Record Condition

The condition of a record is critical in determining its worth. Three or more components directly affect the price at which you buy or sell the album:
  • the jacket
  • physical condition of the record (warped or scratched)
  • stereo v. mono recording
  • first pressing versus later pressings or reissues (check the label).
 
If the jacket is badly torn or written on, or the record is warped or scratched, don’t expect to get much (if any) money for the album. Even if you own a relatively rare record, if the jacket is ruined or the record can’t be played, its worth is greatly diminished.
 
When determining the record’s ultimate worth, most dealers use a grading key, with the highest grade obtained by consulting price guides (and the state of the current market). The lower the record is on the scale, the lower its value.

Grading Key

Scale

Description

Sealed

A new record that has never been opened.

Mint-

An almost perfect record with no signs of wear. (Note: Since imports do not come sealed, this is their highest grade.) A Mint- record looks as if it just came from the record store.

VG+

A record that has been played and handled very carefully. None of the slight scuffs affect playing, and the record still has most of its original sheen. (A copy in this condition commands about 50% of the Mint- value.)

VG

A used copy in good shape, although there will be signs of wear. The record can be played, but there is some surface noise and possibly groove wear. Expect approximately 25% of Mint- value.

VG-

A record with a fair amount of marks, wear and surface noise. Commands only about 10-15% of the Mint- value.