Goldmine Grading: M, NM, VG+, VG, G, no EX, see description below!
Record: NM-
Cover: VG++
Grading Description
Mint (M) Absolutely perfect in
every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed.
Near Mint (NM or M-) A nearly perfect record. 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.
Very Good Plus (VG+) 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. 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
discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The center hole will
not have been misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner
sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a
slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and
may be marred by a cut-out hole. In general, if not for a
couple 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.
Very Good (VG) 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, only two or three of them.
Good (G), Good Plus (G+)
Generally worth 10-15 percent of the Near Mint value. Good does not mean
Bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a
turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have
significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear (on a
styrene record, the groove will be starting to turn white). A cover or
sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine.
Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the
object.