plastiq fantastiq: "Mint to Near Mint" - The ABC of the Grading System

Hey y'all,

I would like to introduce you today to The Grading System. I first got introduced to the grading system when i collected comic books and basketball trading cards way back in the days.

I guess the grading system can be used for any kind of collectables, be it toys, comic books, or trading cards. So here's a grading card that you can follow to help determine what your collection is worth.

Let's discuss a few descriptions, shall we..

Gem Mint
We're talking straight from the assembly line, have not made it out of the factory and untouched by consumers. Unless you work for Hasbro factory assembling toys in the United States, there's NO WAY we could get any toy with this grade in Indonesia.
Grade: Perfect 10

Mint
With this grade, the product have been put into shipping boxes, made it out of the factory, bought by a consumer, and kept in beautiful state/condition until the day he/she dies.
Grade: 9.9

Mint to Near Mint
Almost the same condition as a Mint, but have been undergoing minor handling methods.. such as from the store workers who put price labels on them, have fingerprints on them after being passed-around and oogled by fanboys, and then put back into the shelf.
Grade: 9.8

Near Mint (+) to Near Mint (-)
Almost the same condition as a Near Mint, but have been undergoing a bit more handling methods.. such as from the store workers who put price labels on them, have fingerprints on them after being passed-around and oogled by fanboys, and then put back into the shelf. The difference from Near Mint is that this toy has been in the store for quite some time, perhaps years, and have minor shading on the plastic casing due to continuous exposure to light.
Grade: 9.8 - 9.5

Well, you get the idea.. i wouldn't collect anything less then this, basically :) A word of advise: don't go around poking inside the discount bins for loose figures if you're objective is too look for toys with the grades above, coz you'll be disappointed.

But what if you opened the box and displayed the toy? ..even if the box is kept to a great condition and the toy is put in a shelf away from dust and danger, would it still be considered Mint? ..or will it be considered Poor?

Don't know about you, but i think toys purchased should be opened and displayed (or played if you're a kid), regardless :)

Anyway, here's some things i have that i can definitely categorize in any of the above grades.. except Gem Mint, of course :)

Star Wars The Original Trilogy Series Obi-Wan Kenobi (Vintage Card)