TOY GRADING GUIDE

I have received many emails asking me how to get their figures graded. I have been collecting for quite a long time now from various toys lines and have a pretty “good eye” when it comes to collecting. Many of you, who are new to collecting, will find this informative and helpful, but not comprehensive. For more information I would suggest visiting the listed toy grading sites mentioned as well as doing your own research.

In this Review Guide you will discover the three mostly commonly used sources for sending items to grade, and an explanation of some commonly used terms and abbreviations that are used interchangeably in this growing field. Toy grading has only recently exploded within the past 10 years or so, and while for many, it’s just for nostalgia sake for others it’s becoming a growing investment.

ACTION FIGURE AUTHORITY

www.toygrader.com

Why Use AFA

Peace of Mind for Buyers

Today's collector has seen a huge growth in sight-unseen purchases. The purchase of action figures through the Internet, mail and phone have opened the door to greater selection and prices never before available to collectors. On the other hand, it is impossible to know exactly what you are getting until it arrives. A seller could describe the figure in C9 condition and you purchase the item. When you receive it, you think it looks more like a C8. Sure, you can return the figure, but you're left feeling cheated and lose money and time on the transaction. AFA virtually eliminates this problem by standardizing the grading scale.

In addition, counterfeiters exist in any collectible market where money is involved. The carded action figure market is no exception. These crooks attempt to deliberately alter or counterfeit items for monetary gain. With today's advanced technology in computers, printing presses, etc. counterfeiters now have the advanced tools to successfully mislead the collector. They can actually create reproduction card backs and can even remove blister bubbles and reapply them without anyone knowing! While it is not always easy to spot their forgeries or tampering, the graders at AFA are experts at identifying them.

Figure graded by AFA gives you the confidence and peace of mind to know that the figure is authentic and has been properly graded by a professional. Buyers will enjoy the peace of mind and security of knowing exactly what they are getting.

Higher Resale Value for Sellers

Sellers can usually expect a dramatic increase in the resale value of their figures if they are graded by AFA. Buyers trust AFA graded items for all of the above reasons. Also, because they know what to expect, buyers tend to return AFA graded figures less frequently than other items. EBay is an excellent example of this...just look at our eBay Auction Watch and you'll see the amazing market demand for AFA graded figures.

Improved Display Quality

AFA uses only the finest quality acrylic and materials when casing the figures. In addition, the design of the AFA case is unique and pleasing to the eye. For these reasons, an action figure graded and cased by AFA makes a very nice display piece for any collection. Even items that are irregular sizes will be graded and cased under our custom tier.

Preserves the Condition of your Action Figures

Once a figure is AFA graded, it is carefully cased inside one of our durable acrylic cases. It is then completely sealed from human contact, unless someone makes the conscious choice of breaking it out of the case. Therefore, your figure is kept in the same condition as it was when it was graded. It will not be touched by human hands and then hard acrylic prevents it from sustaining any additional creases, bubble dings, or other damage.

All of these reasons make the cost of AFA grading seem to pale in comparison to the benefits.

AFA Gold
The Gold level consists of the grades 100, 95, and 90. The select few figures that receive these grades are among the highest quality in existence. A very small percentage of figures submitted to AFA receive a Gold grade. The flaws are very minor, very subtle, and are sometimes very hard to identify with the naked eye. The collector who is extremely condition sensitive will be satisfied with the condition of a Gold level figure.

AFA Silver
The Silver level consists of the grades 85, 80, and 75. The figures that receive these grades are in excellent condition. A figure graded an 85 will often be referred to as 'case fresh' and should be very close to gold level condition. The term 'case fresh' is certainly justifiable as the average figure pulled from a sealed case will grade an 85 due to small flaws which occur when the figures are packaged or shipped in the case. The average figure pulled from a store shelf is usually an 80, which represents a nice specimen with minor flaws apparent upon close inspection. The final Silver level grade, a 75, represents an item with more minor flaws than the average Silver level piece. An item grading 75 does have significant wear but does not have major flaws which would draw the eye to them at first glance. For most high grade collectors, an 85 is satisfactory. For most discriminating collectors, an 80 is satisfactory. A 75 will be satisfactory to those who are not overly concerned with light stresses, small bubble imperfections, and other flaws which do not jump out at first glance. Therefore, the Silver level grades do represent a much larger range than the Gold level grades.

