How to Grade a Star Wars Action Figure

"C" Rating System

• 1

  Visually inspect your star wars action figure. A collector grade action figure will be still be in its original packaging and kept in a protective plastic collector's case to maintain its quality. Loose Star Wars action figures can be graded and sold according to the "C" grade system, but they will not be worth as much to collectors as those that have remained in their original packaging.

• 2

  Make a mental note of the condition of the packaging. Grading your Star Wars action figure will take into account these questions: Does the cardboard backing's edges have any wear? Is the cardboard backing ripped or torn? Is the plastic bubble that the action figure is held in intact, torn, or dented? What is the condition of the action figure? Is it still in mint condition in the packaging? Can you see any defects or flaws?

• 3

  Learn to read the "C" grade ratings. The "C" grade scale goes from 1 to 10. Instead of rating an action figure 8.5 or 7.5 on the 1 to 10 scale, the "C" grade is written with the decimal point omitted. This does not mean that the grade reverts to a scale of 100 if it is under 10. The only digit on the scale that actually has a tens place is the grade of 10. To avoid confusion if you come across a "C" grade with two digits read the grade like the decimal point is still there. For example a "C" grade of C85 is actually an 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. A "C" grade of C75 is actually C7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

• 4

  Find the appropriate "C" grade rating for your Star Wars action figure by answering these questions

  Is your Star Wars action figure in near perfect condition, without any visible flaws and kept in a protective case? If so, it has a rating of C9+.

  Does the action figure's packaging card have minor to no visible edge wear? Does it have no imperfections (even minor)? Is the plastic bubble that holds the action figure in the packaging in perfect condition without any visible dings or dents in it? If so, it has a rating of C85.

  Is the action figure's packaging still in the same condition as when it came out of the shipment box from the factory? If your answer is yes, it has a rating of C8.

  Does the action figure's packaging card have minor imperfections such as wrinkles, slight wearing around its edges? Are there any dings or dents in the plastic bubble, or blister that the action figure is held in? If so, it has a rating of C75.

  Does the action figure's packaging have a lot of significant imperfections in its card and plastic bubble such as discoloration or yellowing of the plastic bubble, fading of pictures that were printed on the board caused by direct sunlight exposure, huge dents and or bends in the cardboard's corners?

  If so, it will have a rating of C65 Sub-par. Sub-par means that it is in a condition that is below acceptable standards for a collectors item.

  Is the packaging that the action figure is held in damaged, but the figure itself is in mint condition? If so, it has a rating of C6.

  Does the packaging have noticeable imperfections, minor but noticeable plastic bubble dents, and worn edges? If so, it is considered a non-mint item, won't be worth much to collectors and will have a rating of C5.