The MAS grading scale
Every card is graded on a 1–10 point scale. Half grades (e.g. 9.5) are awarded when a card falls just between two whole grades.
A virtually perfect card. Sharp corners, flawless surface, and near-perfect centering.
A superb card with only one minor flaw, such as slight off-centering or a tiny print imperfection.
Near Mint-Mint. A card with a few minor imperfections visible on close inspection.
Near Mint. Minor wear — slight fraying at a corner or a touch of off-centering.
Excellent-Mint. Visible surface wear or light corner touches, still a strong eye-appeal card.
Excellent. Moderate corner wear and minor surface issues, but no creases.
Very Good-Excellent. Noticeable wear on corners and edges with light surface loss.
Very Good. Rounded corners and surface wear; the card has clearly been handled.
Heavy wear, possible minor creasing, but fully intact and identifiable.
Significant damage — creases, staining, or missing pieces, yet still authentic.
Cards that cannot be assigned a numeric grade but are confirmed genuine receive an Authentic designation.