Callcard Condition

Some confusion exists regarding the meaning of the various terms used by dealers and auctioneers to describe the condition of the cards they are selling; this article is offered in an attempt to clear away some of the confusion regarding the meaning of these terms.

The two basic definitions of condition are "MINT" and "USED" - a number of adjectives are usually used in conjunction with the two basic descriptive in an effort to describe the actual condition of the card. The most commonly used adjectives are:

Perfect : This indicates that the card is completely without blemish of any sort. If mint, the card is exactly as issued, and if used, the card appearance is that it is the same as if it were mint minus the units of course.

Very fine : This card is almost in perfect condition, but may have a minor scratch, mark or blemish. No imperfection is visible on casual examination.

Fine : Still a card in very worthwhile condition, but with a small number of minor faults, some or all of which will be visible on casual examination.

Very Good : The condition of the card has now visibly deteriorated - probably contains a lot of scratching and clearly visible blemishes.

Good : This descriptive is actually an inversion of it's true meaning the word "BAD"- would more accurately describe the condition of the card. There will be quite a lot of deep and highly visible scratching - this card should only be added to your collection if you cannot afford or simply cannot find a better copy of the card. My advice is to get rid of the card as soon as you can locate a better copy as it simply degrades your collection.

Damaged : This describes a card that should not be in or added to any collection for any reason. it may be a bent card, one with a broken or missing chipset, it may look as if it has been chewed by somebody's pet dog, the scratches will look like gouges, throw this card away in the thrash straight away.

The above terms are often used in catalogues etc. in abbreviated form e.g.

VGU = Very Good Used
VFM = Very Fine Mint

I have seen other descriptive adjectives in place of those above - for example the word "Superb" used in place of "Perfect", "Excellent" for "Fine" and "Poor" instead of the word "Good"; however; I believe that the words I have defined above are the most commonly used and most widely accepted amongst both collectors and dealers alike.

Purists tend to argue that the word "Mint" describes a perfect card only, and if a card is "Full" but in less than perfect condition, the card should be described as being "Unused" with the appropriate adjective attached.

Finally a word of caution - condition is a little like 'value' - it can lie very much in the eye of the beholder. It is best, by far , to examine a card carefully before buying or swapping, but remember the best judge of acceptable condition for your own collection is yourself.

Written by Michael Hartnett.