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.

 

Grade A (Standard)

Grade A or Standard pins are the pins that are close to flawless or have very minor flaws. Examples are: 

• Any imprecations 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)

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)

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 

Please remember that each shop has a different method of grading and has different grading scales.