by Zoe Trudeaux

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: August 15, 2011

Evaluating the condition of an action figure and any packaging is called grading. Whether you are investing in an action figure or are looking to sell one of your own, knowing the grade is essential if you want to ascertain its value. You can either grade it yourself using the Condition Scale or you can have it professionally graded by a paid service like the Action Figure Authority (AFA).

Several aspects of an action figure are looked at when grading occurs. The packaging (also referred to as the bubble and card) is evaluated for flaws like dents, scratches, creases, rips, and overall appearance. The action figure is evaluated for things like paint wear, scratches, loose joints, or missing pieces.

Grading an action figure yourself can be tricky but many collectors do not want to pay the extra money for professional grading either. Use the following information to compare the Condition Scale and the AFA Scale to see which one best fits your needs.

THE AFA SCALE

An AFA Scale grade is highly trusted by both buyers and sellers. The AFA provides a paid service where the action figure is given a percentage grade by professionals. The percentages are broken up into three different levels:

#1. The AFA Gold Level (100, 95, 90 Mint/ Near Mint): These are some of the highest quality figures in existence. The flaws, if any, are very hard to recognize or see with the naked eye.

#2. AFA Silver Level (85, 80, 75 Near Mint/ Excellent): These are in excellent condition. An 85 should be very close to gold level condition. The flaws are usually there from being in a store or on a shelf. They should be very minor. Most collectors value a figure with this grade, though they might pass up a 75.

#3. AFA Bronze Level (70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 from Very Good - Very Poor): These figures have flaws that range from noticeable on first glace to very significant damage. Very few serious collectors would be interested in these.

This grade is considered to be the final one that the figure will ever be given. It is then permanently sealed in an acrylic case, forever preserving it in the graded condition.

THE CONDITION SCALE

Collectors use the Condition Scale to grade action figures themselves. There are no set standards for grading with the Condition Scale, but over-grading is very common. Sellers sometimes misrepresent an action figure to potential buyers, which understandably make buyers extremely upset.

• C10 (Mint): The figure is in perfect condition. The bubble and card are

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