Defect List | PCC-Grading

Defects observed on collectible cards Back to home

Factory defects

Pr.L - Print Line

Surface - Factory

A Print Line is a common printing defect on trading cards, characterized by a fine horizontal or vertical line appearing on the card's surface.

This defect usually occurs during the printing process, when the ink is not applied evenly, thus creating visible lines that cross the card's visual.

Although it does not directly affect the physical integrity of the card, a Print Line can reduce its aesthetic value.

This defect is particularly visible on holographic or shiny cards, where reflections further accentuate these lines.

Print line example

Source: imgur

CL Clouding

Surface - Factory

Clouding is a visual defect characterized by the appearance of opaque or foggy areas on the surface of trading cards. This phenomenon can be caused by defects in the materials used during production, such as poor varnish or degraded protective film.

Clouding alters the clarity and brightness of the card, especially on shiny or holographic surfaces, where the foggy effect reduces visual appeal.

↔ Translation

F.I.C - Imperfect factory cut

Corners, sides - Factory

Imperfect factory cutting is a defect that occurs when the cutting tool does not slice sharply enough.

This defect appears as micro teeth, slightly frayed edges, or very small asymmetries sometimes barely visible to the naked eye

Although they generally do not affect the overall structure of the card, these irregularities can be taken into account during grading in the Sides and Corners categories, as they detract from the perfection sought by collectors.

F.I.C example

WS - White Spot

Surface, corners, sides - Factory

White spots are small imperfections often visible on the corners and edges, and more rarely on the surface of trading cards.

They result from a slight imperfect cut, without fraying or micro teeth. White spots form when the colored top layer flakes, revealing the white underlayer of the card.

This defect is particularly obvious on cards with dark borders, where the contrast highlights the damaged areas.

White Spot example

SV - Silvering

Surface, corners, sides - Factory

Silvering is a visual defect manifested by the appearance of an unwanted silver or metallic reflection along the edges of trading cards, mainly on cards with shiny or holographic coating.

This phenomenon usually occurs during the printing or cutting process, when the holographic surface does not properly adhere to the edges, revealing this metallic effect.

Silvering is particularly visible on dark background cards, where the contrast highlights this imperfection.

In rare cases, Silvering can also affect the surface, appearing as fine lines or small areas where the shiny layer is not uniformly applied.

Silvering example

ID - Ink dot

Surface - Factory

Ink spot is a printing defect manifested by the appearance of small unwanted ink spots or drops on the surface of the trading card.

These spots can result from excess ink during the printing process or poor machine calibration.

Although often small in size, ink spots can be very visible, especially on cards with solid or light surfaces, and detract from the overall aesthetics of the card.

Ink spot example

Wear defects

SC - Scratch

Surface - Wear

Scratches are a common physical defect on trading cards, characterized by a visible mark or scrape on the card's surface.

Scratches can result from handling the card, rubbing against other cards, or poor protection during storage.

Scratches affect holographic cards even more.

Their impact on the grade depends on their number, length, and depth.

During the grading process, scratches are carefully measured and evaluated according to 4 levels of severity.

Scratch Example

I1 - Ink mark

Surface - Wear

Wear ink marks are defects that appear after the production of trading cards, generally resulting from handling, rubbing, or prolonged contact with inked surfaces.

This defect is characterized by spots, rubs, or streaks of ink on the card surface, often left by other cards, packaging, or surrounding materials.

Unlike ink dots caused during printing, ink marks are a sign of post-production alteration.

Ink marks can vary in intensity and this is taken into account in our grading. During the grading process, ink marks are evaluated according to 3 levels of severity.

Ink Mark Example

CH - Chipping

Surface - Wear

Chipping is a defect manifested by the formation of small areas of peeling or detachment of the trading card's surface.

This phenomenon can occur when the card's coating or ink begins to separate or peel, creating areas where the surface is uneven or rough.

Chipping is often caused by excessive handling, improper storage, or extreme environmental conditions, such as humidity or temperature variations.

During the grading process, chipping is evaluated according to 3 levels of severity.

Chipping Example

CD - Color degradation

Surface - Wear

Color degradation is a defect manifested by a weakening or partial fading of colors on the trading card's surface.

This issue generally results from prolonged exposure to light, or excessive handling.

Color degradation can appear as uniform fading or localized spots, affecting the visual appearance and clarity of images or printed text on the card.

During the grading process, color degradation is evaluated according to 4 levels of severity, depending on the area and intensity of the fading.

Color degradation Example

Source: UMU Facebook page

DNT - Dent

Surface, corners, edges - Wear

A dent is a visible physical defect on trading cards, characterized by a small depression or hollow mark on the card's surface.

This defect is often caused by accidental pressure, impact, or a sharp object coming into contact with the card.

