MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Cover and any extras in perfect condition. As 78s will usually be at least 50 years old, it is bad form to grade these as Mint! The very best may be graded as "Near Mint" and if it really is old shop stock i.e. unplayed from some unsold stock after a record shop closed, you can say that.

EXCELLENT: "EX" The record shows some signs of having been played but there is very little lessening in sound quality. Cover and packaging might have slight wear and creasing. EX+ would be a really shiny copy with hardly a mark on it. EX- for a 1950s 78 could look quite scuffed but with no deep scratches and with only minor greying/worn looking patches.

VERY GOOD: "VG" The record has obviously been played many times but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Those that sound pleasant enough, albeit with the usual background hiss and a bit of sound deterioration, could be graded VG+. Those which are still just about listenable but tough on the ears would have to be graded VG-.

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