Record: Perfect. Sealed or unplayed. No scuffs, scratches, warps, spindle marks, or signs of handling.

Record: Played rarely, if ever. Surfaces are glossy with no visible marks. Sound is clean, with no audible surface noise.

Record: Still shiny and well-cared-for. May have light paper scuffs or faint marks that don?t affect playback. Plays close to NM with only minimal surface noise in quiet passages.

Record: Shows some signs of play and handling. Light scratches or scuffs are visible but not deep. Some surface noise, especially in quiet passages, but still a good listening copy. 

Record: Noticeable signs of wear. Surface has scuffs, scratches, or groove wear that produce background noise. Music still plays through without skips, but sound is less dynamic.

Record: Heavy play wear. Surface noise is present throughout, with clicks, pops, or distortion. May have minor warping that doesn't affect play. Still playable, but only as a filler copy.

Record: Very rough condition. Significant scratches, groove wear, and heavy noise throughout. May skip in spots. Generally only valuable if extremely rare. 

Record: Unplayable or nearly so. May be cracked, warped, or heavily scratched.

Absolutely flawless.

Still sealed in shrink-wrap, no corner dings, seam splits, ring wear, or discoloration.

Very rare - almost never used unless factory sealed.

Looks almost brand new.

Bright colors, no ring wear, no writing, no tears.

Corners may have the tiniest touch of wear but not obvious unless inspected closely.

Very light handling wear.

May have faint ring wear, a tiny crease, or slight corner rubbing.

No major splits, stains, or writing. Attractive and collectible.

Some shelf wear visible.

Minor ring wear or slight edge/corner wear.

A small seam split (1/2") or light writing/sticker is acceptable.

Still solid and presentable.

Noticeable wear and aging.

Heavier ring wear, more obvious edge/corner rubbing.

Several small splits or one longer split.

Writing, price tags, or discoloration more common.

Heavily worn but intact.

Large ring wear, significant seam splits, heavy edge damage.

Tears, tape, or larger stains may be present.

Artwork is still identifiable, but sleeve is rough.

Very worn and damaged.

Major seam splits (possibly all three sides).

Extensive writing, heavy water damage, or missing chunks.

Only kept for rarity - not for display.

Sleeve is barely holding together or incomplete.

Missing panels, destroyed artwork, severe water/fire damage.

Usually not collectible except for extremely rare records