Vinyl Record Grading Guide with Pictures

Vinyl Record Grading Guide for - Vinyl, Sleeves, Inserts, Inner Sleeves and Boxes.

Vinyl Grades / Condition (this accounts for both sides of the vinyl) It should be noted that the images below highlight the marks, and in many cases you would need to angle the record under bright light to see these marks)

VINYL

MINT – This means the record is brand new or likely unplayed.

NM – Near Mint means the record is in near perfect condition, it can show handling marks such as a light fingerprint, most Mint records that are pre-owned should be graded at NM, 
EX - Excellent which is similar but just slightly under NM, neither should show scratches, but may display a few minor surface marks and should definitely be nothing that can be heard.
Any reputable dealer would clean the record (below) which would leave this grade looking almost perfcet.

VG+ – Very Good Plus means that the vinyl will have evidence of careful use, it will show some minor light surface marks (shown here) but nothing deep or affecting the sound.

VG – Very Good means that the record has been well used and not particularly looked after. In fact ‘not very good’ would be a better name? this is the most common grade for most peoples record collection from old. This will display marks and light scratches (feel-able by finger) to the vinyl, it should play without problem but will include some light clicks and background noise.

G – Good, this grade means well worn, the record will still play but with noticeable noise and clicks, only worth buying if you have a cheap set up and love 'crackle & pop'.

 

P – Poor, this condition is rarely saleable! and unless very rare, it likely will not play properly without sticking, loud clicks and substantial background noise, this will also damage your player!!

 

 

Cover Grades / Condition (this includes any inserts)

 

MINT – This means the jacket (sleeve) and any other inserts are in New condition. However even brand new sleeves could have the smallest dint or blemish.

 

NM – Near mint means there may be some very light storage wear or dint, but the cover or contents should not have anything particulary noticeable or off putting to the eye.

 

VG+ – Very Good plus means the sleeve and contents have been well looked after and stored, only showing minor wear, slight scuffs, slight fading, small tear and or minor creases or bends.

 

VG – Very Good sleeves and contents will be fairly heavely worn, showing a cover tear, sticker tear, spine split/s, plenty of creases and edge wear.

 

G – Good covers are only suitable if you don’t care about the sleeve, this will be damaged badly in all manor of abuse, maybe ok for something very rare!

 

P – Poor covers may not be complete and completely defaced.

 

There are 2 grading systems used now in the UK and around the world, they are

• Record Collector UK Grading guide

• Goldmine US Grading guide

Although there are some arguments with both guides on the whole they both work well, due to the excess of online sales now the majority go with the Goldmine guide.