writing, tears or splits. Mint means perfect. I only use this for sealed records.

NEAR MINT - NM ---- Otherwise mint but has one or two tiny inconsequential flaws that 

do not affect play. Covers should be close to perfect with minor signs of wear or age just 

becoming evident: slight ring-wear, minor denting to a corner, or writing on the cover 

should all be noted properly.

EXCELLENT- EX--Record will have very good gloss, may have a few light  scuffs & or scratches that don't affect play. Close to near mint.

VERY GOOD PLUS - VG+---- The record has been handled and played infrequently or very 

carefully. Not too far from perfect. On a disc, there may be light paper scuffs from sliding in 

and out of a sleeve or the vinyl or some of the original luster may be lost. A slight scratch 

that did not affect play would be acceptably VG+ for most collectors.

VERY GOOD -VG ---- Record displays visible signs of handling and playing, such as loss 

of vinyl luster, light surface scratches, groove wear and spindle trails. Some audible surface 

noise, but should not overwhelm the musical experience. Usually a cover is VG when one or 

two of these problems are evident: ring wear, seam splits, bent corners, loss of gloss, stains, 

etc.

GOOD -G ---- Well played with little luster and significant surface noise. Despite defects, 

record should still play all the way through without skipping. Several cover flaws will be 

apparent, but should not obliterate the artwork.