Every item at Tin Paper Scissors is graded honestly. We use a six-tier system designed to be straightforward — no inflated grades, no hiding behind vague language like “vintage condition.” If something has a flaw, we tell you. Our goal is for every item to arrive better than you expected.
Mint
Appears unused. No visible wear, damage, or aging. As close to original condition as possible.
This is exceptional and rare for vintage items. The piece looks like it could have been made yesterday. No creases, no fading, no foxing, no rust, no chips. Corners are sharp, colors are vivid, surfaces are clean. We reserve this grade for items that genuinely warrant it — most vintage pieces have lived real lives and won’t qualify.
Near Mint
Outstanding condition with only the slightest signs of age. May show minimal shelf wear.
A Near Mint item looks exceptional at arm’s length — you’d need to look closely to find any signs of age. Perhaps very slight edge softening on paper items, a faint patina on metal, or the subtlest toning. No structural issues. The kind of condition that makes collectors take a second look. This grade bridges the gap between museum-quality and the real world.
Excellent
Above average for its age. Light wear consistent with careful handling. All features intact and sharp.
This is our default grade and where many well-preserved vintage items land. An Excellent piece shows its age gracefully — light wear you’d expect from decades of careful storage. Paper items may have minor edge wear or very slight toning. Tins may show light surface scratches. Photos retain strong contrast. Graphics and text remain crisp and fully legible. This is the sweet spot for collectors who want quality without paying Mint premiums.
Good
Honest vintage condition showing age-appropriate wear. Fully intact and displayable.
A Good item has lived a real life and wears it honestly. You’ll see visible wear — rounded corners on paper, moderate surface scratching on tins, some fading on colors, possible light creasing. But the item is complete, intact, and tells its story well. Nothing is missing or damaged to the point of distraction. This is honest vintage — the kind of condition most surviving pieces from the early 20th century and before are found in. A solid collector grade, especially for scarcer items.
Fair
Noticeable wear or minor damage. Collectible for rarity or subject matter. All flaws disclosed in listing.
Fair items show significant wear — heavier creasing, noticeable staining or foxing, moderate rust on metal, fading that affects the image or graphics. The item is still identifiable and complete, but condition issues are apparent and will be visible in display. We grade items Fair when the subject matter, rarity, or historical significance makes them worth collecting despite their wear. Every flaw is described and photographed in the listing. No surprises.
Poor
Significant wear or damage. Sold as-is for rarity, research, or restoration.
Poor condition items have major issues — heavy damage, missing pieces, severe staining, structural problems. We only list Poor items when the piece is rare enough or historically significant enough to warrant it. These are sold strictly as-is with extensive photo documentation of all damage. Ideal for researchers, restorers, or collectors filling a gap in their collection where no better example is available. Priced accordingly.
How We Grade
- Conservative by design. When an item falls between two grades, we use the lower one. We’d rather you be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.
- Every flaw is disclosed. If we see it, we photograph it and describe it. Photos show the actual item you’ll receive — not a stock image or a better example.
- Age is expected. A 100-year-old item in Excellent condition isn’t the same as a 20-year-old item in Excellent condition. We grade relative to what’s typical for the item’s age and category.
- We don’t use “vintage condition” as an excuse. That phrase means nothing. If an item has foxing, we say foxing. If corners are rounded, we say rounded. Specific descriptions build trust.
- Professional grading is noted. If a baseball card has been professionally graded by PSA or BGS, or a coin by PCGS or NGC, we include the grade and certification number. Our condition tier reflects the professional grade when available.
What We Look At By Category
Baseball Cards: Centering, corner sharpness, edge condition, surface wear, creasing. Professionally graded cards include PSA/BGS grade.
Civil War & Vintage Photography: Image clarity, fading, foxing, card mount condition, albumen print integrity, backmark legibility.
Vintage Tins: Lithography condition (graphics on lid and body), rust presence, dent severity, hinge function, interior cleanliness.
Postcards: Corner condition, creasing, color vibrancy, postal use (writing, stamps, cancellation), edge wear. Picture side takes priority over address side.
Paper Ephemera & Trade Cards: Color retention, edge chipping, creasing, paper loss, staining, print quality.
Stamps & Coins: Centering, gum condition (stamps), surface marks, luster (coins), cancellation type (stamps). Professional grades noted when applicable.
Books & Magazines: Spine condition, binding integrity, page condition, cover wear, dust jacket (if applicable), completeness.
Advertising & Signs: Graphics integrity (face condition is critical), edge chips, color fading, rust, structural condition. Reproductions are always disclosed.
Have a question about an item’s condition? Contact us — we’re happy to provide additional photos or details before you buy.