Grading Funko POPs is a way to assess both the figure and its box, using a 1-to-10 scale. The box's condition plays a big role in determining value, with factors like corner sharpness, window clarity, and sticker alignment being evaluated. Professional services like PSA, which began grading Funko POPs in 2022, seal graded items in UV-protected cases for long-term preservation and market verification.
Why grade? It simplifies resale, confirms authenticity, and protects against counterfeits. Graded figures, especially rare or exclusive ones, often fetch higher prices. For example, a graded Batman #19 SDCC figure sold for $1,800 in 2024.
Grades range from 10 (Gem Mint) to 1 (Poor). Even tiny flaws can lower a score, so collectors are encouraged to inspect carefully before submitting for grading. Proper storage - cool, dry, and away from sunlight - and using protective cases can maintain condition and value.
If you're serious about your collection, grading ensures your figures are protected, verified, and potentially more valuable in the market.
Funko wants you to Grade your Pops!
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Funko POP Grading Scales Explained
Funko POP Grading Scale: Condition Grades and Market Value Impact
Grading Scale Breakdown
The Funko POP grading system uses a numerical scale from 1 to 10, where 10 represents "Gem Mint" perfection, and 1 signifies "Poor" condition. Some services even include half-point increments (like 8.5 or 7.5) for more precise evaluations, especially when a figure's overall appeal exceeds the technical flaws of a lower grade.
Here’s how the grades break down:
| Grade | Condition | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Gem Mint) | Perfect | Flawless corners, no scuffs, scratches, or dents; stickers aligned and sealed perfectly |
| 9 (Mint) | Nearly Perfect | 1–2 tiny imperfections, such as slightly soft corners or faint surface marks |
| 8 (Near Mint) | Very Presentable | 1–3 minor flaws, like light corner wear, small edge imperfections, or faint scuffs |
| 7 (Fine) | Noticeable | Moderate issues including creasing, small tears, or visible window scuffing |
| 6 (Good) | Compromised | Three or more moderate flaws or one severe flaw; defects are apparent |
| 5 (Fair) | Poor | Two or more severe flaws; typically the lowest grade for in-box items |
| 1–4 (Poor) | Damaged | Includes heavy crushing, unglued windows, major tears, or significant fading |
When grading, professionals assess specific details like corner sharpness, window clarity, sticker alignment, and overall box integrity. However, certain factors - such as factory-applied stickers, slight variations in window shapes, or minor paint imperfections on the figure itself - are excluded from grading.
Achieving a perfect 10 is incredibly rare. Fewer than 10% of retail Funko POPs meet this standard due to even the smallest flaws. If you're grading your own collection for resale, it’s wise to be conservative in your assessment to maintain trust within the collector community. Before submitting a figure for professional grading, carefully inspect the clear window under strong light, as even faint scuffs can significantly lower the final score.
These grading distinctions play a critical role in determining a collectible's resale value, as explained below.
How Grades Affect Value
The condition of a Funko POP directly impacts its market value. Consistent grading practices help maintain trust among collectors and influence pricing.
Here’s how grades translate to value:
- Mint (10/10): Retains 100% of its market value.
- Near Mint (9/10): Typically worth 80–90% of the mint price.
- Very Good (7–8/10): Valued at 60–75% of the mint price.
- Good and Below (6/10 and under): Generally worth 40–60% of the mint price and often considered "Out-of-Box" quality.
For high-value figures, even a small difference - like half a point - can result in significant price variations.
An 8/10 grade is often the sweet spot for collectors, as it meets the expectations of about 98% of buyers seeking well-preserved figures priced under $40. On the other hand, grades below 5 are typically the lowest assigned to in-box figures, as boxes in this condition are usually unsuitable for display.
How to Grade Your Funko POPs at Home
Self-Grading Steps
Grading your Funko POPs at home starts with a careful inspection under proper lighting. Use bright LED lights or natural daylight to reveal scuffs, scratches, or indentations on the box. Make sure to wear gloves and use a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid using water or cleaning chemicals on the cardboard, as these can cause irreversible damage.
