Grading Your Vinyl Records

Mint Absolutely perfect in every way. Never played, possibly still sealed. The record shows zero marks, scratches, or signs of handling. This grade is rarely used, as even new records can have slight imperfections from the pressing plant.

Near Mint Nearly perfect. The record may have been played but has been handled extremely carefully. The surface is clean and shiny with no visible marks. Plays with no noise or distortion. This is the highest grade most dealers will assign.

Very Good Plus Shows some signs of play but still plays near perfectly. There may be very light surface marks visible under direct light that do not affect playback. A record in VG+ condition is still considered excellent and commands a high price.

Very Good Noticeable surface marks and light scratches are visible. There may be some light background noise during playback, but the music is clearly audible. Many collectors find VG records acceptable for listening purposes.

Good Heavy wear throughout. Significant scratches and groove wear are visible. The record will play through but with significant noise, distortion, and possible skipping. Good condition records have limited value unless they are very rare titles.

Fair Severely damaged. Deep scratches, heavy groove wear, and significant noise throughout playback. May skip repeatedly. Fair records have almost no resale value and are generally not worth listing.

Poor Barely playable or unplayable. Cracked, warped, or so severely scratched the music cannot be heard. Poor records have no resale value.

Mint Perfect, unplayed condition. No creases, splits, writing, stickers, or any other defects. Often still in shrink wrap.

Near Mint Nearly perfect with only the most minor signs of handling. No seam splits, no writing, no stickers. Corners are sharp. Cover is bright and glossy.

Very Good Plus Shows slight signs of wear. There may be minor surface scuffs, very slight corner wear, or a hairline seam split. No writing, no price stickers. Still presents very well overall.

Very Good Noticeable wear including edge wear, seam splits up to 1 inch, light ring wear from the record, or a price sticker. The cover is still fully intact and presentable.

Good Heavy wear. Significant ring wear, seam splits, writing, tape, or sticker damage. The cover is complete but shows obvious heavy use.

Fair Badly damaged. Major seam splits, heavy writing, water damage, or missing portions. Barely holds together.

Poor Completely destroyed or missing. No collectible or resale value.