.
