How We Assess Condition
Signature Condition
Where an item is signed, the physical condition of the autograph forms part of the overall condition assessment.
We consider visible issues such as smudging, fading, rubbing, ink transfer, scratches, partial ink loss or physical erasure.
Signature placement, handwriting style, size or general attractiveness are not condition defects unless they result from physical damage.
Flaw Location
The location of a flaw affects how much grading significance it carries.
Damage affecting a signature, main display surface, structural area or important KOMCA / 비매 / serial markings generally matters more than comparable wear on a rear cover or less prominent interior area.
Location is considered together with severity — not in isolation.
Flaw Severity & Accumulation
We consider both the severity of an individual flaw and the combined effect of multiple smaller flaws.
A single major crease may affect a grade more than several very light surface marks. Likewise, numerous minor defects may collectively justify a lower grade even when none is serious on its own.
PCDFix does not determine grades by simply counting flaws.
Overall Presentation
Finally, we consider how the item presents as a complete collectible.
We look at whether flaws are immediately noticeable, whether they distract from display, and whether the item remains structurally sound and visually representative of its grade.
The final grade reflects the whole item, not the worst-looking photograph alone.
PCDFix uses a six-level condition scale to provide a practical overview of the physical condition of each collectible. Condition Is separate from Autograph Authenticity and Provenance, see the Important Disclaimer below.
Mint → Near Mint → Very Good → Good → Fair → Poor
Grades reflect the severity, location, accumulation and overall presentation of observable physical flaws. Condition is assessed separately from autograph authenticity, provenance and completeness.
The Different Condition Grades
Mint
An exceptionally well-preserved item with no observable physical flaws of significance under normal inspection.
Expected characteristics include:
- no noticeable corner or edge wear
- no meaningful dents, scratches, creases or staining
- no visible storage damage
- signatures, where applicable, are clean and uncompromised
- important labels, stickers and identifying markings are intact and clearly legible
Mint should be used sparingly, particularly for older collectibles.
Near Mint
An item in excellent overall condition with only trivial to very minor handling, manufacturing or storage traces. Any imperfections should be difficult to notice at a glance and should not materially affect display.
Minor imperfections may be present, but they should not materially affect presentation.
Typical examples may include:
- extremely light edge or corner wear
- faint surface marks visible only under close inspection
- very minor storage impressions
- insignificant wear on less prominent areas
Items with clearly visible moderate damage, notable creasing, significant corner damage, obvious surface wear or meaningful signature deterioration would normally not qualify as Near Mint.
Very Good
A well-preserved and attractive collectible with minor but clearly observable wear or cosmetic flaws, while still presenting well overall.
Typical examples may include:
- minor corner or edge wear
- light scratches or scuffs
- small dents or storage impressions
- light marker or ink transfer
- minor surface marks
- modest signature smudging or wear that does not substantially compromise the autograph
The item should still present well overall.
A collectible may remain Very Good even when several minor flaws are present, particularly when those flaws occur on less visually important areas and do not affect signatures, provenance markings or structural integrity.
Good
A collectible with readily noticeable wear, multiple moderate defects or one or more significant cosmetic defects, while remaining structurally sound and suitable for collection or display.
Typical examples may include:
- multiple areas of visible edge or corner wear
- noticeable dents, scratches or creases
- heavier staining or ink transfer
- more substantial surface wear
- clearly visible signature rubbing, fading or smudging
- moderate damage to packaging or structural elements
The item's flaws are readily apparent but do not amount to severe deterioration.
Fair
A collectible with substantial wear, damage or deterioration that clearly affects presentation and/or structural integrity, but remains identifiable and collectible.
Examples may include:
- heavy creasing
- tears
- significant staining
- crushed corners
- extensive surface damage
- peeling or delamination
- substantial signature deterioration
- damage affecting important labels or provenance markings
- significant structural wear
The item remains identifiable and collectible but should be purchased with clear awareness of its condition.
Poor
An item with severe physical deterioration or major structural damage.
Examples may include:
- serious water damage
- major tears or missing material
- badly broken or detached components
- extensive staining
- severe deformation
- heavily compromised or substantially erased signatures
- extensive deterioration affecting the integrity of the collectible
Poor-condition items will generally only be offered where their rarity, historical relevance, provenance or collector interest justifies listing despite severe condition issues.
Special Considerations
Signed Collectibles
Signatures are usually located on the front or other prominent area, but they can also be found inside the album photobook or other material such as poster or photocard. All known signature location will be noted on product page.
Inclusions & Completeness
Condition and completeness are assessed separately.
An album may therefore be:
Near Mint — Album only, original photocard not included
Rather than receiving a lower condition grade simply because an inclusion is missing.
All known inclusions are listed separately on the product page.
Promo / KOMCA Markings
KOMCA, 비매, NOT FOR SALE, promotional stickers, serial numbers or other promotional markings may support the identification of an item as a promotional or non-retail copy, but they do not by themselves authenticate the autograph.
Personalisation
An album or collectible may contain a personalised message to the original receiver of the album. Any known personalised message will be disclosed on the product page
Important Disclaimer
PCDFix condition grades are descriptive collector guidance and are not third-party professional grading or certification.
A condition grade reflects PCDFix’s good-faith assessment of the observable physical condition of the collectible at the time it is inspected and documented. Condition assessment involves reasonable judgement, and individual collectors may place different emphasis on particular flaws.
The condition grade, written Condition Summary and listing photographs should be considered together when evaluating an item. Buyers are encouraged to review all available photographs and disclosures before purchase.
PCDFix does not guarantee or certify autograph authenticity.
A condition grade assesses only the physical condition of the collectible and any autograph present.
KOMCA, 비매, NOT FOR SALE markings, promotional stickers, serial numbers and other provenance indicators may support the identification or documented history of an item, but do not by themselves authenticate an autograph.
Display screens, lighting and photography may cause minor differences in the perceived appearance of colours, surface wear or markings.
PCDFix may update this grading guide as its assessment practices develop. Updates to the methodology do not retrospectively alter the documented physical condition of an item at the time of assessment.
PCDFix may correct clerical, typographical or data-entry errors in a listing or condition record. Where a material correction affects an existing order, the customer will be notified and any applicable consumer rights remain unaffected.
Nothing in this guide is intended to exclude or limit any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable consumer law.