Trading Card Condition, Authenticity & Shipping Standards

Our Trading Card Standards

We want you to know what to expect when buying trading cards from Nexus PC Works & Games. Every raw single is evaluated using the widely used TCGplayer-style condition framework described below, and we perform our own inspection before cards are offered for sale.

Card Condition Guide

Near Mint (NM)

A Near Mint card appears nearly unplayed and is in excellent overall condition. Minor imperfections from manufacturing, handling, storage, or normal card production may still be present. Near Mint does not mean flawless, Mint, Gem Mint, or a guaranteed numerical grade from PSA, CGC, Beckett, or any other professional grading company.

Lightly Played (LP)

A Lightly Played card shows minor signs of handling or play while remaining attractive and structurally sound. Examples can include limited edge or corner wear, light surface marks, small scratches, minor scuffing, or light whitening.

Moderately Played (MP)

A Moderately Played card has clearly noticeable wear but remains intact, identifiable, and suitable for play or collecting. Wear may include more pronounced whitening, edge or corner wear, scratches, scuffing, surface wear, or other visible imperfections.

Heavily Played (HP)

A Heavily Played card has substantial, readily visible wear. This may include significant whitening, scratching, surface wear, creasing, edge wear, or multiple types of imperfections. The card remains identifiable and retains sufficient integrity to be sold as a genuine card.

Damaged (DMG)

A Damaged card has condition issues beyond the other categories. Examples can include significant bends or creases, tears, splitting, severe surface or edge damage, structural problems, or other substantial defects. Any important condition information known to us is considered when the card is listed.

Condition Is Not a Professional Grade

Our NM, LP, MP, HP, and Damaged ratings describe the retail condition of raw cards. They are not predictions or guarantees of the numerical grade a card might receive from PSA, CGC, Beckett, or another third-party grading company. A Near Mint card should not be assumed to be a PSA 10, Gem Mint, or otherwise flawless card.

Authenticity & Inspection

Cards are visually inspected for authenticity and then scanned to help identify inconsistencies before being offered for sale. If a card raises questions during inspection, it is held from sale until its authenticity can be satisfactorily determined. Cards determined not to be authentic are not offered for sale.

Catalog Images vs. Actual Images

Most raw-card listings use catalog imagery to identify the card, set, and printing. Unless a listing is specifically designated Actual Image, the image should not be interpreted as a photograph of the exact physical copy you will receive. The condition stated on the listing applies to the physical card being sold.

When a listing is designated Actual Image, the photographs show the specific item being offered. Actual images are used when practical for select higher-value cards and graded slabs.

Graded Cards & Slabs

For graded-card listings using actual images, we aim to clearly show the slab and its certification/barcode area so buyers can review the grading company, assigned grade, and certification information visible on the holder. Buyers are encouraged to review the listing images carefully before purchasing.

Shipping & Handling

Orders normally ship no later than one business day after the order is ready for fulfillment. Holidays, severe weather, carrier disruptions, or unusual circumstances can occasionally affect handling times.

Lower-value card orders may be shipped in a #10 envelope with the card placed in an appropriate card protector. Packaging methods may vary based on the number, value, size, and type of items in an order.

Orders valued at $49.99 or more receive shipment tracking. Orders valued above $250 require signature confirmation. Nexus may also use tracking, additional protection, insurance, or signature service on other shipments when we believe it is appropriate for the order.

If You Have a Condition Concern

We take care when inspecting and grading cards, but trading cards are physical collectibles and mistakes can happen. If you believe the condition of a card you received differs materially from its listing, please contact us so we can review the situation with you.

Condition concerns are gladly evaluated case by case. This allows each situation to receive the individual attention it deserves and gives us the opportunity to work with you toward an appropriate solution whenever possible.

Contact Nexus PC Works & Games

A Note About Standards

Our condition categories are based on the condition framework commonly used by TCGplayer so experienced trading-card buyers will find the terminology familiar. This page is provided as our customer-facing explanation of how Nexus applies those categories and handles card sales. Our inspection and fulfillment procedures are performed by Nexus PC Works & Games.