Funko Pop grading has emerged as a crucial component of modern collecting, providing enthusiasts with a standardized method to assess and communicate the condition of their prized figures. This comprehensive guide follows industry-standard practices established by professional grading services like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), which has become the gold standard for Funko Pop authentication and grading since entering the market in 2022.
The grading scale operates on a numerical system from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint), with half-point increments used when appropriate to provide more precise assessments. It's essential to understand that professional grading focuses primarily on the box condition rather than the figure itself. While the figure is examined for authentication purposes to verify it's genuine and not counterfeit, the grade is determined almost entirely by the packaging quality.
This focus on box condition reflects the reality of Funko Pop collecting - the packaging is not merely protective material but an integral part of the collectible's value and appeal. The window box design allows collectors to display the figure while keeping it mint-in-package, making the box's condition paramount to the item's overall desirability and market value.
Whether you're considering professional grading for investment purposes, authentication needs, or simply want to better understand your collection's condition, this guide will provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your Funko Pop figures.
| Example Condition | Grade | Condition & Description |
|---|---|---|
 | 10 | Perfect Policy:We will never call any Pop a perfect 10 Even factory-fresh boxes have microscopic imperfections Highest Possible:9 is the maximum grade achievable |
 | 9 | Nearly Perfect Condition:1 or 2 barely noticeable flaws visible only upon close inspection Examples: Very minor corner softness, tiny surface marks barely visible Appeal:Highly sought after by serious collectors |
 | 8 | Very Presentable Condition:Very little wear, may exhibit 1 to 3 minor flaws Examples: Light corner wear, minor edge imperfections, small surface scuffs Note:Satisfies the vast majority of collectors seeking high-quality condition |
 | 7 | Noticeable but Presentable Condition:Damage far more noticeable, but Pop still presents well Examples: May exhibit 1 to 3 moderate flaws Market:Acceptable to most collectors |
 | 6 | Compromised Presentation Condition:May show 3+ moderate and/or 1 severe flaw Examples: Flaws become obvious and visual presentation is compromised Impact:Level where flaws start to become more obvious |
 | 5 | Getting Ugly Condition:This is where things start to get ugly Examples: 2 or more severe flaws but still somewhat presentable Threshold:Lowest grade typically assigned to in-box Pops |
 | ≤4 | Out-of-Box Territory Policy:Rare that we will list a Pop lower than 5 If we deem the box as a 4 or lower, we usually pull it out of the box and sell it as 'Out-Of-Box' Status:Box no longer functional as protective/display packaging |
Flaw Classification System
Understanding how different types of damage affect grading is essential for collectors who want to accurately assess their figures before considering professional submission. The classification system breaks down defects based on specific grade criteria that directly impact collector appeal and market value.
Grade 10 - Perfect
Policy: We will never call any Pop a perfect 10. Even factory-fresh boxes have microscopic imperfections. Highest Possible: 9 is the maximum grade achievable.
Grade 9 - Nearly Perfect
Condition: 1 or 2 barely noticeable flaws visible only upon close inspection. Examples include very minor corner softness and tiny surface marks barely visible. Appeal: Highly sought after by serious collectors.
Grade 8 - Very Presentable
Condition: Very little wear, may exhibit 1 to 3 minor flaws. Examples include light corner wear, minor edge imperfections, and small surface scuffs. Note: For Pops under $40, listed as "8 or better" when satisfying 98% of collectors.
Grade 7 - Noticeable but Presentable
Condition: Damage far more noticeable, but Pop still presents well. May exhibit 1 to 3 moderate flaws. Market: Acceptable to most collectors.
Grade 6 - Compromised Presentation
Condition: May show 3+ moderate and/or 1 severe flaw. Flaws become obvious and visual presentation is compromised. Impact: Level where flaws start to become more obvious.
Grade 5 - Getting Ugly
Condition: This is where things start to get ugly. 2 or more severe flaws but still somewhat presentable. Threshold: Lowest grade typically assigned to in-box Pops.
Grade ≤4 - Out-of-Box Territory
Policy: Rare that we will list a Pop lower than 5. If we deem the box as a 4 or lower, we usually pull it out of the box and sell it as 'Out-Of-Box'. Status: Box no longer functional as protective/display packaging.
Professional Grading Standards
Half-Point Grades (X.5 System)
Professional grading services employ a half-point system to provide more nuanced assessments when a figure falls between two grade levels. A half-point grade (such as 8.5 or 7.5) is typically assigned when the technical flaws present would normally qualify the item for the lower grade, but the overall presentation and visual appeal exceed what would be expected at that level.
The half-point system is particularly valuable in the higher grades, where the difference between an 8.5 and a 9 can represent hundreds of dollars in market value for rare figures. Graders consider factors such as flaw placement, overall eye appeal, and how the defects impact the item's display quality when determining whether a half-point upgrade is warranted.
Conservative Grading Philosophy
Professional grading services typically employ a conservative approach, meaning they tend to grade more strictly rather than more leniently. This philosophy builds trust within the collector community by ensuring that graded items consistently meet or exceed the expectations set by their assigned grades.
This conservative approach serves several important functions: it maintains the integrity of the grading system by preventing grade inflation, ensures that high grades truly represent exceptional condition, and provides collectors with confidence that a graded item will meet their expectations.
Excluded Factors
Professional grading services have established clear guidelines about what factors are not considered when determining grades. Factory-applied stickers, such as convention exclusives or retailer stickers, are generally not considered flaws when properly applied. Window shape variations are not considered flaws since these represent manufacturing variations rather than damage.
Paint blemishes on the figure itself are typically excluded from box grading, as the focus remains on packaging condition. Factory printing variations that don't represent actual damage are also generally excluded from consideration.
Turnaround Times and Costs
Professional grading involves several considerations beyond just condition assessment. Turnaround times typically range from 30 to 90 days depending on the service level chosen, with expedited options available at higher costs. Basic grading services often start around $39 per figure, with prices increasing for faster service.
The economics of grading require careful consideration, as the total cost should be weighed against the potential value increase. Generally, only figures worth $100 or more in ungraded condition make economic sense for professional grading.
Authentication Benefits
Beyond condition assessment, professional grading provides crucial authentication services that verify the figure is genuine rather than counterfeit. Professional graders are trained to identify telltale signs of reproduction figures, including incorrect materials, printing quality, and packaging variations.
The authentication aspect alone can justify grading costs for particularly valuable or frequently counterfeited figures, providing peace of mind and market confidence for serious collectors and investors.