Movie Poster Grading
When it comes to movie poster grading assessing movie art is subjective and unfortunately there are no “global” rules for the grading movie posters.
We grade as fair as we can, we grade as if we were buying the poster and using the grade as our guide, we do this to ensure you get what we describe – we do not grade for profit; that is to say we won’t ‘over grade’ our items.
If the item has a fault of any note we will describe it accordingly, however if the item has wear that fall under the grading descriptions below then it will not always specifically state the wear condition.
Always bear in mind you are buying used movie memorabilia.
Generally these have been on display at the picture theatres so they will not be brand spanking new! Grading is typically based on how it will display, edge wear and other minor imperfections that are not going to detract from its overall impact as a collectible will not necessarily diminish the value.
The following is the most common international grading table.
FINE
It will have no blemishes or defects of any kind. It can be machine folded or rolled, depending on the manner in which it was originally. A poster in FINE condition commands top dollar in that title’s normal price range.
VERY GOOD
It may have a few blemishes in the border and up to approximately one inch of the poster’s artwork. There may be small tears in the artwork along the fold lines only. It may also have minor fading.
GOOD
It may have tears or small holes that measure no larger than a quarter on the outer edges of the poster’s artwork. Pieces of the border may be torn or missing; there may be mild bleed-through in the outer area of the artwork; there may be mild fading. In general, a poster in GOOD condition will have minor blemishes around the border and into the outer edges of the artwork. The major area of the artwork must be clear of any blemishes.
FAIR
It may have major blemishes that directly affect the artwork of the poster. The poster is recognisable and the artwork is primarily intact. The value of a poster in FAIR condition will weigh heavily on its title. If it is a rare piece, it still may command the lower end of the poster’s normal price range.
POOR
It will have serious blemishes or in general, in such poor shape that even the slightest handling adds to the damage. The value of a poster in POOR condition will weigh heavily on its title. If it is a rare piece, it still may command the lower end of the poster’s normal price range. We are unlikely ever to sell an item in this condition!
