Vinyl condition grades: M, NM, VG+, VG, and G

The scale commonly used by collectors and marketplaces derives from the Goldmine standard. The boundaries between grades remain somewhat subjective, so a specific description is as important as the abbreviation.

When in doubt, choose the lower grade. Overgrading creates false expectations; a conservative grade with clear notes is more trustworthy.

Mint means perfect. The record should show no signs of use, and the sleeve should be flawless. In practice, it is a rare grade. An opened record, even if it looks new, is usually better described as Near Mint.

‘Sealed’ means the package retains its factory wrap, but it does not confirm the actual condition of the vinyl inside. Record both facts: sealed status and the sleeve's estimated visual grade.

A Near Mint record appears to have been played only a few times and has no defects that affect listening. It retains its sheen, shows no obvious scratches, and should sound clean. Extremely light handling marks may be acceptable.

An NM sleeve keeps its edges, spine, and colors nearly intact, without creases, writing, splits, or noticeable wear. A small storage mark can keep it from being Mint without automatically making it VG+.

VG+ is a well-cared-for copy with minor signs of use. The vinyl may show light lines or surface scuffs that do not dominate playback. Occasional soft noise may appear between tracks or in quiet passages.

The sleeve may have light corner or edge wear, a subtle ring mark, or a small imperfection. It should still present well overall and have no major damage.

A VG record shows obvious use. It may have visible marks and noticeable surface noise, but the music remains enjoyable. It should not skip repeatedly; any skip or lock groove must be disclosed.

The sleeve may show ring wear, creases, small splits, writing, stickers, or fading. Describe relevant defects instead of relying on the grade alone.

These grades do not mean the record is in generally good condition. They describe a heavily used but still playable copy with loud noise, wear, scratches, and possible distortion. Defects that cause skips or repeats must be clear.

G+ or G sleeves may have large splits, tape, moisture damage, extensive writing, tears, or missing parts. A rare pressing may still be useful as a reference copy or temporary collection filler.

First remove loose dust with an appropriate tool; do not mistake removable dirt for permanent damage. Inspect the record under strong light from several angles. Look for lost sheen, feelable scratches, warping, and edge damage.

If possible, listen to the start of each side, quiet passages, and any marked area. Note noise, pops, distortion, skips, or lock grooves. On the sleeve, check the spine, seams, corners, ring wear, moisture, writing, and original inserts.

Grade is only one price factor. Pressing, demand, rarity, completeness of inserts, history, and local market also matter. Two NM copies of different pressings can have completely different values.

Market prices are estimates and change over time. Before buying, selling, or insuring a record, compare actual sales of the same pressing and read the full descriptions.