Grading

CONDITIONS DEFINED:
Grades are "Cover/Record" (cover is the 1st grade then "/" then the vinyl is the
2nd grade.
Condition grading is conservative. We carefully clean each
record before assessing the condition, to make things more
honest. All records with covers are graded cover first, then
record. If an extra grade appears, it means that one side is in
better shape than the other.
SS = still sealed
M- = near mint, or unplayed condition. Cover is nice and new
looking with no ring wear.
EX = only slight signs of wear; very clean, only light surface
marks which will not distract significantly from the sound. Cover
also has only slight wear, and is still in nice collectible condition.
VG+ = played often with moderate surface wear and some
moderate noise - still plays well. Cover may have medium
overall wear or some ring wear.
VG = overall wear, but no skips of serious defects, more noisy
sound during quiet passages. Cover is well worn, usually with
considerable ring wear.
VG- = heavy wear on record and cover. Guarantee does not apply
to vg- or worse condition records.
G or G+ = Poor or Rough condition. No guarantee on these
records. Holefillers only.

ABBREVIATIONS:
Some abbreviations are used in combination with each other.
autog=autographed(usu. on cover)
bklt=booklet insert
cc=cut corner of cover
co=cutout cover
coh=cutout hole in cover
con or sm=sawmark on cover
dh=drill hole in cover
djl=dj promo label
djts=dj timestrip on cover
djs=dj stamp on cover
gfld=gatefold cover
h2o=water damage on cover
lbl=label
lim ed=limited edition
nap=does not affect play
obc=on back cover
oc=on cover
ol=on label
osw=original shrinkwrap on cover
OST=original soundtrack
prst=promo sticker on cover
re=reissue
rssoc=radio station sticker on cover
rssol=radio station sticker on label
rw=heavy ring wear on cover
s=used at beginning means small
sm=sawmark
soc=sticker on cover
srw=slight ring wear on cover
sst=song sticker on cover
S/T=self titled or "Same"
toc=tape on cover
tol=tape on label
VA=various artists
wlp=white label promo or dj label
woc=writing on cover
wol=writing on label

Goldmine Grading Standard:

Mint [M]: Absolutely perfect in every way - certainly never played, possibly even still sealed. (More on still sealed below). Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.
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Near Mint [NM or M-]: A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record shows no obvious sign of wear. A 45 rpm sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling. An LP jacket has no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same is true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, and the like. Basically, Near Mint looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.
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Very Good Plus [VG+]: Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turn-up corners, or a slight seam-split. An LP jacket my have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.
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Very Good [VG]: Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
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Good [G], Good Plus [G+]: Good does not mean bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear. A jacket or sleeve has seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object. If it's a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it.
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Poor [P], Fair [F]: The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing. The LP jacket barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, and written upon. Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each.

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