Records are visually evaluated using the Goldmine system as indicated below:

Very Good (VG)

VG records lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. When played, a VG record has surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song’s intro and ending. But the noise will not overpower the music otherwise.

Good

The record should play through without skipping, so it can serve as filler until something better comes along. It may significant surface noise and groove wear, and the label is worn, with significant ring wear, heavy writing, or obvious damage caused by someone trying to remove tape or stickers and failing miserably. A Good cover has ring wear to the point of distraction, has seam splits obvious on sight and may have even heavier writing.

Photos are a big part of the listing for cover (jacket) condition. Please enlarge and review all photos for condition. I try to under-evaluate all record conditions, but some slip through from time to time. It should be noted that the only time I list better than VG is for a sealed record.