How do I grade vinyl records according to the Goldmine Grading Guide?
When determining the value of your vinyl records, nothing is more important than the condition of the records. Their relative rarity and the demand for the record are important, besides, a collector will pay more for a record that is in near-new condition than for one that is in a lesser condition.
Lower-quality records are usually only good as placeholders until a better one comes along. Usually LPs are sold with two grades, one grade for the record and one for the cover. As a seller, it is better to grade conservatively and surprise the buyer with a better than expected record.
Goldmine Grading Guide is the most widely used guide for buying and selling vinyl records worldwide. Below, we explain how the grading works. Thus, a distinction is made between the condition of the record and the condition of the packaging. Items are rated in the following way:
Condition of vinyl:
Poor (P)
Fair (F)
Good (G)
Good Plus (G+)
Very Good (VG)
Very Good Plus (VG+)
Near Mint (NM or M-)
Mint (M)
The condition of the cover is graded as follows:
Not Graded
Generic
No Cover
Condition of the vinyl:
Poor/Fair: the vinyl is in very poor condition. The record is cracked, warped or cannot be played without skipping or repeating. This grade includes the records that can be rated lowest.
Good/Good Plus: the vinyl is clearly played and has scratches that affect the sound quality. The record plays without skipping, but is in poor condition. This grade includes records that are in poor condition but still play.
Very Good: the vinyl has clear traces of use in the form of scratches that may cause a crackle or noise. Often the noise is audible in quiet parts, but does not otherwise hinder the music. This grade includes records that play well, but contain wear.
Very Good Plus: the vinyl looks very good, it may contain small scratches but these do not affect the sound quality. This grade includes records that have been played, but also neatly maintained.
Near Mint: as good as new. The vinyl is bright, shiny and has no faults. The record plays perfectly. Near Mint is the highest grade that can be given to played records.
Mint: absolutely new condition. The record has never been played and the sleeve is in its original packaging (possibly still sealed).
Condition of sleeves:
Not Graded: not graded.
Generic: type of sleeve that is not specific to the release. An ordinary cover or a cover with standard image.
No Cover: no cover and/or cover.
Poor/Fair: the cover is in very poor condition and may be split and damaged or has other wear and tear. The cover barely holds the vinyl in. The lowest grade that can be given to vinyl covers.
Good/Good Plus: the sleeve is in poor condition and has obvious wear in the form of tears, tape or stickers.
Very Good: the sleeve has minor wear in the form of tears, tape or stickers.
Very Good Plus: the cover has minimal wear, but otherwise looks excellent.
Near Mint: The cover has no wear and looks like new. Near Mint is the highest grade that can be given to record sleeves.
Mint: absolutely new condition. The record has never been played and the sleeve is in its original packaging (possibly still sealed).
Click here for more information on the Goldmine Grading Guide.