Unlike a crease, a dent does not necessarily alter the card's structure but creates an irregularity on the surface, thus affecting its smooth appearance.

During the grading process, dents are evaluated according to 3 levels of severity, based on their depth and radius.

Dent Example

P - Creases

Surface, corners, edges - Wear

Creases are structural defects manifested by visible marks resulting from folding or bending of the card.

These creases can be caused by improper handling, incorrect storage, or accidental damage. They can vary in intensity, ranging from a superficial crease to a deeper crease that fully crosses the card.

Creases are often visible as lines or curves that alter the flatness of the card, thus degrading its overall appearance.

During the grading process, creases are evaluated according to 3 levels of severity, based on their depth and length.

Crease Example

T - Mark

Surface - Wear

A mark is a visual defect appearing as visible marks or residues on the trading card's surface.

This type of defect can be caused by frequent handling, rubbing against other objects, or deposits of dirt, oil, or dust.

Marks can appear as fingerprints, stains, light rubs, or even adhesive residues from stickers or protective sleeves.

Although often superficial, these marks can detract from the card's visual quality.

Mark Example

DP - Deposit

Surface - Wear

A deposit is a surface defect caused by the accumulation of foreign substances on the trading card.

It can be dust, particles, adhesive residues, or even glue traces from packaging or protective sleeves.

These deposits are often visible as small spots, flakes, or particles adhering to the card's surface, affecting its visual appearance and sharpness.

During the grading process, we use a hand blower to remove particles. To preserve the card, deposits resistant to this process are not scraped and are left as is.

Deposits are evaluated according to 3 levels of severity, based on their area, thickness, and contrast.

Deposit Example

D - Lifting

Surface, corners, edges - Wear

A lifting present on the surface is a serious defect that occurs when the top layer of the card begins to separate or lift from the base material.

This problem can be caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, temperature variations, or excessive handling.

Lifting affects not only the visual appearance of the card but also its structural integrity, creating fragile areas.

This type of defect is particularly concerning for collectors, as it can worsen over time.

Liftings are evaluated according to 3 levels of severity, based on their area and depth.

Lifting Example

CR - Crushing

Corners, edges - Wear

A crushing defect is a wear issue characterized by a localized flattening of a corner or edge of a trading card. This defect occurs when significant pressure compresses the cardboard fibers without necessarily causing a crease or tear.

Crushed damage is usually caused by impact, excessive pressure, a fall, or the card being crushed during handling, transport, or storage. The affected area loses its original relief and may appear flattened, compressed, or slightly deformed.

During grading, crushing defects are evaluated on 3 severity levels, based on their depth, extent, and impact on the card’s shape.

Example of Crushing

ST - Stain

Surface - Wear

A stain is a surface defect characterized by a localized discoloration or mark on a trading card. It can be caused by contact with liquid, dirt, grease, a chemical product, or any other substance that has penetrated or adhered to the card’s surface.

Unlike residue, a stain generally cannot be removed without risking damage to the card. It can take different shapes, colors, and intensities, and may be more or less visible depending on the contrast with the card’s artwork.

During grading, stains are evaluated on 2 severity levels, based on their size, intensity, and visibility.

Example of Stain

AB - Abrasion

Corners, edges - Wear

Abrasion is a wear defect characterized by friction that gradually wears down the surface of the corners or edges of a trading card. This phenomenon results in a loss of surface material, a smooth or rough appearance, and an alteration of the coating or printed layer.

Abrasion is usually caused by repeated handling, friction against other cards, worn sleeves, or improper storage. It directly affects the surface of corners or edges and may cause discoloration or expose the underlying layers of cardboard.

During grading, abrasions are evaluated on 4 severity levels, based on their size, depth, and visibility.

Example of Abrasion

Centering

Centering - Translation

Centering – Factory

Translation is a centering defect that appears when the card’s printing is shifted relative to the cut. This factory defect manifests as uneven borders: the image appears shifted horizontally and/or vertically inside the card.

Translation is caused by misalignment between the printed sheet and the cutting tool during production. An affected card may have a thicker border on one side and a thinner border on the opposite side.

Beyond a certain intensity, a centering defect is considered a “miscut” and can then be classified as a special feature. In this case, the centering subgrade will not receive a score.

Translation Example

Centering - Rotation

Centering – Factory

Rotation is a centering defect that occurs when the card’s printing is tilted relative to the cut. Unlike a simple translation, the image is not only shifted: it is slightly rotated at an angle.

This factory defect usually occurs during the printing or cutting process, when the printed sheet is not perfectly aligned with the cutting tool. A card affected by rotation may have borders whose thickness gradually varies from one corner to another.

Even slight, rotation can be visible to the naked eye, especially on cards with marked frames or borders.

Rotation Example