MARBLE GRADING GUIDE

The grading of condition is very subjective. Every collector has their own opinion and no two collectors will ever agree on the exact grading of a particular marble. Collectors use interchangeably a descriptive grading system (Mint, Near Mint, Good, Collectible), and a numerical grading system based on a scale of 1 to 10.

Mint: A marble that is in original condition. The surface is unmarked and undamaged. There may be some minor rubbing on the surface, however, the marble is the way it came from the factory.(10.0-9.0).

Near Mint: A marble that has seen minor usage. There may be evidence of hit marks, usually tiny to small subsurface moons, pinprick chips, tiny to small flakes or tiny to small bruises. The damage does not detract from viewing the marble. If there is noticeable damage, then it is on only one side of the marble and the other side is Mint. (8.9-8.0)

Good: A marble that has seen usage. It will have numerous hit marks, subsurface moons, chips, flakes or bruises. The core can still be seen clearly, but the marble has obviously been used. If the damage is large or deep, then it is confined to one side and the other side is Mint to Near Mint. (7.9-7.0).

Collectible: A marble that has seen significant usage. Overall moons, chips, flakes, and bruises. The core is completely obscured in some spots. A Collectible marble has served its functional purpose and been well used. Still, it is a placeholder in a collection until a better example comes along. (6.9-0.0).