Record grading is a standardized system used by collectors and sellers to describe the physical condition of a vinyl record and its cover/sleeve. The most widely used system is the Goldmine Standard, which defines grades from Mint (M) through Poor (P). Accurate grading is essential for fair pricing in the used record market — a VG+ copy of an album might cost 3-5x less than a Near Mint copy.
The standard grades are: Mint (M) — perfect, unplayed condition; Near Mint (NM or M-) — nearly perfect with minimal signs of handling; Very Good Plus (VG+) — shows some wear but plays with only minor surface noise; Very Good (VG) — noticeable wear and surface noise but no skips; Good Plus (G+) — significant wear, consistent surface noise; Good (G) — heavy wear, plays through but with distortion; Fair (F) and Poor (P) — barely functional, damaged.
When buying used records, especially online, always ask for the grading of both the record and the cover separately (e.g., "Record: VG+, Cover: VG"). Visual inspection under good lighting helps — look for scratches, scuffs, and warps. For expensive purchases, play-grading (actually listening to the record) is the gold standard. Discogs sellers are expected to use the Goldmine system, making it a relatively reliable marketplace for graded records.
A sealed, unplayed record is technically "Mint" but is often graded as "Sealed" (S) since the vinyl inside can't be visually inspected for manufacturing defects.