Record Grading Guide
Vizcogs uses the Goldmine Grading Standard, the most widely accepted system for buying and selling vinyl records. Understanding condition is essential—a record's grade dramatically affects its value.
Reality Check
Most people overestimate their records' condition. When in doubt, grade conservatively—buyers appreciate being pleasantly surprised rather than disappointed.
Grading Scale
Mint
Flawless. No defects whatsoever.
Extremely rare in practice—most dealers won't use this grade at all. Sealed records don't qualify since you can't inspect the vinyl inside. There's no standard value multiplier for Mint—pricing depends on the specific record and what buyers are willing to pay.
Near Mint
Looks like it just came from a retail store. Nearly perfect.
No visible defects, no writing or stickers on the label, plays without surface noise. The record may have been played on quality equipment but shows no wear. Covers have no creases, ring wear, or seam splits.
Very Good Plus
Except for a couple minor things, this would be Near Mint.
Light scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect playback. Minor signs of handling around the center hole. Slight ring wear or discoloration on the label. Covers may have minor seam wear or small splits at the bottom. This is the sweet spot for collectors who actually play their records.
Very Good
Obvious signs of play, but still a good listening experience.
Surface noise evident, especially in quiet passages. Groove wear visible, scratches you can feel with a fingernail. Labels may have writing, tape, or sticker residue. Covers show ring wear, creases, and seam splits. Many collectors consider VG the floor for paying collector prices.
Good Plus
Significant wear but plays through without skipping.
Noticeable surface noise and ticks throughout playback. Heavy groove wear, visible scratches. Labels are worn with significant damage. Covers have obvious seam splits and heavy wear. Acceptable as a placeholder until a better copy comes along.
Good
Heavy wear, audible noise, but still playable.
Plays through without skipping but with constant surface noise. The record shows its age and use. Good does not mean bad—it means well-loved. Often the only grade available for rare vintage pressings.
Fair
Damaged but technically playable.
May skip or repeat in places. Warped, heavily scratched, or otherwise compromised. Only worth acquiring for extremely rare records where no better copy exists.
Poor
Barely playable, major damage.
Cracked, impossibly warped, skips repeatedly. Covers are destroyed. These rarely sell for more than a few cents, if at all. Only the most outrageously rare items have any value in this condition.
How We Calculate Value
When estimating your collection's value, we use your Default Album Grading setting (currently VG) as the baseline condition for records without a specific grade assigned.
You can change your default grading in Settings.
Grading Tips
Grade Under Strong Light
Defects that are invisible in dim light become obvious under bright, direct lighting. Always inspect thoroughly.
Visual vs. Play Grade
Older records (pre-1971) often play better than they look. Newer records sometimes play worse. When possible, listen before grading.
Separate Record & Cover
Grade the vinyl and sleeve independently. A VG record in a VG+ cover averages to VG/VG+. Note both when selling.
Always Disclose Defects
Writing, stickers, seam splits, promo stamps—mention everything. Some buyers won't care; others will. Let them decide.
The Goldmine Grading Standard is the industry standard for record condition, developed by Goldmine Magazine and adopted by collectors and dealers worldwide including Discogs.