Toy Grading Guide

Toy Grading Scale for Modern Toys:

C-10 with box: Just like new, in original package, preferably sealed. If on a blister card, the package is intact and unopened. New toys in boxes that remain factory-sealed boxes can command higher prices.

C-10 no box: Like new, but no box

C-9: Near mint, A toy that appears like new in overall appearance, but exhibits very minor wear and does not have the original box.

C-8: Excellent, A toy that is complete and has been played with. Signs of minor wear may be evident, but the toys is very clean and well cared for.

C-7: Very Good, A toy that has been played with and shows general wear overall. Paint chipping is readily apparent. In metal toys, some minor rust may be evident. In sets, some minor pieces may be missing.

C-6: Good, A toy with evidence of heavy play, dents, chips, and possibly moderate rust. The toy may be missing a major replaceable component, such as doors, or may be in need of repair.

 

 

Toy Grading Scale for Vintage and Antique Toys: 

Mint: Just like new, the best of the best, in original package, preferably sealed. If on a blister card, the package is intact and unopened. New toys in boxes that remain factory-sealed boxes can command higher prices. Has everything included that came in the packaging. 

Near Mint to Mint: Just like new, in original package, preferably sealed. If on a blister card, the package is intact and unopened. These items are in almost perfect condition with only minor imperfections that are hardly noticeable. 

Very Fine/Excellent: Has some very slight flaws and signs of wear, and compared to other examples of the item, it looks almost new. May or may not include original packaging, etc. 

Fine/Great: Has some slight flaws, but overall, and when compared to other examples of this item, it may have slightly more wear and flaws.   

Good to Very Good: A toy that has been played with and shows general wear overall. Paint chipping is readily apparent, light overspray, light color fading, missing components. In metal toys, some minor rust may be evident. In sets, some minor pieces may be missing.   

Fair: A toy with evidence of heavy play wear, major dents, chips, and possibly moderate rust. The toy may have heavy overspray, color fading, missing a major replaceable component, such as doors, or may be in need of repair. 

Poor: Items that receive this grade are in bad condition and often have very little value attached to them [unless they are very rare].   

 

21 Comments

  1. Shelli and Richard Mona on April 30, 2019 at 1:45 am

    Hello- Do you buy toys too? My husband has over
    190+ Antique toys, collectors toys, books, etc…
    that he wants to sell.

  2. Frances on August 14, 2019 at 10:53 pm

    I have a John deere pedal tractor made before 1975 refurbished with wagon where is the best place to sell?
    Thanks Frances

    • Kristy on August 18, 2019 at 4:09 am

      Please call us at 1-727-777-4206 we will be happy to help if we can.

  3. Nell Nicholson on August 23, 2019 at 6:56 am

    I have a metal car that is 11 1\4 inches by 4 1\4 iches. Not the original paint but in good working order and good to very good condition. On the hood it says Sept. 22-14. I would be interested in value and in selling. Nell Nicholson

    • Kristy on September 1, 2019 at 4:36 am

      Please call us at 1-727-777-4206 or send pictures to toys@antiquetoys.com we will be happy to help if we can.

      • Cassie Comins on April 28, 2021 at 9:02 am

        I have old toys that belonged to my father I can give you if you come get them

  4. Rich Stroup on August 27, 2019 at 3:17 am

    I have Smitty Toy Trucks I think they would be probably be very good to fine or possibly fine to very fine how do I go about getting a value for them and also I have some Tonka semi and trailers around the same time frame they are not yellow the cabs are red

  5. Dorothy Jones on September 3, 2019 at 2:52 am

    I have an antique metal horse like those from a carousel; in excellent condition( however it has lead paint. Can the least paint be resealed and the horse repainted?

  6. Antonio Dudley on September 16, 2019 at 12:19 am

    Hi! I have some old Star Trek toys that I had since I was 6 and now that I’m 40 I was wondering how much are they worth!

  7. Joe on October 11, 2019 at 8:00 am

    I was wondering if you buy old TONKA trucks and TONKA tractors. I have a few of them they I would like to sell.

  8. Redneck on May 24, 2023 at 12:00 am

    I have an old Ives tugboat windup I’m not quite sure how to grade it I don’t have the box but everything else looks to be in pretty good condition it whines and works trying to figure out the value if anyone can help

    • Kristy on June 19, 2023 at 6:02 am

      Please send us a message via our contact form above.

  9. Amellia Olson on May 24, 2023 at 2:38 pm

    I have an old metal car I think was made in Germany, its an old crank car that I believe goes forward and backward my dad said something about a transmission in it from the 40’s maybe earlier. It still works and is in good condition.

    • Kristy on June 19, 2023 at 6:02 am

      Please send us a message via our contact form above.

  10. jessiebrant83 on July 12, 2024 at 1:12 am

    Have anyone heard of hoop and wire. Made by Baum & Stevens co. 1960 Norfolk Va.

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