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How To Grade Your Hummel Figurines

Jon R Warren
I believe someday all collectibles will be graded using a 10-point scale. This universality will be a factor in making collectibles a recognized investment like stocks and bonds. Grading services will exist for every collectible hobby, and these grading services will enable a liquid marketplace for massive trading in collectibles of all kinds. Collectors will view their collection “portfolio” as a source of retirement income in the same way that stock investors do today. EBay and similar sites will be the "NASDAQ" for the liquidation of these collectible investments. This isn't a great insight on my part, it is already happening in a small way, and I believe it is just beginning.

Until the introduction of our 10-point system, the Hummel marketplace suffered from a lack of a standardized system for ranking condition. Each merchant more or less "invented" their own system, with one seller's "Fine" equal to another seller's "Condition B" and yet another's "Excellent." In our opinion, lack of grading consistency among merchants is a major obstacle to growth in any hobby. Why? Because buyers feel more secure with "sight unseen" internet buying when they are familiar with a consistent grading system. New collectors in any hobby become advanced collectors through knowledge, including knowledge of terminology. Without such a set of grading terms and definitions, buyers may feel confused and uncertain about the quality of items they are buying over the internet or through the mail. Confusion and uncertainty are not good for the growth of any hobby.

Our 10-point scale for grading is similar to systems already adopted in other markets. Basically, a 10.0 is like brand new and a 1.0 is in terrible shape. By using a set of standardized grading terms, we can ensure the growth of the hobby now and in the future.

I welcome your feedback. Please email with comments and suggestions. My email address is jon@2ndmarkets.com.

I have outlined the grades, and described the requirements for each. These grading definitions are intended to help rate the condition of your collectible. As in any collectible, the better the condition, the more valuable it is.

Mint in Box 10.0     

Perfect, i.e. - brilliant, unusually bright, as new. Example is in brand new condition, includes the original box and all original paperwork (if applicable) that was included in the box at the time of original purchase. The box itself is in near-perfect condition and contains little, if any flaws. The item inside the box is in brand new condition and has no flaws.
Seldom used by professionals since it represents perfection...and perfection is extremely rare.
Mint 9.0 or M 9.0    

Virtually flawless. Superb.  Example is in like new condition, may or may not include the original box (if applicable) and may or may not include original paperwork (if applicable) that was included in the box at the time of original purchase. The box itself is in almost new condition but may possess a few minor flaws such as light corner dings, small creases in the box or even small scratches on the box. The item inside the box is in brand new condition and has no flaws.  


Near Mint 9.0 or NM 9.0    

Almost perfect. Item may have very slight crazing in an unobtrusive area of the item, but otherwise without any scratches, chips, nicks, dings, flakes, fading, or other flaws. Deep, rich color with excellent original patina and gloss.


Very Fine 8.0 or VF 8.0    

Very Fine 8.0 or VF 8.0 An exceptional example. Acceptable to all but the most finicky collector. This is a sharp, almost perfect example. The item may have very minor crazing but not on the face. The bottom of base may have numerous crazing cracks in the glaze. Otherwise, the item has no major defects but may not quite as bright as Near Mint. May or May Not have original box.

Fine Very Fine 7.0 or FVF 7.0    

Slightly worn. Although this example may or may not include the original box (if applicable, many early Hummels never came in a box), it also may or may not include original paperwork (if applicable) included in the box at the time of original purchase. If the box itself is present, it may not be in ideal condition The box most likely has several creases, tears, scratches, etc. However, the item inside the box is in almost new condition and has no chips, color flakes, or cracks. It may, however, have very slight crazing (hairline spiderweb thin cracks in the glaze).

Fine 6.0 or F 6.0    

Still quite fine without chips, cracks, color flakes or visible damage of any kind, but age crazing in a more significant amount than in the FVF 7.0 grade.

Very Good 5.0 or VG 5.0    

This example may have a minor color flake or two, some crazing, or a color scratch but has no major flaws such as chips or cracks or repairs.

Good to Very Good 4.0 or GD/VG 4.0    

Beginning to show signs of significant wear. Worn paint. Color flakes. Crazing to a degree that affects eye appeal. Scratches. But still, no repairs or cracks.

Good 3.0 or GD 3.0    

A worn, crazed, flaked example. This example is in visibly worn condition, and could have one or two minor flaws which may include small scratches or light paint wear. However, this does not includes cracks, chips or any missing pieces. The original box and any accompanying paperwork may or may not be present. Typically a filler-copy only.

Fair 2.0 or FR 2.0    

The lower grades are separated by degrees of damage. The accumulation of many defects lowers the item from the C3 grade down to the C2. This example is in used, displayed or handled condition. It most likely has been handled and may contain scratches, paint wear, minor chips, dings or even small cracks.

Poor 1.0 or PR 1.0    

Extremely worn, damaged or incomplete, although such should be noted. This example is in distressed condition... It may contain scratches, paint wear, chips, dings, cracks and/or missing pieces.
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