Collector guide
Pokémon Card Condition Guide
Condition changes both value and collecting experience. RAWCATCH uses clear condition labels and exact-card scans so you can judge the physical card being offered—not a stock image.
What does “raw” mean?
A raw Pokémon card has not been encapsulated and assigned a numerical grade by a third-party grading company. Raw does not automatically mean poor condition. A raw card can range from clean Near Mint condition to heavily worn or damaged.
Common raw-card condition levels
Near Mint (NM)
A Near Mint card should present cleanly with only minimal signs of handling. Tiny edge or corner imperfections may exist, especially when viewed under strong light or magnification. Near Mint is not a promise that a professional grading company will award a particular grade.
Lightly Played (LP)
Lightly Played cards show minor, noticeable wear—such as light edge whitening, small corner wear or faint surface marks—while remaining attractive in a binder or collection.
Moderately Played (MP)
Moderately Played cards have more obvious wear. This may include broader edge whitening, multiple surface scratches, visible corner wear or small imperfections that are easy to see during normal inspection.
Heavily Played (HP)
Heavily Played cards show substantial wear but remain identifiable and collectible. Expect pronounced whitening, scratches, creasing or other major handling evidence.
Damaged (DMG)
Damaged cards may have tears, major creases, water damage, peeling, writing, severe dents or other structural issues. They can still suit budget collectors, deck use or set completion when the defect is clearly understood.
How to inspect a Pokémon card online
- Check all four corners for whitening, compression and bends.
- Follow every edge and compare wear on the front and back.
- Inspect the surface for scratches, dents, print lines and clouding.
- Look at centring if presentation or future grading matters to you.
- Use the stated condition as a guide, then make your decision from the exact images.
RAWCATCH lets you flip and zoom the card before catching it. That transparency matters because two copies of the same card can have very different condition and value.