AFA Bronze
The Bronze level consists of the grades 70, 60, and below. The figures that receive these grades typically have damage ranging from simply noticeable upon first glance to extremely significant. The card may have creases on the front and the blister may be crushed or cracked. The Bronze level covers a large range of figure conditions and the scope of the flaws range considerably. Condition for Bronze level figures is determined by how many 'major' flaws are present on the card and how severe each flaw is. Bronze level figures may have major flaws such as a torn off POP or other large paper tears. Bronze level figures may not be satisfactory to condition sensitive collectors.

Each AFA Grade shows 3 Subgrades

The subgrades for AFA are Card, Blister, and Figure. The goal of the subgrades is to further define the condition of a particular figure. Once the grade has been established, the grader will then assign individual grades for the card, the blister, and the figure. The overall grade is NOT an average of these three grades.

Furthermore, the new criteria will help define conditions within a particular grade. By using this additional information, a collector can determine whether or not a figure’s grade is borderline. Also, the new criteria will direct collectors to the part of the card that has the most damage. For example, a card that received an overall grade of 85 with a 90 Card, an 80 Blister, and a 90 Figure will show collectors that the blister has the most damage. A card that received an overall grade of 85 with an 85 Card, an 80 Blister, and an 80 Figure will show collectors that this particular piece is a low end 85.

Below is a list of defects which will reduce the overall grade in each sub-category.

Figure/Vehicle

The actual figure will be considered mint unless there exists a defect that detracts from its overall eye appeal. Defects include paint wear, discoloration, over-spray, fading or dismemberment. If the carded figure comes with a collector coin, trading card or other insert, they will also be rated against overall eye appeal.

Blister/Window

The blister will be judged against dents, scratches, fading, yellowing, clouding, sticker residue, tearing, cuts, lifting, soiling, rub marks, crushing, gluing , factory cut and foreign items (ink mark or staple etc.).

Cardback/Box

The backer card will be judged against creasing, bending, rolling, tearing, scuffing, scratching, lifting, print marks, loss of gloss, soiling, discoloring, edge wear, nicks, punctures, ink or foreign markings, peg hole punch, tape repair, focus, price sticker, sticker tear, sticker residue, water damage, bubbling and attached foreign objects.

Price Stickers

Price stickers are generally not considered major flaws, but only become a factor if curling, tearing, staining, picking, etc. of the sticker has occurred.  The location of the sticker is also a factor, though most are placed in an area such as a corner that does not detract from the overall appearance of the card.  Basically, the condition of the sticker factors into the card subgrade, and from there into the overall grade of the piece.

COLLECTOR SOURCE GRADING, LLC

www.collectorsourcegrading.com

About Collector Source Grading

Collector Source Grading (CSG), LLC. is an independent third party grading and casing company created specifically for enthusiasts in the vast world of collectibles. CSG was designed and formed by a group of experienced collectors who collectively have over 115 years of experience in collecting everything from Action Figures, Die Casts, Dolls, and much more. CSG was formed to create a consistent, accurate, timely, and unbiased approach to each item that we grade. None of our employees or founders are allowed to take part in the buying or selling of any items with which we deal, in order to create the most unbiased and fair approach possible. CSG is fully committed to listening to dealers, collectors, and every possible client who has a need and interest in our company. Furthermore, we encourage communication with all parties involved; we welcome contact from our clients. Our services here at CSG provide professionalism and confidence to all dealers, collectors, and buyers. Having an item graded by CSG increases the value, preserves the items, and offers a highly decorative case for your item. Each case is made specifically for each item from the most state of the art products available. CSG is dedicated to collectors, since the interests in collecting are constantly unfolding into new areas. We are committed to providing the best service possible in every form, from grading your items to the best customer service. We strive to unconditionally make sure that each and every client is treated fairly and with the utmost courtesy, respect, honesty, and professionalism. Whether one sends in 1 item or 500 items, CSG promises to remain unbiased. We guarantee that all items will be graded equally in order to ensure that each item receives the grade that it rightfully deserves. CSG will do everything possible to meet every demand of our clients and the collecting industry. After all, we are committed to excellence and we are “for the collector by the collector”. Our creators have spent the past 2 years planning out every detail and searching the country for the most highly qualified professionals in the collecting industry and relocating them to South Carolina to provide you with everything that you deserve. Without you, our valued customers and our experienced employees, we would not exist.

