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Record grading explained: Mint, Near Mint, VG+ and more

In short: Our records show two grades – one for the record, one for the sleeve. The abbreviations follow the Goldmine scale, the standard most collectors know: from M (Mint) through NM and VG+ down to G. The higher the grade, the fewer the signs of use. If a grade is ever missing, ask us about that exact copy.

From our stock

Still sealed (Mint / Sealed) – 1,178 records, e.g.

Close to new (Near Mint)

Well-kept players (VG+) – great records at fair prices

→ Filter all records by condition

What do M, NM, VG+ and VG mean?

Grade Goldmine meaning What to expect
M – Mint perfect, as new Our house rule: we only use M for records that are still factory sealed.
M- / NM – Near Mint nearly perfect Opened, barely any visible wear.
EX – Excellent extra grade some dealers use Very well kept; our filter groups EX with VG+.
VG+ – Very Good Plus played, cared for Light signs of use that hardly affect listening. For many, the best balance of price and sound.
VG – Very Good clearly played Visible wear and audible noise, especially in quiet passages.
G+ / G – Good heavily played Noticeable noise, but should play through without skipping.

The sleeve uses the same scale. Typical wear: ring wear, worn edges, names, stamps or stickers. Generic means the record comes in a standard sleeve without its own artwork – a plain or a company sleeve.

Why does condition matter so much to collectors?

Because it decides sound and value. The same pressing costs considerably more in NM than in VG – and a rare first pressing in VG+ is often the only realistic way to own one. When listening: from VG+ up, the music is clearly in front; with VG you hear the record’s history too.

Two terms often cause confusion. Sealed means still in the original wrap, never opened. In shrink means opened, but the original shrink-wrap is still on the cover – it has protected the sleeve for decades. In our Plattenparty stream on 15 October 2026 Thomas shows exactly such a copy: Ramsey Lewis, “Sun Goddess”, US pressing from 1974 – “in shrink, not sealed”. ▶ Plattenparty video at 0:35:41 Worth knowing: shrink-wrap does not guarantee a flawless record. And the other way round, a missing wrap on an old pressing doesn’t automatically mean the record has been played.

Then there are the notes: “cut corner” means a clipped cover corner – how record companies once marked remaindered stock (cut-outs). It says nothing about the condition of the record itself.

FAQ

What does VG+ mean on a record? Very Good Plus: played and well cared for. Light marks are visible but hardly audible.

Is NM better than VG+? Yes. NM (Near Mint) is close to new; VG+ shows light signs of use.

Is a sealed record automatically Mint? Not necessarily by Goldmine – the wrap doesn’t guarantee a flawless record. Our house rule: we only give M to sealed records.

Sealed vs. in shrink – what’s the difference? Sealed is unopened in the original wrap. In shrink is opened, with the original shrink-wrap still on the cover.

Does a VG record sound bad? No, but you will hear some noise, especially in quiet passages. For rare pressings, VG is often the only realistic way to own one.

How do I find out how a particular copy sounds? Ask us on the product page via “Ask about this copy” – we’ll look at that exact copy for you.

What does “Generic” mean for the sleeve? A standard sleeve without its own artwork – plain or from the record company.

What is a “cut corner”? A clipped cover corner marking remaindered stock. The record itself is not affected.

→ The Collector’s Room (from €300) · How to spot a first pressing · Plattenparty on YouTube