Condition Grade Guide
Rate five physical condition factors and get a standard collector grade — Mint, Near Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. Condition only, never a valuation.
Condition grade
How the grade is calculated
Each of the five factors is scored from 0 (worst) to 10 (as-new) and combined into a single weighted score, with paint and finish weighted most heavily since it's usually the first thing a collector notices, followed by chips and scratches. That weighted score is then matched against standard collector grade bands, from Mint at the top down to Poor at the bottom.
The box, when you have one, is graded on the same 0–10 scale but kept separate from the model's own grade, matching how collectors conventionally describe a piece — for example, “Excellent model, Near Mint box.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tool tell me what my model is worth?
No. This guide assesses physical condition only — paint, chips, moving parts, decals, and completeness — and returns a descriptive grade band like Near Mint or Good. It does not estimate price, resale value, or investment worth in any way; for a valuation, consult a qualified appraiser or dealer.
Why is the box graded separately from the model?
Collectors conventionally grade a model and its packaging independently, since a mint model can have a crushed box and vice versa. Listing both grades separately (for example, 'Near Mint model, Good box') gives a fuller, more standard picture than a single blended number.
How should I score 'completeness'?
Completeness covers everything the model shipped with beyond the piece itself — display stands, certificates, spare parts, opening-part keys, and any accessories the manufacturer included. Score it 10 if everything original is still with the model, and lower it for each missing piece.
Educational tool only. This guide describes physical condition based on the ratings you enter — it is not an appraisal, valuation, or price estimate, and DieCastVault does not buy, sell, or authenticate models.