Raw

A raw card is any trading card that has not been submitted to a professional grading company and therefore is not encased in a certified slab. The vast majority of cards in circulation are raw, from freshly pulled pack cards to vintage singles that have been stored in binders, toploaders, or penny sleeves for years. When buying or selling raw cards, condition assessment is subjective and relies on the seller’s description and the buyer’s own evaluation.

The raw market is where most collectors and players operate day to day. Raw cards are more affordable than their graded equivalents, easier to store in bulk, and can still be played in tournaments. However, the lack of a certified grade introduces uncertainty in transactions. A card described as “near mint” by one seller may only be “lightly played” by another’s standards, which is why clear photos and honest condition descriptions are critical when listing raw cards for sale.

On CardDeckr, raw cards in your portfolio are tracked at raw market prices, which are typically lower than slabbed prices for the same card. When listing raw cards on the marketplace, our condition guide helps sellers accurately describe their cards, reducing disputes and returns. If you are considering whether to submit a raw card for grading, CardDeckr’s portfolio tools can help you compare the raw value against potential graded values to determine if the grading cost and turnaround time are worth the investment.