There are no strict rules on how to grade a movie poster, but there are general guidelines used in the movie art industry. The following is the 6-Grade System which is most generally used and accepted in the collector’s market

MINT

A poster in MINT condition looks like it just came off of the press. 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 MINT condition commands top dollar in that title’s normal price range.

 

NEAR MINT

A poster in NEAR MINT condition may have minor blemishes in the border only. The artwork is in excellent condition with no blemishes whatsoever. A poster in NEAR MINT condition commands slightly less than one in MINT condition.

 

VERY GOOD

A poster in VERY GOOD condition may have 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. A poster in VERY GOOD condition will command slightly less than one in NEAR MINT condition.

 

GOOD

A poster in GOOD condition 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. The price of a poster in GOOD condition generally falls in the middle to lower end of the price range for that title.

 

FAIR

A poster in FAIR condition may have major blemishes which directly affect the artwork of the poster. The poster is recognizable 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. A poster in FAIR condition must be professionally restored.

 

POOR

Posters in POOR condition 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. A poster in POOR condition must be professionally restored.

Information provided by Learn About Movie Posters