The Goldmine Standard
How We Grade Our Vinyl
Every record, CD, and cassette we list has been individually inspected and graded using the Goldmine Grading Standard — the universally accepted benchmark for physical music in the resale market. Here's exactly what each grade means so you know what you're getting before it ships.
How We Inspect Every Item
Visual Inspection
We examine the sleeve, case, and inserts for wear, discoloration, sticker residue, and seam splits. The playing surface is inspected under a bright light for scratches and other imperfections.
Play Test
We spin every vinyl record, load every CD, and play every cassette. We listen for clicks, pops, skipping, or distortion and note which side and which track any issues occur on.
Graded Separately
The record and its packaging are graded independently. A record can be Near Mint while the sleeve is only Very Good — we list both so you know the full condition of everything in the package.
The Grading Scale
Grades are listed from best to worst condition. Items graded VG+ and above play without distortion.
Absolutely perfect in every way. Never played and possibly still sealed. We use this grade very sparingly — a record must be genuinely flawless to earn it. Note: a sealed record is not automatically Mint.
Nearly perfect. Has likely never been played, or played only once or twice with great care. No obvious signs of wear. Cover and inserts have no folds, seam splits, or noticeable defects. This is the highest grade most dealers assign.
Shows some signs it was played and handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Any defects are cosmetic only and do not affect playback. Surfaces may show slight scuffs or very light scratches. In theory, sounds identical to NM.
Defects are more pronounced. Some surface noise will be evident during soft passages and fade-outs but will not overpower the music. Light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Labels or covers may have writing, tape, or sticker residue.
Plays through without skipping but has significant surface noise, crackling, or visible wear. Cover or sleeve will have scratches, seam splits, and possibly tape or writing. Best suited for casual listening or as a filler copy.
Cracked, badly warped, and will likely skip or repeat during playback. Cover could be water-damaged, heavily worn, or written upon. We rarely list items at this grade — if we do it will be priced accordingly and clearly noted.
Have questions about a specific item?
We're happy to provide more details on any listing before you buy. Reach out and we'll give you a full rundown.
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