Hoyle's Vintage Grading System

Please note, unless otherwise stated, all board and card games are complete.

Grading vintage and collectible games is inherently subjective — there is no universally accepted industry scale! That said, with over 25 years’ experience buying and selling vintage and collectible games for both in-store and online resale, we have nevertheless sought to develop a clear and consistent grading framework that allows for fair and transparent valuation.

We use a five-tier system designed to reflect the wide variation in condition typically found in vintage games, while maintaining meaningful distinctions between grades.

Our Grading Scale

Grade 1+ — Near Mint

• All components present and original
• No repairs
• No graffiti or ownership markings
• No damage
• Box structurally perfect and exceptionally well preserved

This grade is rarely achieved in vintage games.

Grade 1 — Excellent

• Complete and entirely original
• Paper components in excellent condition
• Minor blemishes acceptable, particularly for games over 80 years old
• Repairs, if present, are invisible and professionally executed
• Box structurally sound and free from significant damage, if included

Grade 2 — Very Good

• Complete, or provided with suitable period-appropriate replacements
• Paper components in good condition
• Minor blemishes or discreet repairs acceptable
• Components may be in better condition than the box (components are prioritised for playability)
• Box may show moderate wear but remains structurally sound

Grade 3 — Good

• Noticeable but moderate wear consistent with age and use
• No cuts or scratches penetrating original printed surfaces
• Some corner repairs (e.g. Copydex and tissue, Magic Tape)
• Replacement dice, counters or spinners may be included
• Paper components intact but may show light creasing or dog-eared corners
• Pre-1980 thin card boxes may show dents or edge wear
• Scoring pads may be missing
• Ownership markings may be present inside the box
• Original rules included or supplied as photocopies

Grade 4 — Fair

• Extensive wear or evidence of poor storage
• Broken or crushed corners
• Scratches penetrating printed areas
• Stains, cracks or handwritten notes
• Obvious tape or glue repairs
• Possible photocopied rules
• Storage-related damage
• Card games may have worn corners or missing tabs, though the main box is usually intact