If you’re diving deep into the world of trading cards, knowing about the condition of your cards is super important. The condition can impact how you collect and most definitely the value. So let’s explore the different flaws you might encounter in your card journey!
Common Card Condition Flaws
- Corner Wear:
Have you noticed any rounded or frayed corners? That’s corner wear! It often happens from handling or storage. Often a lot worse with squared corners. While it shouldn’t ruin your fun, major corner wear can make your card less appealing and affect its value. - Edge Wear:
Sometimes the edges of cards can get a little rough, chipped, faded or worn. Just like corner wear, this can happen from regular use. Though it may not affect gameplay, it can certainly impact how desirable your card is. - Surface Scratches:
Those pesky scratches can show up from cards rubbing against each other or other rough surfaces. a small surface scratch or two may be no big deal, but a deeper one will lower your card’s overall condition. - Print Lines:
If you see lines on the card’s surface, don’t worry—they’re often just part of the printing process! These can affect collectibility in strange ways, some collect them others don’t want them. This usually won’t impact how the card plays. - Fading:
Cards can fade over time if they’re left in the sun or near some light sources. This might dull the beautiful artwork, so it’s a good idea to keep them protected from the elements. - Creases and Bends:
Uh-oh! Creases happen when a card is bent or folded. While it might still shuffle into your deck, it’s not the most desirable condition for collectors and is an instant no for most people buying. - Water Damage:
If your card gets wet, it can warp, swell or become discoloured. Water damage is a real heartbreak for collectors, so keep those cards away from moisture! - Stains and Marks:
Anything can leave a mark, but most common are snacks and drinks. Whether it’s a smudge or more significant staining, these can make a card look less appealing and lower its value. - Stickiness:
If your cards feel sticky, they might have been exposed to humidity or leftover glue from production. It could just be food or drink but take care when pulling apart stuck cards as almost always they will rip.
How Card Condition Affects You
- Playability:
Some flaws, like minor edge wear, might not affect gameplay too much. But issues like creases can make it hard to shuffle or play effectively. Always consider how any flaws might impact your game time! - Collectable Value:
If you’re collecting cards, their condition really matters! Cards range from Mint (Perfectly printed and Flawless) to Heavily Damaged (Almost unidentifyable). Keeping cards in better condition helps you get more value if you decide to trade or sell. - Market Trends:
Collectors usually want high-quality cards, so understanding condition can help you navigate buying and selling in the community! An older card will have value at a lightly played condition, whereas a new card would have to be mint for the value to hold.
Keeping Your Cards in Great Condition
- Store Them Right:
Use protective sleeves, top loaders, and/or binders to keep your cards safe. Try to keep them away from direct sunlight and control humidity to keep them at their best. When storing cards in a box, try keep them flush to prevent bending and warping. - Handle with Care:
When you’re showing off your cards, handle them by the edges to avoid fingerprints and a loose grip to prevent bending or edge wear. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands first, it stops any dirt you may have on your hands getting to your cards! We go a step further and use cotton gloves after cleaning when handling our cards. - Check Your Cards Often:
Take a peek at your collection now and then. Catching little issues early can help prevent bigger ones down the road. For instance, I once loved a coin so much that it went into my personal collection, however after closing the binder and leaving it I came back to find the coin had imprinted on the card opposite.
Understanding the different flaws that can affect your card’s condition is a fun and important part of being in the TCG world! By taking a little extra care, you can protect your cards and enjoy your collecting journey even more.
