Mint 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..

NM (Near Mint) 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, it’s nearly perfect. Many dealers won’t use a grade higher than this, implying (perhaps correctly) that no record or sleeve is ever truly perfect. Near mint records are shiny and free of visible defects. No writing, stickers, other markings or spindle marks appear on the label. No major factory defects are present; a record and label obviously pressed off center is not Near Mint. If played, an NM record will do so without surface noise. Near Mint records don’t 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.

VG++/NM- We feel there is a gap between the NM grade and the VG+ grade in the Goldmine grading criteria. A VG++/NM- record will be in better condition than a VG+ but we are just not ready to call it NM.

VG+ 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 don’t affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, so long as repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.

VG (Very Good) 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 song’s intro and ending. But the noise won’t 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- / G+ (Very Good Minus) Good does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, so it can serve as filler until something better comes along. But it has significant surface noise and groove wear. The label is worn and exhibits significant ring wear, heavy writing or obvious damage caused by tryng to remove tape or stickers and failing miserably. If we have a record you'd like that’s listed as "Good" you may contact us for more details.

Most of the above information can be found at http://www.goldminemag.com/article/Collecting_101_Grading_Your_Records/

A note about cleaning;  In our experience many collectors have a particular way they like to clean their vinyl. Out of respect we usually will not clean an LP unless it is so dirty that it presents a risk in shipping. However; if you'd like us to clean any LP you order, just ask us in advance and we would be happy to give it a cleaning for you.