When it comes to buying or selling vinyl records, condition matters. A great album can lose its charm if it’s riddled with scratches or housed in a worn-out sleeve. To ensure collectors and sellers speak the same language, the Goldmine Grading Standard was developed. It's the industry benchmark for evaluating the condition of both vinyl records and their covers.

This guide breaks down the Goldmine system, helping you understand what each grade really means—so you know exactly what to expect.

Mint (M)

Vinyl: A Mint record is in flawless condition. It has never been played, shows no signs of wear, and is usually still sealed in its original packaging. There are no marks, scuffs, or surface noise—this is as perfect as it gets.

Cover: A Mint cover is pristine. It’s often sealed, with sharp corners, no ring wear, no fading, and no writing or damage. It looks exactly as it did the day it was made.

Near Mint (NM)

Vinyl: Near Mint records have been played very minimally, if at all. They may have been removed from the sleeve a few times and carefully handled. The vinyl surface is glossy, clean, and free of scratches or noticeable wear. Playback is clean with little to no surface noise.

Cover: A Near Mint cover may show the faintest signs of handling—perhaps a soft corner bump or very light shelf wear—but the artwork is bright and intact. There are no creases, marks, or seam splits.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Vinyl:VG+ records have seen a bit more play, but they still sound great. Expect some light surface marks that don’t affect playback, and maybe an occasional faint background crackle. The record retains much of its original gloss and has been well cared for.

Cover: A VG+ cover is still visually appealing, but it may show some signs of wear. Ring wear might be visible, caused by the imprint of the record inside. Minor discoloration, corner creasing, and tiny seam splits (under an inch) are acceptable. There might be light writing or small stickers, but nothing too distracting.

Very Good (VG)

Vinyl: A Very Good record has clearly been played and shows its age. There may be surface noise, light pops and clicks, and visible scratches. However, it still plays through without skipping and remains enjoyable to listen to for most collectors.

Cover: VG covers show moderate wear. There could be noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or spine wear. Seam splits may be present and could have been repaired with clear, non-yellowing tape. You might find larger writing, price stickers, corner wear, and signs of age like yellowing or faint water damage. While used, the cover still presents the record decently.

Good (G)

Vinyl:A Good record is playable from start to finish, but it will come with plenty of surface noise, scratches, and possibly groove wear. It’s a well-worn copy, but it holds together for casual listening or as a placeholder in a collection.

Cover: The sleeve is heavily worn. Expect large seam splits, water damage, writing, tape marks, and peeling. The cover may be structurally sound, but visually, it’s rough. It’s a functional holder, but not one to display.

Fair (F) / Poor (P)

Vinyl:Records graded Fair or Poor are typically in bad condition. Skips, warps, deep scratches, and overwhelming surface noise are common. Playback may be inconsistent or impossible. These records are usually collected for rarity, label art, or nostalgia—not for sound quality.

Cover:At this stage, the cover is mostly destroyed—torn, taped, stained, or written on, often all at once. It may be missing pieces or completely split. These are usually kept when no better copy is available.

Why It Matters
Using the Goldmine Grading Standard brings clarity to the world of vinyl. Whether you're browsing online listings or flipping through crates at a record shop, these grades help you make informed decisions. They also promote fairness in transactions, setting clear expectations between buyers and sellers.

At the end of the day, condition isn’t everything—great music can shine through a little crackle. But knowing exactly what you're getting is what makes vinyl collecting trustworthy and enjoyable.