Collecting guides
Pokémon Card Condition Guide: NM, LP, MP, HP Explained
What NM, LP, MP and HP actually mean for Pokémon cards, how to check your own condition honestly, and how that read shapes the raw versus graded decision.
NM, LP, MP, HP and Damaged are raw-card condition labels. Their exact definitions depend on the marketplace or buyer, and none is a guaranteed professional grade. Inspect both sides of the physical card, describe visible defects and compare prices for the same printing and condition.
A clean catalogue picture does not describe your copy. Before choosing a condition in Brickify or writing a sale listing, inspect the card itself. Use the applicable buyer or marketplace condition standard, and keep photographs of the defects behind your description.
What do NM, LP, MP, HP and Damaged mean?
The table gives a practical reading of common labels, not a universal grading rule. A marketplace may permit minor imperfections in Near Mint, and the location or severity of a crease can affect its category differently. Follow the standard for the transaction instead of turning one defect into an automatic label.
| Label | General meaning | What to inspect |
|---|---|---|
| NM: Near Mint | General meaningMinimal visible wear under the applicable standard; not necessarily flawless. | What to inspectSmall edge, corner or surface imperfections and any factory marks. |
| LP: Lightly Played | General meaningMinor wear that is more apparent than a clean copy. | What to inspectLimited edge or corner wear and light surface marks. |
| MP: Moderately Played | General meaningNoticeable wear under the chosen marketplace standard. | What to inspectThe extent of edge, corner and surface wear, including any creasing. |
| HP: Heavily Played | General meaningExtensive wear or significant defects. | What to inspectMultiple worn areas and structural flaws; describe them individually. |
| Damaged | General meaningSevere damage or alterations under that standard. | What to inspectTears, water damage, writing, major creases or other material defects. |
How should you inspect a Pokémon card?
- Use a clean surface and good, even light. Handle the edges carefully without pressing or scraping the card.
- Inspect all corners and edges from the front and back. Note visible whitening, chips or wear.
- Tilt the card to reveal surface scratches, dents, indentations and print lines. Change the light angle if glare hides the surface.
- Check for bends and creases by viewing the card from the side without flexing it.
- Observe centering on both sides. Keep this separate from wear and do not infer a professional grade from appearance alone.
- Photograph the actual defects and compare them with the standard you intend to use. If uncertain, describe the issue plainly instead of guessing a more favorable label.
Does Near Mint mean PSA 10?
No. A raw marketplace label is different from a professional numeric grade. PSA and CGC publish their own criteria and apply judgment to the submitted card. CGC also distinguishes Pristine 10 from Gem Mint 10. The same number across services is not an interchangeable standard, and a scan or raw condition choice does not determine a future grade.
How does condition change value?
Compare the exact printing, finish and language in a similar condition. Do not apply a fixed discount to every LP or MP card. Where close transactions are scarce, state that limitation and use the available comparisons as a range rather than pretending the label determines one exact price.
Use Brickify’s condition and price views
Brickify’s Pokémon card details provide available Raw and PSA 10 reference estimates, condition choices from Near Mint through Damaged, and price history. Identify the card first, inspect your physical copy, then select an appropriate price basis. A graded estimate describes a graded reference; it does not turn an ungraded copy into that grade.
Should you grade the card or keep it raw?
Clarify the goal: collecting, authentication or sale planning. For a potential sale, compare realistic raw and graded outcomes after submission fees, shipping, selling costs and delay. Include a lower-than-hoped grade, and check the grading service’s current terms. Even a scarce card with wear may have a collecting reason for grading; a clean common card does not automatically justify the expense.
Work through a binder without losing condition details
Use a supported batch scan to identify visible cards, then review every match and quantity. Inspect condition individually for cards you plan to sell or submit; a binder-wide photograph can hide back damage and surface wear. Record unresolved items separately and revisit them before relying on a collection estimate.
Protect the card after inspection
Use suitable sleeves and storage that avoid pressure, friction, damp and direct sunlight. Photograph important cards before packing or shipping them. Do not run a fingernail along an edge, bend the card or use destructive tests to decide condition. Protective storage reduces avoidable handling risks, but it cannot repair existing defects.
Sources & further reading
The app for your collection
Put your Pokémon collection in focus.
Scan your cards, check their estimated value, and keep your collection together with Brickify.
Free to download · iPhone, iPad & Android
Explore the Pokémon scannerEstimates are a reference, not guaranteed sale prices. Brickify is independent of the owners of the collectible brands mentioned here.