M

Mint

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.

NM

Near Mint

A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won‘t give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect.

The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.

An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves and the like.

Basically, an LP in near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap. Near Mint is the highest price listed in all Goldmine price guides. Anything that exceeds this grade, in the opinion of both buyer and seller, is worth significantly more than the highest Goldmine book value.

EX

Excellent

The excellent shape is in the WIWWG.COM implementation of the Goldmine Grading Guide exactly between NM and VG+ condition and it’s really excellent as the word already suggests. Almost like a new record in a record store that has already been touched and listened to by some prospective buyers.

The vinyl record shows some minimal signs of having been played, but the sound quality is great.

The cover artwork looks almost perfect. Only slightest storage signs but not intrusive to the eye.

VG+

Very Good Plus

Generally worth 50% of the Near Mint value. A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.

Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don’t affect one’s listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are “OK”. The label may have some ring wear or discolouration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present.

Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam-split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner.

In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.

All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

VG

Very Good

Generally worth 25% of Near Mint value. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.

Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time. Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price.

G/G+

Good/Good Plus

Generally worth 10-15% of the Near Mint value. 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. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and “ticks” will almost certainly accompany the playback.

If it‘s a common item, you‘ll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But, if it‘s something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it … but keep looking to upgrade.

P/F

Poor/Fair

Generally worth 0-5% of the Near Mint price. The record is cracked, badly warped, and won’t play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.

Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each.