by Zoe Trudeaux

Created on: July 26, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

The Goldmine Grading System is the accepted standard used for grading vinyl records. It was developed in the early 70s as a way for sellers and buyers to understand the condition of a record. According to the Record Collectors Guild, there are six acceptable grades in the Goldmine Grading System (though additional grades are often used as well).

Determining an appropriate grade for your records can be tricky. Use the guidelines below to know how to properly grade your records. Then take a look at the grades (that range from Mint to Poor) and the descriptions.

FIVE TIPS FOR RECORD GRADING:

#1. Inspect your record and the cover thoroughly.

Vinyl records should always be looked at under a strong light. You may not be able to see small flaws, such as a scuff mark, under normal lighting conditions. Also, note whether or not there are scratches, warping, or poor luster on your record. Inspect the cover for creases, wear on the edges, discoloration, rips, writing or any other flaw.

#2. Make sure you are always honest when grading and never over-grade.

Age and value of a record have nothing to do with its grade, so a 50 year old rare record in bad shape is the same as a five year old record in bad shape. Grade it appropriately.

#3. Write the grade for the record first, and then one for the cover.

Whether you are grading your records for your own knowledge or for listing purposes, you should list a grade for the record first and then a separate grade for the cover. You can also indicate what the visual grade is and what the sound quality grade is. Most dealers do not have the time to grade both the sound and the visual aspects of a record, so they will just base it on sight.

#4. Be completely honest and descriptive about the record and the cover condition.

Always address other issues (such as stickers, seam splits, tears, or writing) in the description. Don't assume the buyer will automatically expect these things because of a given grade.

#5. Be cautious when using the Mint grade and the Sealed description.

Mint records are very rare. Most US records do not make the Mint grade (even when new) because records were hand packaged. Unless a sealed record is from the last 10-15 years, it was probably hand packaged. So if you see a sealed record in Mint condition, it might still have scuffs on it and thus should not be graded as Mint.

GRADES AND DESCRIPTIONS:

Mint (M)
Use Mint sparingly if at all. This grade commands the highest price in price guides (maybe even higher). Contrary to popular

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