VINYL GRADING SYSTEM
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. No extraordinary surface noise. Cover may have some light rub marks.
Ex Excellent No scratches that stand out. Still looks almost like new
VG++ Better than VG+, almost excellent.
VG+ Light scratches or scuffs may be evident on close examination. There is very little, if any, background noise. Still Looks and plays great.
VG Scratches or scuffs are visible, there may be light background noise. Still a collectible record. Cover or picture sleeve may have ringwear or some other signs of usage or storage. Might be some non-overwhelming (like a name or number) writing on it
VG- Looks a little rough with scratches and wear evident, background scratchiness is audible. Cover or picture sleeve may have wear and maybe some partial or completely splitting seams.
G+ and G Lesser grades, looks scratched and somewhat beat, has a lot of scratchiness. Still plays but might skips. Any record rated "G" will look pretty beat up with scratches and wear very evident. Surface noise could be quite noticeable. Cover or picture sleeve is acceptable but has seen much better days.
G- We can identify that it was originally a record. It has some resemblance to what might have been a pretty neat record cover. Might be good to fill a space...then use as a frisbee when you find a better one
Note: I do not grade the record label itself, just the playing vinyl and I do not grade dust covers unless it's a picture sleeve.