Vinyl Grading
These standards will help your grade the condition of your physical media,
including vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes.
Mint (M)
The item and container are absolutely perfect in every way. To qualify as Mint, the item must never have been played and is possibly still sealed. Mint should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all. Note that an item can be sealed and not Mint. If you suspect your record is in Mint condition, do not play it.
Excellent or Near Mint (NM)
The item is nearly perfect. Near Mint (NM) media has more than likely never been played, and if it has, there will be no imperfections during playback. The item should show no obvious signs of wear. The cover or container can have very minor defects., but it should have no folds, seam splits, scratches, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc. Many dealers won’t give a grade higher than NM, implying (perhaps correctly) that no item is ever truly perfect.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
The item 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 and do not affect the actual playback. In theory, a Very Good Plus (VG+) item should sound the same as a Near Mint (NM) one. Surfaces may show some signs of wear, such as slight scuffs or very light scratches, and slight warps that do not affect the sound are okay. Paper products like sleeves will have some wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a small seam-split. In general, it plays perfectly, and if not for some minor aesthetic wear, it would be Near Mint.
Good (G), Good Plus( G+)
An item in Good (G) or Good Plus (G+) condition can be played through without skipping, but it will have significant surface noise, scratches, crackling, or visible wear. A container, cover, or sleeve will have scratches or seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, or other defects will also be present.
