How We Grade

Mint

Mint (M)

Absolutely brand new, no exceptions. Usually still sealed, though an unsealed copy that’s never been played can still count as Mint.

Near Mint

Near Mint (NM or NM+)

Looks almost perfect. That doesn’t mean it’s never been played, it just looks like it might be new. There should be no scratches or damage to the record of any kind (storage scuffs from the inner sleeves is allowed under NM). NM covers are free of creases, ring wear, or seam splits. NM can occasionally have manufacturer cut-outs, but these should be acknowledged in the description.

Excellent

Excellent (EX)

Though not a standard score for used records, I may sometimes use EX or EX+ because the record is as close to NM as you can get without it actually being NM. If I have described a record as EX, it’s practically NM but falls only the tiniest bit short.

Very Good Plus

Very Good Plus (VG+)

This is NM in every way except for a couple of minor things that won’t affect the sound. You might spot light scuffs or scratches you can’t feel with a fingertip, or minor spindle marks near the center hole. The record may look like it has been listened to, but taken especially good care of. Covers may show minor ring-wear or seam wear, or occasionally be a cut-out.

Very Good

Very Good (VG)

This is a VG+ record that has been used a lot. You may be able to feel light scratches with a fingertip, but it’ll still play through nicely and give you a genuinely good listen! There may be some surface noise or pops from scratches, but the record won’t jump or get stuck. VG labels usually show spindle wear or have minor writing/stickers. At the lower end of VG, the record may not be glossy anymore due to heavy use. VG covers may have seam splits, water damage, or ring wear, but still be quite serviceable.

Good

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)

Good doesn’t mean bad! It’s simply the lowest grade that’ll still play all the way through without skipping. Expect noticeable surface noise and groove wear. Labels are often quite worn, and covers will likely show significant spindle marks, writing, or other damage: major ring wear, big seam splits, large or obvious writing. Still usable, just well-worn.

Poor Fair

Poor (P), Fair (F)

Cracked, seriously warped, skips, or gets stuck. Covers are usually heavily damaged and not of much use. Honestly, records in this shape usually aren’t worth buying unless it’s for display or you’re desperate. I try never to list these for sale.

A quick note on notation: you’ll often see me add a +, ++, or – to these grades. That’s my way of giving you a clearer picture within a category, rather than leaving you to guess where exactly a record falls.

For a more in-depth discussion of grading please refer to the Goldmine Standard website (this site is in English only):

 https://www.goldminemag.com/collector-resources/record-grading-101