Beyond 'Mint': A Better Way to Think About Poster Condition

Poster condition is not a single sliding scale from perfect to ruined. A fold, pinhole, repaired tear, fading and paper loss are different things, and their importance changes according to the poster.

Working objects acquire working wear

Movie posters were shipped to cinemas; travel posters were displayed in public; advertising sheets were handled and replaced. Some evidence of use can be entirely normal.

Location matters

A tiny edge tear is not equivalent to a loss through important artwork. A fold separation can be structurally significant even when visually subtle.

Restoration changes the conversation

Professional conservation can stabilise a poster and improve presentation. It should not be used to pretend the poster was never damaged. Disclosure matters.

Rarity affects tolerance

Collectors may accept more wear on a scarce poster when better examples rarely appear. A common design offers more opportunity to be selective.

Our condition and grading guide explains how we describe these differences.

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