A Card listed as MINT condition ranges from MINT to GEM MINT and is probably closer to GEM MINT, especially anything post 1995. Any card that is graded as MINT is suitable for Grading and has a good chance of receiving a 9 or greater if graded by a third party grading service like BGS or PSA. Often vintage cards we sell as MINT we would normally send in for grading but are a little too off centered.
GEM MINT
This is a truly beautiful card. Only from close inspection can you see that its not a PRISTINE card. Most of the time when a card looks to be in PRISTINE condition something can be found that takes it to GEM MINT. A card with one or maybe two minor imperfections would be GEM MINT. Common minor imperfections include: A slight deviation/nick on an edge or corner. Often this originated when it was originally cut. The corners may be slightly curled up. A tiny surface scratch, usually it will only show under certain lighting at an angle. Slightly off centered. A minor printing error.
MINT
Just a couple more minor imperfections than GEM MINT makes a card MINT condition. Still a gorgeous card.