Record grading is the language of the secondhand vinyl market. Get it right, and transactions are smooth, expectations are met, and everyone’s happy. Get it wrong, and you’ve got disputes, returns, and damaged relationships.

After twenty years of buying, selling, and grading records, here’s the system I use and teach to everyone who works in my shop.

The Goldmine Grading Standard

The music industry universally uses the Goldmine grading standard for vinyl records. It applies to both the record itself and the cover/sleeve, which are graded separately. A listing should always include both grades (e.g., “Record: VG+, Sleeve: VG”).

Mint (M)

The record: Absolutely perfect. Unplayed. No marks, no scuffs, no fingerprints. The record has literally never been placed on a turntable.

The sleeve: Perfect. No wear, no creases, no ring marks, no writing, no stickers. Often still in its original shrinkwrap.

Reality check: True Mint records are extremely rare outside of sealed stock. If a record has been removed from its sleeve, it is almost certainly not Mint, even if it’s never been played. I grade perhaps one record per month as Mint.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

The record: Looks and plays like new. Perhaps played once or twice with care. No visible marks or scratches. No audible surface noise beyond what’s inherent to the format.

The sleeve: Looks essentially new. Perhaps very minor handling wear. No splits, no ring wear, no writing.

Reality check: This is the highest grade most people should expect for a used record. A well-cared-for record played a handful of times can legitimately be NM. It should be indistinguishable from new when played.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

The record: Shows some light marks or hairline scratches visible under direct light, but plays with minimal surface noise. No deep scratches, no clicks or pops that detract from the listening experience. The music is fully enjoyable.

The sleeve: Shows light wear. Perhaps minor ring impression, slight edge wear, or small creases. No splits, no significant writing or stickers.

Reality check: VG+ is the sweet spot for secondhand buying. A VG+ record looks well-cared-for and plays cleanly. Most of the secondhand records in my shop are graded VG+ or better.

Very Good (VG)

The record: Visible wear. Surface marks, light scratches, possible minor scuffs. Plays with some surface noise — occasional ticks and light crackle — but the music is still clear and enjoyable. No skips.

The sleeve: Noticeable wear. Ring marks, edge wear, small splits, minor seam tears, writing or stickers possible. The sleeve is intact and presentable but clearly used.

Reality check: VG records are perfectly playable and enjoyable, particularly for casual listening. The price should reflect the condition — VG records are typically 40-60% cheaper than VG+ or NM copies.

Good Plus (G+) and Good (G)

The record: Significant wear. Surface noise is present throughout playback. Scratches visible without close inspection. Possible groove wear on frequently played passages. Still plays through without skipping.

The sleeve: Significant wear. Splits, heavy ring wear, writing, stickers, tape repairs, or other damage. Intact but rough.

Reality check: At this grade, you’re buying a record to fill a gap in your collection or because you want to hear the music but can’t justify a better copy. Price should be low — $5-10 for most titles.

Fair (F) and Poor (P)

The record: Heavy wear. Skips, jumps, and significant surface noise. The record is damaged to the point where enjoyable listening is compromised.

The sleeve: May be severely damaged, missing, or replaced.

Reality check: Records at this grade are essentially unplayable. They have value only as space-fillers or, in extreme cases, as placeholder covers for better vinyl copies.

Practical Grading Tips

Use Good Light

Grade under a strong, directional light source. Hold the record at various angles to catch scratches and marks that might be invisible under normal lighting. I use a desk lamp with a daylight bulb.

Play-Grade When Possible

Visual inspection alone doesn’t tell the full story. A record that looks rough might play cleanly if the marks are superficial. Conversely, a record that looks good might have deep groove wear that’s only audible during playback. For significant purchases, always play-grade.

Grade Conservatively

If you’re selling, grade half a step lower than your gut tells you. A buyer who receives a record in slightly better condition than expected is a happy buyer. A buyer who receives a record in worse condition than stated is an angry buyer.

Grade Each Component Separately

Always provide separate grades for the record and the sleeve. A NM record in a VG sleeve is a very different proposition from a VG record in a NM sleeve. Both deserve accurate description.

Note Specific Flaws

Beyond the overall grade, describe specific flaws. “VG+ with a 2cm hairline scratch on Side A Track 3 that produces a soft tick once per revolution.” That level of detail builds trust and prevents surprises.

Grading for the Australian Market

Australian collectors tend to be pragmatic about grading. The secondhand market here is smaller than the US or UK, and expectations are generally reasonable. However, sellers who consistently over-grade will quickly earn a reputation, particularly in the tight-knit Australian collecting community.

Grade honestly, describe accurately, and you’ll build the trust that keeps customers coming back.