MINT M
These are absolutely perfect in every way. Often rumored but rarely seen, Mint should never be used as a grade unless more than one person agrees that the record or sleeve truly is in this condition. There is no set percentage of the Near Mint value these can bring it is best negotiated between buyer and seller.
NEAR MINT NM
A good description of a NM record is it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, its nearly perfect. Many dealers won?t use a grade higher than this, implying perhaps correctly that no record or sleeve is ever truly perfect.
NM records are shiny, with no visible defects. Writing, stickers or other markings cannot appear on the label, nor can any spindle marks from someone trying to blindly put the record on the turntable. Major factory defects also must be absent a record and label obviously pressed off center is not Near Mint. If played, it will do so with no surface noise. NM records dont have to be never played a record used on an excellent turntable can remain NM after many plays if the disc is properly cared for.
VERY GOOD PLUS VG
A good description of a VG record is except for a couple minor things, this would be Near Mint.? Most collectors, especially those who want to play their records, will be happy with a VG record, especially if it toward the high end of the grade sometimes called VG or E .
VG records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, but repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.
VG covers should have only minor wear. A VG cover might have some very minor seam wear or a split less than one inch long at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, a VG cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking. Covers with cut-out markings can never be considered Near Mint.
VERY GOOD VG
Many of the imperfections found on a VG record are more obvious on a VG record. That said, VG records which usually sell for no more than 25 percent of a NM record are among the biggest bargains in record collecting, because most of the big money goes for more perfect copies. For many listeners, a VG record or sleeve will be worth the money.
VG records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They 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 songs intro and ending. But the noise will not overpower the music otherwise.Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. Many collectors who have jukeboxes will use VG records in them and not think twice. They remain a fine listening experience, just not the same as if it were in better shape.
VG covers will have many signs of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside, is obvious, though not overwhelming. Some more creases might be visible. Seam splitting will be more obvious it may appear on all three sides, though it wont be obvious upon looking. Someone might have written or it or stamped a price tag on it, too.
