PIN GRADING INFO
Before I package and ship out pins, I make sure to grade each one. Grading pins is inspecting each pin to search for flaws. Enamel pins are hand made and minor flaws-most of the time unnoticeable-are expected. Below I have broken down my grading scale to help you understand the difference between A, B and C grades from my shop.
Please remember that each shop has a different method of grading and has different grading scales.
Grade A (Standard) Best
Grade A or Standard pins are the pins that are close to flawless or have very minor flaws. Examples are:
- Any imperfections on the back of the pin
- Small scratches or nicks on the plating of the pin
- Stray glitter pieces
- Small bends in the backing posts
- Tiny pieces of dust in the enamel
- Very small air pockets on the enamel
Grade B (Seconds) Minor Flaws
Grade B or Seconds pins are still in great condition, but may have more flaws, or easily noticeable flaws than a Grade A pin. Examples are:
- Marks, scuffs, scratches on the enamel
- Small areas of missing enamel
- Visible amounts of dust in the enamel
- Small areas where color is wrong
- Larger amounts of stray glitter pieces
- Slight discoloration to works on the enamel
- Small areas of missing screen print
Grade C (Lemons) Major Flaws
Grade C or Lemon pins are the pins with major, noticeable flaws. Because of the amount and extent of the flaws for a Grade C pin, they will be sold at a discounted price. Examples are:
- Poor or low quality in the metal of the pin
- Big, deep or multiple scrapes, scratches or scuff marks in the enamel
- Large areas of missing glitter
- Large areas of missing screen print
- Misspelled or misplaced words
- Large air bubbles in the enamel
- Broken enamel, or backing posts