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Record Grading Explained: What NM, VG+, and VG Really Mean

Condition isn’t a footnote in vinyl collecting. It’s the headline. A first press can be worth hundreds in Near Mint, yet the same title in “Good” can be a charity case. This guide translates grading language into plain English so you can buy and sell with confidence.

Understanding record grading is essential in ensuring you get the value you expect when purchasing records.

Understanding record grading is crucial for collectors and sellers alike.

Terminology we’ll use (quick guide)

  • Album cover / jacket: the printed cardboard outer with artwork and credits.
  • Outer sleeve: the protective bag that covers the album cover/jacket (poly, resealable, etc.); not part of grading.
  • Inner sleeve: the paper or poly sleeve that holds the record; use printed inner sleeve when it has lyrics/art; poly inner for anti-static.
  • Picture sleeve: printed outer for many 7″/12″ singles.
  • Company sleeve: generic label-branded paper outer.

Why Record Grading Matters

Grading is the language that sets expectations between buyers and sellers. A seller’s “VG+” tells you how a record should look and sound before money changes hands. A buyer’s understanding of “VG+” decides whether they feel satisfied or scammed when the package lands. Consistent terms keep the market honest.

The Grading Scale

Mint (M)

Basically mythical. Factory-fresh and flawless. Many collectors avoid using it at all.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

As good as it gets in the real world. Looks new, no visible marks, plays clean. Album cover/jacket shows only the faintest shelf wear.

Excellent (EX)

Used by some between NM and VG+. Very light signs of play; scuffs are superficial and don’t affect playback.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

The sweet spot for most collections. Light cosmetic wear and perhaps a touch of surface noise in quiet passages. Album cover/jacket may have minor ring wear or a small crease.

Very Good (VG)

Audible wear but still enjoyable. Noticeable scuffs or scratches; surface noise present. Album covers/jackets can have splits, writing, or heavier wear.

Good (G) / Good Plus (G+)

Playable but rough. Expect prominent noise, possible warps, and damage to the cover. Only worth it if rare or very inexpensive.

Poor (P) / Fair (F)

Barely playable or not at all. Skips, cracks, or severe damage. Usually only useful as wall art or placeholders.

Quick Reference Table

Grade
Meaning
What to expect

M

Mint

Sealed, Flawless: essentially never handled

NM/M-

Near Mint

Looks new, plays clean: jacket nearly perfect

EX

Excellent

Minor signs of play: negligible audio impact

VG+

Very Good Plus

Light wear; mild noise in quiet spots: small jacket flaws

VG

Very Good

Noticeable marks: audible surface noise: heavier jacket wear

G/G+

Good / Good Plus

Playable but noisy: scratches/warps: Jacket splits or stains

P/F

Poor / Fair

Skips or barely plays; significant damage

Standards: Goldmine vs Discogs

The Goldmine system is the baseline many sellers reference. Discogs uses a nearly identical scale, but their methodology of valuation differs:

  • Goldmine Methodology; Price guides provide benchmark values for records based on their condition, with Near Mint (NM) being the highest listed price. The guide’s prices are determined through extensive market research.
  • Discogs Methodology: Provides valuation based on actual completed sales in its online marketplace compiled at 3 levels – Lowest, Median, and Highest – all based on real world sales with visibility to the price, date, and condition of every completed transaction.

Language Confusion: “Sleeve,” “Jacket,” and “Album Cover”

Collectors use these words loosely, and different platforms add their own quirks. That’s why forum threads about “sleeve vs jacket” never die.

  • Album cover / jacket: printed cardboard outer with artwork.
  • Inner sleeve: paper or poly sleeve that holds the record (sometimes printed with lyrics/art).
  • Outer sleeve: protective poly bag over the album cover/jacket (not part of grading).
  • Picture sleeve / company sleeve (singles): printed outer vs generic label-branded paper.

VibeTheVinyl house style: “album cover/jacket” for the printed outer; “inner sleeve” for the paper/poly piece; “outer sleeve” for the protective bag.

Don’t Forget the Covers, Sleeves, and Inserts

Album cover / jacket (printed outer)

  • NM: Crisp; no ring wear, splits, or writing.
  • VG+: Minor shelf wear or light ring wear starting; small corner bump.
  • VG: Noticeable ring wear; small seam split; sticker residue or minor writing.
  • G/G+: Heavy wear: split seams, taped edges, water stains.
  • P/F: Structurally compromised.

Understanding Record Grading: A Key to Collecting

Many sellers provide insights on record grading to help buyers understand their products better.

Record grading plays a crucial role in defining the market value of vinyl records.

The varying levels of record grading can deeply affect resale value and collectability.

Record grading not only impacts the value but also the enjoyment of your music.

Many collectors often consider record grading a necessary skill for maintaining their collections.

Protect it: A clear outer sleeve and proper shelving go a long way toward preventing ring wear. New to care? Start here: How to Care for Vinyl Records.

Inner sleeves & inserts

Describe in Notes: condition, originality, and any splits or discoloration. Call out printed inner sleeves, posters, booklets, and hype stickers if present.

Protection vs grading: a protective outer sleeve helps preserve the album cover/jacket but isn’t part of the grade.

How to Grade Your Own Records

  1. Bright light test: tilt the vinyl to reveal scuffs and hairlines.
  2. Warp check: lay the disc flat and rotate; wobble indicates a warp.
  3. Label inspection: writing, spindle trails, stains lower the grade.
  4. Play-grade when possible: visual marks don’t always equal audible noise.
  5. Grade the album cover/jacket separately: note ring wear, seam splits, writing, and missing inserts.
  6. Document inner sleeves: note whether it’s original, printed, poly, or generic in Notes.

Rule of thumb: under-promise, over-deliver. Conservative grading builds trust.

Buying with Confidence

  • NM/M-: premium prices, near-perfect sound.
  • VG+: best value for most collections.
  • VG: fine for everyday listening, not investment-grade.
  • G or below: only if rare or very cheap.

Read descriptions carefully. Notes like “VG+ with faint hairline on side B, plays clean” are more trustworthy than a grade alone. On Discogs, check seller feedback and sales volume.

Selling Responsibly

Over-grading is the fastest way to damage your reputation. Be specific about flaws, include clear photos, and err on the conservative side. Consistency earns repeat buyers.

Collector’s Tips

  • Don’t fear VG+ — most real-world collections live here.
  • Buy the record and the description, not just the grade.
  • Complete packages matter — original printed inner sleeves, posters, and hype stickers add value.
  • Keep grading consistent across your collection.

FAQ

Is “EX” an official grade?

Not in classic Goldmine, but many sellers use it between NM and VG+. Read the seller’s notes to understand their bar.

Visual grade or play grade?

Both matter. Visual sets expectations; play tells the truth, especially on quiet material.

Should the album cover/jacket be graded separately?

Yes. Standard format is Media: X / Album cover/Jacket: Y, with inner sleeves and inserts described in Notes.