How to Grade Your Vinyl Records
Learn the Goldmine grading system for vinyl records. Accurately grade your collection for selling, buying, or insurance.
Grading is the universal language of record collecting. Whether you're buying, selling, or insuring your collection, accurate grading prevents disputes and ensures fair deals.
The Goldmine Grading Scale
| Grade | Condition | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mint (M) | Perfect, unplayed, factory sealed | 100% |
| Near Mint (NM) | Nearly perfect, no visible wear | 90-95% |
| Very Good Plus (VG+) | Light marks, plays great | 50-70% |
| Very Good (VG) | Surface noise, visible scratches | 25-40% |
| Good (G) | Heavy wear, possible skips | 10-20% |
Mint (M)
Perfect. Unplayed. As it left the pressing plant.
A true Mint record has never been played. In practice, Mint is almost never used for opened records. If it's been removed from shrink wrap, it's Near Mint at best.
Near Mint (NM)
Nearly perfect. May have been played, but shows no evidence of it.
This is the highest grade for records that have been opened. NM copies command premium prices.
Common mistake: Sellers overuse NM. If you can hear any surface noise, it's VG+ at best.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
Shows some signs of play but still sounds great.
VG+ records have visible marks but they don't cause significant noise. Most used records in good condition are VG+. This is the sweet spot for buying.
Very Good (VG)
Noticeably played but still enjoyable.
VG records have surface noise you'll hear throughout. For common albums, VG is fine. For rare albums, VG might be all you can find.
How to Inspect a Record
Step 1: The Light Test
Hold the record under a bright light. Tilt it at various angles. Look for scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints.
Step 2: The Reflection Test
A clean, unplayed record reflects light smoothly. Worn grooves scatter light, appearing dull or gray.
Step 3: The Touch Test
Gently run your finger perpendicular to the grooves. Deep scratches you can feel will likely cause skips.
Step 4: The Play Test
When possible, listen before buying. Check the first 30 seconds of side A and quiet passages.
Grading the Cover
Always grade the cover separately. A NM record in a torn sleeve loses value. Note both: "VG+/VG" means VG+ record in VG cover.
Common Grading Mistakes
- "Plays great!" ≠ Near Mint - Visual condition matters for resale
- Cleaned ≠ Upgraded - Cleaning removes dust, not scratches
- Original ≠ Better - First pressings are often well-worn
Check Your Records' Value
Now that you can grade accurately, see what your collection is worth: