Based on a scale of 10, all grades listed are for vinyl only. It can be assumed that covers are in similar condition unless otherwise noted.
Essentially a flawless or unplayed record.
Clean vinyl with no dirt. No marks, except for very slight flaws in the vinyl that may have to do with the way the record was pressed. Little or no surface noise when played.
May show a slight amount of dust or dirt, but should still be very shiny under a light. Should have one or two small marks, these marks cannot be too deep, and should only be surface marks that won't affect play, but might detract from the looks. Possible minor surface noise when played.
Will have a few small marks that may show up easily, but which do not affect play at all. Most marks of this quality are not deep enough to be felt with your finger. This is the kind of record that will play "near mint", but which will have some signs of use. May have slight surface noise when played.
May not shine under light, but should still be pretty clean. May have a number of marks , and obvious signs of play. Still no major mark that would be very deep or span a few tracks. May not look near mint, but should play fairly well, with only a small amount of surface noise, and the occasional click in part of a song, but never a whole side or large fraction. This is clearly a copy that was played by someone a number of times, but which could also be a good "play copy" for someone new.
Vinyl may be dirty, marks may be on all parts, but the record should still be listenable. This is a record that was well played, handled without care, but which is not totally trashed. Only highly collectable or rare records would bother being sold in this condition.
