SIDE NOTE:  I have over 5000 records in my collection.  If you're looking for something but don't see it here, let me know.

ALSO NOTE:  I've graded thousands and thousands of records.  I find the goldmine standard severely lacking.  There are simply too many records that fall between VG+ and NM.  Please read my grading standards below:

     VINYL GRADING:

SS ~ Sealed records : Still sealed in original shrink wrap

MINT : Pristine, perfect and flawless.  Usually reserved for sealed records

NM ~ NEAR MINT : The record should show no obvious signs of wear. The very slightest signs of use, truly near mint. May have few signs of wear on the cover and/ or few slight paper scuffs on the vinyl. 

EX+ :  The record will show some signs that it was played and handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. There should be no obvious defects that affect play (Scratches/Warps).

EX : Light use is evident, either slight needle marks or scuffs.  This grade record is still an exceptional play copy.

EX- : Use is Evident but not bad.  Record has some marks, very light scratches.  A good play copy with mostly visual problems.

VG++ : Use is evident.  Record has marks, light scratches.  Will definitely play through with no skips.  Still a decent play copy.

VG+ : Average used record, looks OK, plays OK, some noise is possible.  Some scratches, may be feelable, but will still play without skipping. Generally the lowest grade I put on a good turntable.

VG : Vinyl has some groove wear or several scratches or some significant scratches. This record will play with noise.

G : Significant surface noise, scratches, visible groove wear , may skip or repeat.

  Grades for covers:

M : perfect. no wear, square flat corners, solid seams, spine etc., Usually sealed  

NM : overall appearance of front and back near perfect but may have a very small problem such as a small corner ding/couple tiny spine chips, but nothing noticeable without close inspection.  

EX : as above, nice "un-handled" feel, but may have more spine wear, a bent or dinged corner or two, very light ring wear, but rarely any splits or tears.  

VG++:  Between VG and EX (usually closer to an EX grade), No visible water damage.  Edge chipping and smaller splits possible, ring wear, and small name or writing possible but should be noted.  

VG:  Still has a decent overall appearance, but may have split seams, spine splits, tears, staining, water damage, or other fault  

VG- to G:  Significant wear.