"Inspect with bright lighting - natural daylight works best", suggests Chris Caso from Boxed Vinyl.
Check every side and corner of the box for common issues like corner softness, edge wear, creases, dents, scuffs, or ink marks. Hold the box under direct light to inspect the plastic window for cloudiness, scratches, or residue.
Next, examine the figure itself for any paint flaws, misalignments, or physical damage. To confirm authenticity, compare your Funko POP with official images using the Funko app. Lastly, take clear, high-resolution photos of all sides and corners of the box and figure. These photos will serve as a record of the item's condition, particularly for high-value pieces.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to assign an accurate grade. But for even better results, keep these extra tips in mind.
Tips for Accurate Self-Grading
When grading, it’s best to be conservative. If you notice any flaws, even minor ones, consider lowering the grade. Professional graders are known for their strict standards, and adopting a similar mindset can help you avoid overestimating the condition of your item. As Pops.today explains, "We will never call any Pop a perfect 10. Even factory-fresh boxes have microscopic imperfections", meaning a perfect score is nearly impossible to achieve at home.
Refer to the grading scale outlined earlier and be honest about what you see. For most well-maintained figures, an 8/10 is a reasonable expectation. A 9/10 should be reserved for items with only one or two barely noticeable imperfections. If you’re unsure, it’s better to grade lower to maintain credibility. Keep your documentation photos handy, as they can help verify the condition if you ever decide to sell or trade your Funko POP.
Professional Grading Services and Tools
Benefits of Professional Grading
Professional grading services give collectors a dependable way to confirm authenticity and determine market value. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), known for its expertise in sports card grading, has extended its services to include Funko POPs. As LODAPOP BROS puts it:
"PSA certification ensures that your Funko Pop! figures are genuine. This is particularly important for rare and exclusive pieces that are often targeted by counterfeiters".
With a standardized 10-point scale - where 10 signifies Gem Mint condition and 1 indicates Poor condition - this process offers an unbiased evaluation of your figures' quality. This complements any at-home grading efforts, providing collectors with a transparent way to establish their collection's worth. Once graded, figures are encased in tamper-proof, UV-protected cases that include a certification number or QR code for quick online verification.
Graded figures often fetch higher prices in the resale market. Pop And Figures highlights this trend:
"autographed and graded Funko Pops are worth much more than non-autographed pops".
Grading costs vary depending on service speed, ranging from $24.99 for Value Bulk (95 business days) to $599.00 for Walk-Through (7 business days). Collectors should weigh the potential value increase against the cost, focusing on rare, vaulted, or exclusive figures that justify the investment.
Before submitting your figures for grading, having the right tools and preparation can make all the difference.
Helpful Tools for Collectors
To make the most of professional grading, ensure your figures are properly prepared and shipped. Start by using tools like the Pop Price Guide (PPG) or the Funko App to check current market values. This helps you decide whether grading will yield a worthwhile return.
Inspect your figures closely with a magnifying glass to spot tiny scratches or paint imperfections. For shipping, use rigid protectors like PopShield cases and double-box the items with bubble wrap to safeguard them during transit. Additionally, services like Pops Grading Services (PGS) provide access to a "Fake Pop! Database", which helps collectors identify counterfeits before submission. Proper preparation ensures your figures arrive in pristine condition, ready for grading.
How to Maintain Your Funko POP's Condition
Taking proper care of your Funko POP collection is essential to preserve its value and ensure it remains in top condition for years to come.
Storage Best Practices
If you've invested in grading or want to maintain your collection's worth, storage is key. Keep your figures in an environment with temperatures between 64°F and 77°F and humidity levels of 40% to 50%. Parth Galhotra, a seasoned Funko POP collector, emphasizes the importance of avoiding sunlight:
"Sunlight is the main cause of fading and discoloration. Vinyl reacts to UV rays, and printed cardboard boxes fade quickly".
