Meaning of the codes that state the condition of a record and its cover

Code

Meaning

Cover grading

Record grading

Code :

Meaning :

Sealed

Cover grading :

The record is still packed.

Record grading :

The record is still packed.

Code :

Meaning :

Mint

Cover grading :

Cover and extra documents like lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition.

Record grading :

The record is in brand new condition, absolutely perfect.

Code :

Meaning :

Near Mint

Cover grading :

The cover should look close to perfect with only minor signs of wear and or age. Minor impressions to the cover (due to the outer edge of the record resting inside) may be acceptable, however the artwork should be as close to perfect as can be.

Record grading :

Describes an almost mint record, this grade is used for records that appear virtually flawless but not perfect. A very minor scuff can appear on the record. Yet, the record must play without any noise over the flaw and the latter must be very hard to detect. Any blemish affecting sound quality will prevent records from being graded NM or M.

Code :

Meaning :

Excellent

Cover grading :

The cover and packaging might have slight wear but excellent aspect overall.

Record grading :

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality.

Code :

VG++

Meaning :

Very Good ++

Cover grading :

The cover and packaging might have slight wear but excellent aspect overall.

Record grading :

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality.

Code :

VG+

Meaning :

Very Good +

Cover grading :

Cover shows some handling imperfection like normal wear and tear, price tag, creasing... Cover can also be in mint condition but there is a DJ or promo copy stamp or cut in the corner.

Record grading :

Most common condition for records. The record has been played a few times but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, no wear, despite occasional light marks.The average person would not notice anything wrong.

Code :

Meaning :

Very Good

Cover grading :

Cover suffers from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration ...

Record grading :

Now the signs of age and handling are starting to show. You can notice some clear wear on the surface, there is some noise (pops and crackles). There may be minor warps and skips (better to ask for confirmation to the seller especially if your turntable is sensitive).

Code :

VG-

Meaning :

Very Good -

Cover grading :

Cover suffers from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration ...

Record grading :

Code :

Meaning :

Good

Cover grading :

The cover and contents can be torn, stained and/or defaced, there also can be some writing on it.

Record grading :

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has been noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches.

Code :

Meaning :

Bad

Cover grading :

The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing. Cover can also be missing.

Record grading :

The record does not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc ... Unless it is something very rare it is not worth listing in this condition.

Code :

Meaning :

Not applicable

Cover grading :

The cover is missing or this code is not applicable for that kind of item (Plain white or black sleeve, books, merchandising ...).

Record grading :

The record is missing or this code is not applicable for that kind of item (books, merchandising ...).