![]() ![]() Condition for Bronze level items is determined by how many 'major flaws’ are present and how severe each flaw is. The Bronze level covers the largest range of conditions and the scope of flaws will range considerably. Packaging may have significant stressing or creasing and a blister or window may be crushed or cracked. Items which receive these grades typically have damage ranging from simply noticeable upon first glance to extremely significant. The AFA Bronze level consists of the grades 70 and below. A 75 will most often be satisfactory to those who are not overly concerned with light stresses, blister imperfections, and other flaws which do not likely ‘jump out’ at first glance like the flaws displayed by Bronze level items.Bronze Level ![]() For most discriminating collectors, an 80 will be satisfactory. For most high grade collectors, an 85 will be satisfactory. An item which receives the grade of 75 will most often have significant wear, an inner blister crack, or other moderate to significant wear, but should be free of ‘major flaws’ which would immediately draw the eye to them at first glance. The lowest Silver level grade is a 75 which represents an item with significant flaws which are much more evident than flaws visible on items which receive higher Silver level grades. ![]() As a generalization, the average item which has spent time on a store shelf being moved around prior to purchase, but has otherwise been handled with relative care over the years may score an 80. An item which receives the grade of 80 represents a nice example with minor to moderate flaws apparent upon close inspection. The term 'case fresh' is certainly justifiable, as the average item pulled from a sealed case would grade an 85 due to small flaws which occur when items are packaged or shipped from the factory. As a general rule, an item which receives the grade of 85 is a fantastic display piece and can often be right on the edge of Gold level condition. The highest grade within this level, an 85, could most often be described as being near ‘case fresh’, with the lowest grade within this level, a 75, being somewhat ‘shelf worn’ but still relatively nice. Silver level grades represent a much larger range of condition than Gold level grades. Items which receive grades within this level range from having small flaws to having relatively significant flaws. The AFA Silver level consists of the grades 85, 80+, 80, 75+ and 75. A collector who is extremely condition sensitive should be satisfied with the condition of a Gold level item in the vast majority of instances.Silver Level An item’s flaws must be very minor, subtle, and can often be difficult to identify with the naked eye. A very small percentage of items submitted to AFA receive a Gold level grade. The select few items which receive these grades are among the highest quality in existence. When an item’s condition warrants classification within this level, the smallest of flaws are judged and taken into account to determine the exact grade received. The AFA Gold level consists of the grades 100, 95+, 95, 90+, 90 and 85+. A generalized explanation of these grade levels is as follows:Gold Level For Mailer Items: Box refers to the mailer box itself, Window refers to the plastic bags or blisters containing the items, and Figurerefers to the actual item(s), all accessories, inserts, paperwork, and other contents.ĭepending on the overall numerical grade assigned, items are classified as Gold, Silver, or Bronze level.For Boxed Items (with a plastic window): Box refers to the surface of the box on all sides, Window refers to the plastic window which allows the item to be viewed while still sealed in the packaging, and Figure refers to the actual item(s), all accessories, inserts, stand, and the area behind these items.For Carded Items: Cardrefers to the card-back surface, both front and back, Blister refers to the blister (or bubble) sealed to the card which contains the action figure or item, and Figure refers to the actual item(s), all accessories, inserts, stand, and the area behind these items.Depending on the type of packaged item, sub-grades relate to the packaging aspects as follows: They are simply additional information which is provided to further define the aspects of the packaging as they relate to the overall grade. Sub-grades are not averaged to determine the overall grade. For certain types of packaged items, sub-grades are used to better describe the strongest and weakest aspects of the packaging. Our Standard, Qualified, and Loose grading scales consist of grades ranging from 10 to 100 which serve to rate an item’s overall condition. Standard, Qualified, & Loose Grading Scales ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |