Description Record Grading System ( visually graded, NOT SOUND grading ) M ( mint ) = The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplay should be Mint. NM ( near mint ) = Very clean copyEX ( excellence ) = The record shows some signs of having been played. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and / or creasing.VG ( very good ) = The record has obviously been played many times, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.G ( good ) = The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.Fair = The cover and contents will be torn, stained and / or defaced.Poor = The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.Bad =The record might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection filler.