Condition is the biggest factor in a record's value after the pressing itself. Most buyers and marketplaces, including Discogs and eBay, use the Goldmine grading scale. The record and the cover are graded separately.
The grades
| Grade | Record | Typical value vs. near mint |
|---|---|---|
| Mint (M) | Perfect. Usually still sealed. Rarely used for opened records. | 100%+ |
| Near Mint (NM) | Looks and plays like new, with no marks. | 100% |
| Very Good Plus (VG+) | Light scuffs or marks that don't affect play. | About 50–75% |
| Very Good (VG) | Visible wear and some surface noise, but plays through. | About 25–35% |
| Good (G) / Poor (P) | Heavy wear, skips or damage. | About 5–15% |
Value percentages are typical ranges, not rules. Rare records hold value better at lower grades than common ones.
Grading the cover
Covers are graded on the same scale. Common problems are ring wear (a circle worn into the cover), seam splits, writing, stickers, water damage and sun fading.
How to check a record yourself
- Hold it under a bright light and tilt it. Look for scratches you can feel with a fingernail. Those usually cause noise or skips.
- Check for warps by looking along the edge at eye level.
- Look at the label for writing, stickers or wear from a spindle.
Don't clean records before selling
Household cleaners can damage vinyl. Leave cleaning to the buyer. Just photograph the records as they are.