M (Mint) record is brand new, sealed and unplayed.

N.M.  (Near Mint) Vinyl looks like it has just been taken out of shrink wrap. No noticeable scratches. Almost no surface noise. Cover may have some light rub marks.

N.M.-  (Near Mint Minus) Excellent quality.  Vinyl mave a a noticaeble smudge or scratch but excellent sound quality with little surface noise.  Cover looks new but may have a small bent corner or stress line on edge.

V.G.+   (Very Good Plus) Vinyl may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs, smudges or very light scratches. No major scratches. Generally shiny. Some surface noise noticeable. Covers will have some slight wear, lightly turned corners, or a slight seam split. Also may be marred by a cut out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at discount.

V.G.  (Very Good) expect more surface noise on vinyl and wear to cover