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Action Figure Grading Guide

The “C-Scale” Packaged Action Figure Grade definitions described by Eric G. Myers. These definitions are very relevant to the particular ways packaged action figures can show wear and imperfections. Because of their relevance and specificity, these definitions provide a helpful guide for collectors. The definitions are:

C10 (Mint)   General Card is flat with bright, clear colors. Depending on original condition, most cards have a noticeable sheen. No stains, tears, holes, or writing (with the possible exception of autographs.) Card may be punched or unpunched, though some collectors view an unpunched card with no other flaws as the pinnacle of "mintness."
    Edges Tight, no fraying or separation allowed
    Corner Curl None allowed
    Creases None allowed
    Price Tag / Card Surface Tear None allowed
    Bubble Clear, completely attached, no yellowing, no crushing, no dents, dings, malformations or cracks of any size



C8-9 (Near Mint)   General Card is flat (or nearly flat) with bright, clear colors. Depending on original condition, most cards have a noticeable sheen. No stains, tears, holes, or writing (with the possible exception of autographs. See above). Card may be punched or unpunched
    Edges Tight, no fraying or separation allowed
    Corner Curl Minimally allowed if no creasing or cracking has occurred (i.e., card probably could be flattened out without further damage). Should be barely noticeable
    Creases None allowed
    Price Tag / Card Surface Tear None allowed
    Bubble Clear, completely attached, no yellowing, no crushing. Minimal dents or dings if barely noticeable. No severe malformations or cracks of any size



C6-7 (Fine)   General Card may be curled and/or creased to some degree (no cracking of ink/print). Colors are still reasonably bright though some of the original sheen may have faded. Card has no major tears, stains, holes or writing (with the possible exception of autographs. See above). Card may be punched or unpunched  
    Edges Mostly tight. May have some minor fraying or separation (section[s] less than 1 inch in length total)  
    Corner Curl May be more pronounced with minor permanent creasing/cracking of print and/or fraying of card at corners (1-2 corners)  
    Creases Minor creases allowed. No cracking of print or ink allowed along creases  
    Price Tag / Card Surface Tear Small tears (less than 1/8 inch) permitted  
    Bubble Some yellowing may have occurred. Bubble may appear light tan or yellowish, but not dark tan or brown. Bubble is not opaque. Bubble is still primarily attached (i.e., there is no possibility that the figure could have been removed), though may have detached sections smaller than 1/2 inch without tears to any other part of the card front. Bubble may show some signs of damage or crushing if reformed. Minor dents or dings are allowable. Cracks less than 1/8 inch are allowed  



C4-5 (Good)   General Card may be curled or creased permanently including cracked print/ink. Original sheen may have almost completed faded to a flat, dull finish though colors remain. Card may have small tears (less than 1/2 inch). Card may also have some stains/dirt and/or writing (including autographs). Small holes may also be present (1-3 pinholes or one large hole less than 1/4 inch in diameter)
    Edges May have some minor fraying or separation (section[s] less than 3 inches in length total)
    Corner Curl May be severe with permanent creasing/cracking of print with severe fraying of card corners (1-4 corners)
    Creases More severe creases that may include cracking of print or ink
    Price Tag / Card Surface Tear Larger tears (less than 1/4 inch) permitted
    Bubble More pronounced yellowing may be present. Bubble may be medium tan, but not completely brown. Bubble is not completely opaque. Bubble is still primarily attached (i.e., there is no possibility that the figure could have been removed), though it may have detached sections smaller than 1 inch. This detachment may involve other parts of the card front including tears to the print/ink. Bubble may have cracks less than 1/4 inch. May have pronounced bubble damage such as crushing or large dents without any reformation



C2-3 (Poor)   General Card may be almost completely folded over or severely curled/creased including cracked print/ink. Original sheen may have completely faded to a flat, dull finish and colors/inks themselves may have also faded/discolored. Card may also have more pronounced stains (such as water stains) or dirt. Card may have more pronounced tears or holes
    Edges May have pronounced fraying and separation (greater than 3 inches total)
    Corner Curl May be severe with permanent creasing/cracking of print with severe fraying of card corners (2-4 corners)
    Creases Card may be permanently creased with cracked print/ink. Card can be almost completely folded over
    Price Tag / Card Surface Tear More pronounced tears on card surface (1/4 up to 1 inch)
    Bubble Severe yellowing may be present. Card may be completely brown or opaque in sections. Bubble is still attached, though it may be detached on up to two complete sides. Although unlikely, it may be possible that the figure could have been removed and re-inserted into bubble. Detached areas may involve the card front surface including pronounced tears in the print/ink. Bubble may be completely crushed (if figure is undamaged) and contain major dents/dings without any reformation. Bubble may have cracks up to inch in length



C1 (Very Poor)   General Card may be completely ripped or curled with permanent crease. One or more prominent holes may be present. Water stains (or other stains) and similar damage may also be present. Card may have writing (including autographs). Print colors may have faded completely in spots
    Edges Card front and back may be completely unattached (two separate sheets of cardboard) or may be severely frayed
    Corner Curl Corners may be severely curled or torn with permanent creasing/cracking (< 2 corners)
    Creases Card may be permanently creased with cracked print/ink. Card can be completely folded
    Price Tag / Card Surface Tear Large tears (over 1 inch) due to price tag or other removal may be present
    Bubble May be completely brown/dark yellow. Bubble may be cloudy or opaque totally or in part. Large cracks (larger than 2 inches) may be present. Bubble may be detached from card to the point which the figure may have been removed. Major crushing or other bubble damage may be present



Alternative “C-Scale” Grading

Some other online sites use a similar but more generalized (and therefore less useful) “C-Scale” grading scheme. The definitions of this grading are:

C10 The C10 rating represents perfection and is incredibly rare
C9 Figures have minimal defects and are excellent collector-quality toys
C8.5 Figures are in very good condition
C8 Figures with the lowest collector-grade rating, have visible flaws, but do not look worn
C6-7 Figures have rips and apparent flaws
C5 Figures with very poor quality. They often have large parts missing and well-worn features

NOTE: Collectors need to understand the exact definitions of the grading scales in use at different sites/publications, since the seemingly similar C-Scale definitions have significant differences.

AFA GradingThe last important grading scheme popularly used within the action figure community is by a company called the Action Figure Authority (AFA). For a fee, the collector physically mails their figure to the AFA who examines it and applies their own grading to it. The collector receives their figure back in a special case with a certificate and sticker that displays the AFA Grading for that figure. AFA-graded figures typically have a higher resale value and are better preserved for collectors. Collectors should consult www.toygrader.com for more information about the AFA services, but for packaged action figures, there are two scales. The AFA “Modern Grading Scale” is for figures produced from 1995 to the present. It is a 10-point scale that helps the AFA graders “better assess an item’s relative condition to that of other similar items with small production and packaging flaws.” The AFA “Standard, Qualified, & Loose” grading scale ranges from 10 to 100. Depending on the particular figure (how packaged, loose, etc.), the AFA graders may apply sub-grades for the card, plastic window, mailer box, etc when using this scale.

 AFA Grading

 

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