Does a small crease make a card damaged?
Determining whether a small crease impacts the overall condition of a card is essential for collectors, traders, and enthusiasts. In this article, we will examine the significance of creases and provide clarity on what constitutes a damaged card.
Do small creases matter?
As a general rule, creases can significantly impact the value and overall grade of a card. Most grading companies, such as PSA or SGC, consider even mild creases as a flaw when evaluating a card’s condition (1). This is because creases, no matter how small, can weaken the bond between the card’s layers or cause the card to bend and tear over time.
What defines a damage card?
According to most collecting communities, a card is considered damaged if it has any one or combination of the following flaws (2, 3):
• Heavy folding or creasing
• Major chipping or tearing
• Major surface wear or scratches
• Heavy printing defects or miscuts
How do grading companies grade damaged cards?
Grading companies like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC) have their own rubrics for evaluating card condition (Table 1). Cards with excessive creasing, chipping, or fading may receive lower grades, affecting their overall value and collectibility (4).
| PSA Grading Scale | Notes |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 10-9.5 – Minimal wear, no creases, light surface wear |
| Near Mint/Mint | 9-8 – Light wear, minor creasing, minor surface wear |
| Light | 7-6 – Noticeable creasing, moderate surface wear, imperfections |
| Good | 5.5-5 – Heavy creasing, significant surface wear, visible tears |
Can small creases still be considered collectible?
Yes, small creases might not necessarily render a card useless for collecting. For more casual collectors or traders who prioritize the overall set or collection rather than individual card condition, even slightly creased cards might still find homes.
How to prevent and minimize card creasing?
To enjoy your cards for years to come:
• Handle cards gently, face up, and avoid touching – oils from your skin can weaken bonds and cause creasing (5)
• Store cards horizontally or vertically – reduce stretching and creasing due to gravity
• Use archival quality materials – acid-free box, folder, or sleeve to minimize humidity and moisture
• Handle packages carefully – when exchanging or shipping cards, use extra-care when opening and closing boxes, and avoid bending or flexing while handling
Conclusion
A small crease can significantly impact the grade and value of a card, according to most grading companies. Understanding these grading standards and taking care of your card collection will help you enjoy collecting and trading for years.
References:
(1) Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Card Grading Standards.
https://www.psacard.com grading-standards
(2) Sportscard Guaranty (SGC). Card Grading Scale and Standards.
https://www SGCard.com grading-scale-and-standards
(3) Total Football’s Card Grading Standards Guide.
https://www.total football.com card-grading-standards-guide
(4) VintageIssold.com. Card Grading Explanation.
https://www.vintageIsthenewold.com FAQ GO-TO-ANSWER CARD-GRADING-EXPLAINED
(5) Grape-eJapan.com. How to Preserve Old Sports Cards.
https://grape-eJapan.com how-to-preserv-old-sports-cards.