Unless you’re physically looking for records, understanding the condition of them before purchasing is important. The standard measure of determining the condition of a record is the Goldmine Standard, which is used by professional collectors.
Mint (M)
To qualify as Mint, the record must never have been played, is possibly still sealed and hasn’t even been tested. The sleeve and cover are absolutely perfect in every way, and normally Mint is used sparingly as a grade, if at all (A good note is that a record can be sealed and still not classed as Mint). There should also not be sleeve discoloration, ring wear, or a vinyl warp from the vinyl not being stored properly.
Near Mint (NM)
A Near Mint record is a nearly perfect record and has more than likely never been played - which means it will play perfectly. The record should show no obvious signs of wear, and should only have the most minor defects, such as slight handling. This also means no creases, folds, seam splits, or other noticeable similar defects, which also includes the inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
Very Good Plus records will show some signs that it was played and handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Any defects are of a cosmetic nature, which will not affect the actual playback, and in theory, a VG+ record should sound the same as a Near Mint (NM) one. There may be some slight scuffs or very light scratches that don’t affect listening, along with the label may have some ring wear, discoloration, spindle marks may be present too, but it should be barely noticeable.
Very Good (VG)
Many of the defects found in a Very Good Plus record will be more prominent on a Very Good record. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and fade, there could also be some groove wear but will not be too loud over the music. The labels may be marred by writing, have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached, and there could be some light damage to the cover and inserts.
Good / Good + (G)
A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping, but it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine, and tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present too. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and “ticks” will probably accompany the playback.
Poor (P) / Fair (F)
The record will be cracked, badly warped, and won’t play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve could be split on more than one seam and heavily marred by wear or writing. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled and written on. Poor or Fair records are generally worth very little, at most 5% of the Near Mint price.
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