Vinyl Grading (Goldmine Standards)

Records:

Mint (M) – Absolutely perfect in every way. Never been played and usually sealed.

Near Mint (NM) – The record has been on a shelf between other records. The vinyl looks glossy and clearly has only been played a few times. There are no marks on the vinyl and the whole package is complete.

Very Good Plus (VG+) – A few further faults are acceptable, but nothing that really compromises the record visually or audibly. A little rub, light inaudible marks, a little background crackle.

Very Good (VG) – It’s seen a bit of life, but is still usable. Light pops and clicks, an edge split, light visible scratches. You can still listen to it and enjoy looking at it, but it is visually and audibly USED.

Good (G) – A record in Good 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.

Poor (P) / Fair (F) Attempting to listen will be a disturbing experience. Expect major noise issues, skipping or repeating. The record itself is cracked, badly warped and has deep scratches. The cover is also approaching death.

Covers:

Mint (M) – Absolutely perfect in every way. Usually sealed.

Near Mint (NM) – Very minor signs of wear or cover impressions. Artwork is as close to new as possible.

Very Good Plus (VG+) – Clean but may have writing or marks and will show some wear. There may be ring wear, where the disc has created a raised area on the cover that resulted in the ink wearing off the paper. There may be discoloration or staining, seam wear, and/or minor splits or tears (nothing over 1 inch), or indentations in the sleeve. Corners can have creases or fraying and bumps, and spine may have wear.

Very Good (VG) – Cover is worn and used. Seams may be starting to split or may have been unobtrusively repaired with clear tape. (I use special archival-quality, non-yellowing, clear tape for all repairs.) There is moderate ring-wear, but the artwork is still attractive. There may be yellowing or discoloration and there may be larger writing, labels, or marks. Corners may have damage or creases and there may be scratches or gouges that otherwise damage the artwork. Might have light water damage.

Good (G) – Has significant ring wear, heavy writing, or obvious damage caused by someone trying to remove tape or stickers and failing miserably. Has seam splits obvious on sight. Could have water damage or peeling of the cover.

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