To combat this, store your figures away from windows. Use blackout curtains or apply UV-blocking films if necessary. Avoid areas like unfinished basements, attics, or garages, where moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations can cause damage. Always elevate your collection using shelves or pallets to protect against potential water damage from flooding.
For added protection, use plastic protectors for common figures and opt for 2.8mm acrylic capsules for high-value items. When stacking, limit to 10 units against a wall or 4–5 units on a shelf to prevent crushing. Place silica gel packets in storage bins to control humidity and reduce the risk of mold. Finally, replace standard display bulbs with LED lighting, as LEDs emit no heat or UV rays, making them safer for your collection.
Handling and Display Tips
When handling your figures, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Always hold them by the base to avoid putting stress on the neck area. Since natural skin oils can lead to discoloration over time, consider using gloves or a microfiber cloth when rearranging your display. For dusting, stick to a soft brush or canned air - paper towels should be avoided, as they can leave micro-scratches that affect condition grades.
For cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap, steering clear of harsh chemicals and excessive water. Displaying your figures in acrylic cases or wall-mounted units adds an extra layer of protection against dust and accidental bumps. It’s also a smart idea to maintain a digital inventory. Keep track of purchase dates, condition photos, and current market values - this can be invaluable for insurance purposes.
By following these steps, you can keep your collection safe and display-worthy for years to come.
Product Sage Collectibles Protection Solutions
Product Sage Collectibles offers free protectors for exclusive items, making it easier to maintain your figures' quality from the moment you buy them. Their collector-grade service ensures that your items are packaged and handled with care, protecting them during shipping and storage. These protectors guard against dust, fingerprints, and wear, helping you preserve the mint condition necessary for high grading scores. With these included protectors, your exclusive figures arrive ready for long-term storage, without any extra cost to you.
Conclusion
Grading your Funko POP figures not only safeguards your investment but can also boost the overall value of your collection. Even small imperfections, like soft corners or tiny tears, can drop a grade from a perfect 10 to an 8 or 7, making professional grading especially worthwhile for figures worth $100 or more in their ungraded state. Beyond adding value, grading confirms authenticity and simplifies the resale process. This highlights the importance of careful handling and proper preservation techniques.
Whether you choose to grade your figures yourself or rely on professional services, taking the right steps - like inspecting under proper lighting and storing in controlled conditions - helps protect their value. To keep your collection in top shape, store figures in cool, dry environments with stable humidity levels, use protective covers immediately, and preserve all original elements, such as exclusive stickers.
By combining grading insights with smart preservation strategies, you can ensure your collection retains its worth over time:
"Grading your Funko POP! figures is an investment that can, with some very careful POP! selection and research, significantly pay off in the form of higher resale value, marketability and standing in the Funko POP! community."
Product Sage Collectibles is here to support collectors by offering free protectors for exclusive items and ensuring that every figure arrives in mint condition. With the right tools and know-how, you can build a collection that not only holds its value but also shines in the Funko community.
FAQs
Is grading worth it for my Funko POP?
Grading your Funko POP can absolutely be worth it. It serves as a way to confirm the figure's authenticity and can greatly increase its market value, especially for rare or mint-condition pieces. This process is particularly useful if you're planning to sell or showcase your collection, as it assures potential buyers or fellow collectors of the figure's quality and condition.
What flaws drop a POP from a 9 to an 8?
Visible flaws can drop a Funko POP's rating from a 9 to an 8. These might include light scuffs, slight box wear, minor corner imperfections, or small micro-tears. While these issues are noticeable, they don’t drastically affect the figure’s overall condition or display appeal.
How should I ship a POP for grading safely?
To ship a Funko POP safely for grading, focus on protecting it from damage during transit. Start by wrapping the figure securely in bubble wrap. Then, place it inside a sturdy box, ideally with a Pop Protector or a hard case for extra security. Use packing peanuts or crumpled tissue paper to fill any empty spaces in the box, preventing the item from shifting. Finally, label the package as fragile and double-check that it’s well-padded to maintain the figure’s condition.
