Goldmine Standard: Vinyl Grading Guide

We adhere to the widely used Goldmine Standard for grading vinyl records and their sleeves. This widely respected system provides a consistent and reliable framework for evaluating the condition of records, allowing customers to make well-informed purchasing decisions. Below, you will find a detailed explanation of the grading categories for both the media (the record itself) and the sleeve.

Media (Vinyl Record) Grading

• Mint (M): A flawless record that has never been played. It exhibits no scratches, scuffs, or other imperfections and appears as though it has just been manufactured.
• Near Mint (NM or M-): A record in near-perfect condition, with little to no visible signs of use. It may have been played a few times but retains its original sound quality and visual appearance without any significant flaws.
• Very Good Plus (VG+): The record shows minor signs of handling, such as faint scuffs or light hairline scratches. These do not significantly affect playback, although faint background noise may be noticeable in quieter sections.
• Very Good (VG): Displays more pronounced wear, including scuffs or scratches that might produce occasional surface noise. Despite these imperfections, the record remains a good listening copy.
• Good (G) / Good Plus (G+): Exhibits heavier wear, with visible scratches or scuffs. Expect consistent surface noise, occasional pops, or skips, though the record is still playable overall.
• Fair (F) / Poor (P): Severely worn or damaged, with deep scratches, warping, or cracks. These records are generally not playable and are best suited for display or archival purposes.

Sleeve Grading

• Mint (M): A pristine sleeve with no signs of handling. It has no corner dings, seam splits, ring wear, or marks and appears brand new.
• Near Mint (NM or M-): A nearly perfect sleeve with minimal evidence of handling, such as slight corner wear. The artwork remains vibrant, free from stains, marks, or discoloration.
• Very Good Plus (VG+): Displays light wear, including minor ring wear, small edge scuffs, or faint corner creases. The sleeve remains structurally intact and visually appealing.
• Very Good (VG): Shows more evident wear, such as fading, seam splits, or small tears. It may include writing or stickers but still protects the record and displays the artwork adequately.
• Good (G) / Good Plus (G+): The sleeve exhibits significant wear, including large seam splits, heavy ring wear, or discoloration. Repairs like tape may be present, and the sleeve may no longer be visually pristine.
• Fair (F) / Poor (P): The sleeve is heavily damaged, with tears, stains, or missing sections. It serves mainly to house the record and is unsuitable for display.

How to Use This Guide

When browsing our catalog, you will find both the media condition and sleeve condition clearly stated for each record. This dual grading system allows you to assess both the playback quality and the visual presentation of the item, whether you’re seeking a collector’s piece or simply looking to enjoy the music.

For additional details about our grading practices or specific inquiries, please contact us on instagram or reach out to us directly through our contact page.