Grading Policy

What makes an A Grade (Standard) versus a B Grade (Second) pin is highly subjective and varies with each shop. This grading scale in particular has been implemented in our shop to distinguish between the two.

C Grades will only be sold as the very last and final amount of stock on designs if available.

All of our pins are handmade. Therefore, no pin will be a perfect "mint condition" grade, but will be graded accordingly and as accurately as possible!

GRADING PROCESS

All Collectibles Kevin pins are graded from approximately 12" inches/ 30.5 cm away in natural sunlight or in a well-lit room for closer inspection and quality checking. CK Pins are mainly inspected on the front. The sides and backs of the pins are usually negligible with the exception of back posts.

The following criteria will be used to grade our pins. 

STANDARD GRADES

Standard grades may contain little to no visible flaws. CK. Even though they may or may not contain minor flaws, Standard grade pins are satisfactory for display in collections or for daily wear. A few imperfections can include:

  • Very minor under-fill in small areas,
  • Some minor scratches/scuffs
  • Dust/lint particles or air bubbles 
  • Some overfilled enamel that floods some metal lines
  • Encased back posts with slight wiggle
  • Minor offset in screenprint details that may flood metal lines
  • 1-2 discolored marks on the surface of the pin not including facial flaws
  • Small, but not noticeable nick on enamel or metal surface
  • Small imperfections that can only be seen at certain angles of light

B GRADES 

B Grades may have a more noticeable flaw upon closer examination and may include any of the following:

  • All flaws mentioned under Standard Grades
  • Larger under-filled surface area
  • Larger amount of scratches/scuffs
  • Few areas of mis-aligned screenprint errors
  • More noticeable screenprint errors mainly near the face
  • Several areas with dust/lint particles or large air bubbles 
  • Noticeable amount of overfilled enamel that floods some metal lines
  • More noticeable nicks on enamel or metal surface 
  • Small color errors on surface of pin
  • Facial flaws containing nicked enamel, scratches, smeared screenprint, and color displacement.
  • Larger imperfections that can only be seen at certain angles of light
  • Noticeable errors with special effects: sandblast, glitter, pearl, stained glass

MIXED GRADES 

Mixed Grades are considered either a Standard Grade pin or a B Grade Pin. Grading includes all of the flaws mentioned above for the specific grade assigned randomly to each order.

C GRADES 

C Grades have highly noticeable flaws when examined from approximately 12" inches/ 30.5 cm away and may include any of the following:

  • All flaws mentioned under Standard and B Grades
  • 1 or more broken/missing back posts and/or rubber clutches
  • Highly under-filled surface area
  • Highly noticeable amounts of scratches/scuffs
  • Multiple areas of mis-aligned screenprint errors
  • Highly noticeable screenprint errors mainly near the face
  • Multiple areas with dust/lint particles or large air bubbles 
  • Highly noticeable amount of overfilled enamel that floods some metal lines
  • Highly noticeable nicks on enamel or metal surface
  • Large color errors on surface of pin
  • Large facial flaws containing nicked enamel, scratches, smeared screenprint, and color displacement
  • Highly noticeable imperfections that can only be seen at certain angles of light
  • Highly noticeable errors with special effects: sandblast, glitter, pearl, stained glass

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PINS

If you would like to clean or polish your CK pins, you may use a dry cloth, or paper towel to clean the surface of your enamel pins. Many discolored marks may be easily removed with this method. Refrain from using any chemical substances to clean your pins.

 

Disclaimer

By purchasing from Collectibles Kevin, you accept and agree to the grading policy. If you do not agree, do not make a purchase. Please take note of the grading policy before making your purchase. No exceptions will be made for B and C Grade enamel pins. Mixed Grade pre-orders are ineligible for grading disputes. If you have any issues or concerns, refer to our returns and exchange policy and feel free to reach out to our customer care team with an inquiry via our contact form.