Pin Grading Policy

A-Grade Enamel Pin Grading Policy

Definition:
A-Grade pins, also known as Standard Grade pins, are high-quality pins suitable for display. These pins exhibit outstanding quality, although they may have minor imperfections that are only noticeable upon close inspection and under bright light.

Criteria for A-Grade Pins:

  1. Very Minor Under-fill in Small Areas: Slightly incomplete enamel fill in very small sections.
  2. Minor Scratches/Scuffs: Light scratches or scuffs that are not easily visible.
  3. Dust/Lint Particles or Air Bubbles: Tiny particles or bubbles trapped in the enamel.
  4. Overfilled Enamel: Some enamel may slightly flood over the metal lines.
  5. Minor Offset in Screenprint Details: Slight misalignment that may flood some metal lines.
  6. 1-2 Discolored Marks: Small, non-central discolored spots 
  7. Small Nicks: Tiny nicks on the enamel or metal surface, not easily noticeable.
  8. Angle-Sensitive Imperfections: Small flaws visible only from certain angles of light.
  9. Enamel Under-fill: Minor, barely visible under-filling of enamel.
  10. Light Imperfections in Metal Plating: Slight imperfections in the metal plating.
  11. Minor Dust Mixed into Glitter: Tiny particles mixed into the glitter.
  12. Paint Pooling: Minor pooling of paint on screen-printed pins.
  13. Plating Imperfections: Slight plating issues on the front, barely noticeable.
  14. Epoxy Bubbles/Debris: Small bubbles or minor debris in epoxy.
  15. Printed Detail Variations: Slight variations in printed detail positioning.
  16. Printed Detail Marks: Small marks or edge imperfections in printed details.
  17. Edge Flaws: Rare minor imperfections around the edges.
  18. Underfilled Enamel: Rare, minor under-filled areas.

 

B-Grade Enamel Pin Grading Policy

Definition:
B-Grade pins have noticeable flaws that become obvious when viewed under regular lighting conditions. Despite having more significant imperfections than A-Grade pins, they can still shine as unique display pieces!

Criteria for B-Grade Pins:

  1. Larger Under-filled Surface Area: More extensive sections with incomplete enamel fill.
  2. Increased Scratches/Scuffs: A greater number of scratches or scuffs.
  3. More Dust/Lint/Air Bubbles: Several areas with dust particles or large air bubbles.
  4. More Overfilled Enamel: Noticeable enamel overflow flooding metal lines.
  5. Screenprint Errors: More prominent errors, especially near facial areas.
  6. Color Errors: Small color discrepancies on the pin surface.
  7. Special Effects Errors: Noticeable errors with sandblast, glitter, pearl, stained glass.
  8. Metal Plating Imperfections: Multiple points with metal plating issues.
  9. Missing Metal Lines: Sections of missing metal lines.
  10. Missing Enamel: Small portions missing enamel.
  11. Offset Screen Printing: Noticeably off-center screen printing.
  12. Missing Screen Printing: Areas where screen printing is absent.
  13. Low Glitter Areas: Sections with insufficient glitter.
  14. Overfilled Enamel: Excess enamel flooding metal lines.
  15. Excessive Glitter: Large amounts of glitter in incorrect areas.
  16. Encased Posts: Posts with significant sway.
  17. Backing Errors: Missing logo/numbering or incorrect numbering
  18. Backing Card: May not be included

 

C-Grade Enamel Pin Grading Policy

Definition:
C-Grade pins have numerous and super obvious flaws that jump out even in regular lighting. These flaws make them unfit for standard or even second-rate sales. While a collector might not want to show them off, these pins are still wearable.

Criteria for C-Grade Pins:

  1. Large and Very Noticeable Scuffing: Extensive scuffs that are highly visible.
  2. Large or Deep Gouges in Enamel: Significant gouges affecting the enamel surface.
  3. Large or Deep Scratches in Enamel: Prominent scratches that are easily noticeable.
  4. Large Areas of Underfilled Enamel: Extensive sections with incomplete enamel fill.
  5. Multiple Defects in Metal Plating: Numerous imperfections or defects in the metal plating.
  6. Large and Multiple Air Bubbles: Many and/or large air bubbles in the soft or hard enamel.
  7. Misapplied Glitter: Multiple areas where glitter has been improperly applied.
  8. Missing Metal Lines: Large or numerous sections with absent metal lines.
  9. Enamel Staining/Discoloration: Multiple areas with enamel staining or discoloration.
  10. Low-Quality Enamel/Metal Work: Overall poor craftsmanship in enamel or metal.
  11. Missing/Incorrect Back Stamp: Absence of or incorrect back stamp.
  12. Significant Low-Fill Areas: Large sections with insufficient enamel fill.
  13. Multiple Unfilled Enamel Areas: More than one noticeable section missing enamel.
  14. Broken/Missing Pin Posts: Damaged or absent pin posts.
  15. Non-Functional Color-Changing Enamel: Enamel that fails to color shift as intended.
  16. Missing Enamel: Sections where enamel is completely absent.
  17. Backing Errors: Missing logo/numbering or incorrect numbering
  18. Backing Card: May not be included