Movie Poster Grading & Condition Standards

This is the Retrowarehouse Movie Poster Grading & Condition Standards by which we determine the condition of the movie posters in our collections.

NEAR MINT: Virtually Unused, with only the slightest signs of wear. A poster in NEAR MINT condition may have minor blemishes in the border only. The artwork of a NEAR MINT poster is in excellent condition and has no blemishes whatsoever.

VERY GOOD: Light Use, with no serious defects so it is a relatively clean specimen. A poster in VERY GOOD condition may have blemishes in the border and up to approximately one inch (1″) of the poster’s artwork. There may be small tears in the artwork along the fold lines only. It may also have minor fading.

GOOD: Average Moderate Use, and expect a variety of cosmetic flaws, tears, tack holes, small tape or light staining in the borders, and some wear at major fold intersections. 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, and 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.

FAIR: Heavily Used, but is probably presentable if framed and the image area is not significantly damaged. A poster in FAIR condition may have major blemishes that directly affect the artwork of the poster. The poster is recognizable and the artwork is primarily intact. A poster in FAIR condition must be professionally restored.

POOR: Very Heavily Used, and expect some damage to the image area requiring restoration. A poster in POOR condition will have serious blemishes.