Membership Handbook Grading Standards

Table of Contents

Introduction
Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws
Code of Ethics
General Show Floor Rules
Show Facilities Standards
Administrative Show Rules
Exhibit and Judging Rules
Sample Show Forms
Grading Standards
Membership

The NIA encourages all members to declare any and all damage that would detract from an insulator's appearance and monetary value when compared to a "perfect" insulator. The following descriptive categories are general guidelines, which collectors can use as a starting point for such descriptions, and are furnished in an effort to promote uniformity in grading. The NIA strongly discourages the use of embellished abbreviated descriptions such as "VVVNM+." Buyers and sellers are encouraged to verbally discuss the condition of an insulator before entering into a transaction.

Mint ("M"):  No visible and/or apparent damage.

Very Nearly Mint ("VNM"): Very minor damage which detracts very little from the insulator's appearance.

Near Mint ("NM") Minor damage which detracts from the insulator's appearance.

Fair: Damage that is quite noticeable and affects the desirability of owning the insulator.

Specimen: Major damage to the point where a significant portion of the insulator is missing. A piece that can best serve as an example of a type of insulator.

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Last updated June 16, 2001