What We Do

Collector Source Grading provides a grading and casing service for a wide variety of collectibles. Items sent to CSG for grading can be of the vintage variety to the present variety. CSG grades carded figures, opened or factory sealed figures, loose figures, and dolls. Upon receiving each item, it is carefully evaluated by our graders. After the evaluation is complete and the grade is assigned, each item is forwarded to be cased, where each case is made and each label is personalized solely for that particular item. Each case is then engraved with a small Collector Source Grading logo to ensure the authenticity of the grade. Furthermore, each item is also assigned an identification number (which can be looked up on the identification page of our website or simply by contacting CSG) to further ensure authenticity. Once the process is completed, we then ship the item back to the owner, in the best packaging equipment to ensure the safety of the item(s). The following is a list of just some of the items that we grade. (If you don’t see a particular item, please inquire by calling or emailing us here at CSG)

• G.I. Joe
• Star Wars
• Transformers
• Dolls
• Star Trek
• Die Cast Toys
• He Man
• Mask
• Thundercats
• Voltron
• Sports Figures
• AND MANY OTHERS

Please remember that the item can be factory sealed, opened, or a loose figure. Note:

If you wish to have an item cased but not graded, all charges still apply. Many of our customers have collectibles, antiques, memorabilia, etc. that are requested just to be cased.

Why Have Your Item Graded and Why Choose CSG

Having an item graded by CSG has many different effects and bearings on the item.

CSG promises to provide the best customer service possible by making each patron feel like family.

CSG’s submission process is quick and simple to complete.

CSG is commited to providing you with a fair and accurate grade

CSG’s graders have a total of over 115 years of experience.

The prices here at CSG are very fair and affordable.

The turnaround times at CSG are unbeatable.

Grading Scale

10.0- GEM

9.9-9.8- Excellent Plus (E+)

9.7-9.3- Excellent (E)

9.2-9.0- Excellent Minus (E-)

8.9-8.8- Above Average Plus (AA+)

8.7-8.3- Above Average (AA)

8.2-8.0- Above Average Minus (AA-)

7.9-7.8- Average Plus (AV+)

7.7-7.3- Average (AV)

7.2-7.0- Average Minus (AV-)

6.9-6.8- Below Average Plus (BA+)

6.7-6.3- Below Average (BA)

6.2-6.0- Below Average Minus (BA-)

5.9 and below- Poor

Each item is graded as follows:

Box / Card Quality (BQ or CQ) - this includes warping, tears, creases, etc.

Box / Card Color (BC or CC) - this includes fading of color, stains, etc.

Window / Bubble Quality (WQ) - this includes cracks, dents, etc.

Window / Bubble Transparency (WT) - this includes scratches, stains, yellowing, etc.

Figure Quality (FQ) - this includes missing parts (for opened and loose figures) defects, etc.

Figure Color (FC) - this includes fading, yellowing, etc.

The final grade (overall grade) is an average of all 6 subgrades.

