Condition grading guide

Media vs. sleeve

"Media" is the record itself — surface wear, noise, and playability. "Sleeve" is the cover it comes in — creases, ring wear, seam splits, writing. A record can be in great shape with a beat-up sleeve, or the reverse, so we grade them independently.

The Goldmine scale

• Mint (M)

  Perfect. Likely never played or still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM)

  Close to perfect, only the faintest signs of handling.

• Very Good Plus (VG+)

  Light wear, minor surface marks; plays nearly perfectly.

• Very Good (VG)

  Visible wear and light surface noise, but plays well.

• Good Plus (G+)

  Noticeable wear and noise throughout; fully playable.

• Good (G)

  Heavy wear; noisy but plays without skipping.

• Fair (F)

  Well-worn, likely skips or has other playback issues.

• Poor (P)

  Barely playable — mainly display or parts value.

Photos over promises

Every listing includes at least 2 real photos of the actual item being sold, not stock images — so you can judge the condition yourself before you buy, alongside the seller's grade and description.