Definitions:

BQ – Box Quality

CQ – Card Quality

BC – Box Color

CC – Card Color

WQ – Window Quality / bubble quality (which ever may apply or both where applicable)

WT – Window Transparency / bubble transparency (which ever may apply or both where applicable)

FQ – Figure Quality

FC – Figure Color

SOC – Sealed On Card

FTS – Factory Tape Sealed

L – Loose Figure

Y – Yellowing on widow or bubble

U - Uncirculated (please contact us for further information)

UT - Untouched (please contact us for further information)

TOY GRADERS ASSOCIATION, LTD

www.gradeyourtoy.com

Toy Graders Association, Ltd. is a professional toy grading and collectible preservation company. Toy Graders is composed of experienced quality graders with diverse vintage and modern collectible toy backgrounds. Each collectible submitted is handled with great care and is run through a 36 point inspection. This process is then used to determine an overall grade by taking a fair average of three combined scores. One score for the figure or collectible enclosed. A second score for the card of box condition. A third score based on the condition of the blister or bubble surrounding the collectible. All collectibles are then carefully sealed in museum style acrylic cases [with grading label placed inside] for permanent preservation. Each submitted toy will then receive a title document combined with a report grading sheet for ease of future toy sales and transfers. The purpose of toy grading is to give collectors, dealers and other market place buyers a fair assessment of the quality and condition of a toy prior to purchasing.

The TGA Grading System:

MOC's are graded based on three categories using a 36 point inspection sheet to determine an overall average grade for the collectible. The three categories are as follows:

Card/Box Quality

Bubble/Blister Condition

Figure Appearance

Loose figures are graded based on a 12 point inspection and 1 overall condition and quality score.

Scores range from 50-100 for both MOC and Loose Collectibles...

Score 100

This score is often considered the absolute best of the best, a truly perfect flawless example in the eyes of a collector. 100s are a rarity to see and grade and even more rare to own. This condition means that the packaging is factory sealed perfect. There are no defects or faults anywhere on the card/box, bubble/blister or figure enclosed. There are no creases or stress bends at all [no minor creases anywhere]. A true 100 score MOC has no corner bends on the card or price tag removal wear marks. The bubble/blister is factory sealed original condition with no lifting, denting, yellowing or cracking. The figure enclosed is a true gem with no color fading or factory overspray. Once again, there are very rare to come by and are considered true mint status. They are a collector's dream...

Score 90-95

This score is reserved for the near mint to mint graded group. These collectibles are almost in perfect condition. 90-95 conditions means: the item's packaging is in factory new condition. The item would appear to have just rolled of the manufacturer's floor in case fresh condition. Any defects on the card would be minor or nearly undetectable: minor edge wear or stress bending or just extremely light card surface scratches. No crease or grouping of creases measuring over 1/2 inch in length. The bubble/blister is factory sealed 100% with no lifting, yellowing [of any shade], cracks of any length or dents [ranging in length over 1 inch]. The enclosed figure is factory perfect with no damage or excessive overspray on any one part. Plus signs begin at this level and continue to be used throughout the lower scores. Plus signs are given to graded items that fall extremely close to a higher score but are graded down because of the grading curve. The Plus sign will often indicate that one or more of the three areas of grading are considered to be in excellent condition. See the report card grading sheet attached to each individual item to determine which areas they scored high in and which they scored low in. Again if the item is a carded figure, the bubble is not cracked, dented [in any one area over 1 inch], not damaged, has no price sticker marks, but may have extremely light surface card scratches or an extremely minor card crease [not measuring over 1/2 inch in length]. If the collectible scored is a loose but complete toy, then it’s considered very clean and displayed but not played with [no paint removal, wear marks, loose joints or missing parts]. Scores of 90-95 are considered collectors quality and are often highly sought after in the collectibles market place.

Score 80-85

This score qualifies the item being graded into a fine to good category but, there are definite signs of wear. 80-85's are still looked at by collectors but are often substituted out of a collection once a higher scored MOC or loose figure is purchased. The card may have creasing which is more noticeable [any once crease or small grouping registering 1 1/2 inches or under]. There may also be minor price tag removal wear mark, edge wear or even slight corner lifting but, no tearing, major creasing, or hole punched of any sort.  On the bubble/blister there may be denting [not exceeding 2 inches in length], yellowing [of the slightest shade] or even top panel minor scratches but,  no cracks, or factory seal lifting.  Yellowing of any shade will be noted next to the averaged score on the label grade and on the report card grade with a "Y". 80-85’s are still very displayable but are not considered mint by TGA standards. 80-85's may have all of the above so called defects, or may only have one or two notable faults.  Often times 80-85 with plus signs may have a perfect bubble [with a high grade of 90-95] however they may have a major crease on the card thus bringing there overall score down to an 80-85. See the report card grading sheet that comes standard with each TGA graded collectible to determine which of the three areas your item scored high in and which area brought their overall score down.  The enclosed figure may have slight color fading or minor overspray but, no major factory defects [cracks, paint removal or disconnected joints]. As you can see 80-85's often vary in condition and shelf wear.  If the listed item is a loose but complete toy, then it’s clean but in played with or slightly worn condition [minor paint removal or joint loosening but, no missing or broken parts].

Score 70-75

Scores ranked in the 70-75 grade category often contain substantial defects and are considered average. The items card/box may have moderate to heavy wear. Very noticeable creasing [ranging in 2-4 inches in length and under] and or heavy shelf wear.  Cards may have moderate price tag removal marks, corner lifting or bending and even small holes [usually made by staples or thumb tacks].  Slight tears on the card may be present but not longer then 1/2 inch in a grouping. The bubble/blister can have moderate indents or creasing [not ranging in lengths over 4 inches], minor cracks and signs of yellowing.  Yellowing will be noted next to the averaged score on the label grade and on the report card with a "Y". The bubble/blister may have minor lifting from the factory seal [not more than 10%]. The enclosed figure or item may have moderate overspray or factory paint wear but no broken or missing parts/joints. A plus sign may be issued to a collectible grading 70-75 but, you must see the overall report card grading sheet to determine which area brought the score up. Grade conditions of 70-75 are usually unacceptable for collectors who want to keep items for their personal collection unless the figure/collectible is rare to come by. Loose figures graded with a 70-75 will have either moderate paint wear or serious joint wear but, no broken or missing parts.

Score 60-65

This score is reserved for the substandard or below average [poor] graded collectibles. The card/box may have extremely heavy wear and damage resulting in very heavy shelf wear. This may include heavy creasing [any one crease or grouping registering between 4-8 inches in length and extremely visible], heavy corner or card lifting, topcoat removal caused by staining or serious price tag wear, tearing of the card or box [registering in lengths 3 inches and under], torn hangers or missing flaps. The bubble/blister may not be 100% factory sealed and can have moderate lifting [not more then 40%], severe yellowing, moderate size cracks, top coat scratches and denting [not registering over 4-6 inches in length]. Many 60-65 graded toys are not even looked at by collectors unless the item is so rare it may be needed to complete a collection [later substituted for a higher graded item once it is found]. The enclosed figure can have heavy overspray, color fading, missing components, dislocated joints or even a broken/missing part. These items are sometimes purchased and then removed from there packaging to complete a loose collectibles collection. Collectors may purchase these if the enclosed item is graded near mint to mint but the other two scores have brought the grading down to a 60-65. 60-65's are not recommended for collectors wanting boxed or carded collectibles for value with their current packagings.

Score 50-55

This score is reserved for the worst of the worst items. Collectibles that receive this grade are in bad condition and often have very little value attached to them [unless being purchased for a loose collection]. Often times the items card/box may have heavy creasing in multiple areas, tearing of the card [measuring in lengths over 3 inches in any one location, missing hangers or flaps, large punched holes or removed UPC bar codes [cut away from the card], severe staining and/or color fading, top coat removal in large areas. The bubble/blister may be dented [measuring in lengths over 6 inches], severe cracks, heavy top panel scratches, not factory sealed from 50-100%, re-sealed [taped or glued], severe yellowing. The enclosed figure may suffer from missing parts, cracks, mold and discoloration, crushed joints, broken pins, heavy overspray and even chemical melting [caused by improper storage].  50-55's are not recommended for collectors wanting boxed or carded collectibles for investment value.

The following symbols are used by TGA and found directly after the combined/averaged score:

1. The "Y" symbol represents yellowing has been noted on the bubble/blister or display window.

2. The "M" symbol represents mint status and that one or more of the three graded categories scored 90-95 [see report card to determine which area the collectible scored a 90-95]. An example of this would be a 75+M [this item scored a "mint" score in one or more graded area[s]].