AMG's grading scale uses a modified version of the Goldmine standard that's long been used in record collecting. We take the Goldmine conditions (e.g. Near Mint, Very Good Minus, etc), apply our own set of criteria and assign a numerical grade (from 1-10) which is then printed on each label that is encapsulated with each graded piece of media.
01
The Record
02
Record Labels
03
The Cover
04
Shrink Wrap
Each of the four components is weighted using a proprietary method that is combined to determine an overall grade. The record and cover are weighted more than the labels and shrink wrap. Two sub-grades are assigned to open items; Packaging (P) and Media (M).
For Sealed items – AMG looks at two components for each submitted sealed item: (1) the cover and (2) the shrink wrap. Splits and damage to the shrink wrap along with physical damage to the album sleeve are combined to determine an overall grade. Other factors considered are staining, sticker damage or removal, factory discount markings (notches, holes, clipped corners, etc.).
If the pressing of the album can be identified using the label and matrix combination, the grading label will indicate the album as a ‘First Pressing, ‘Second Pressing”, etc.
Other media grading is very similar to albums, but with a distinct focus to components of each piece of media. Examples include wear to surfaces of packaging, staining, cracks to plastic jewel cases, split or damaged cellophane, price sticker removal or damage, factory markings, etc.
10
Mint
Mint
Absolutely perfect in every way. Never been played, possibly even still sealed. Only a very small percentage of audio media items fall into this category.
- No dents
- No veining
- No rips or tears in cello
- No blemishes or residue on cello
- A few very small or minuscule scuffs or scratches are permitted
9
Near Mint
Near Mint
A nearly perfect piece of audio media. An open has more than likely never been played. The item should show no obvious signs of wear. An album cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. Other media items should appear to have just been removed from their factory cases.
- One slight or minor corner ding permitted on vinyl
- A couple of small blemishes
- Singular very small cello tear
- No cracks to plastic casings
8
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent items may only show some very slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or blemishes. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole of an album, but repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There should be no ring wear or discoloration. An album cover might have some very minor seam wear. Cover may have some very minor seam wear and should not have any defacing although small cut-out markings or promo holes are permitted.
- Corner bumps or slight creasing or veining
- Slight edge wear
- Small scratches or scuffs
- Slight or faint residue on cello
- Small stress cracks in plastic casings
7
Very Good+
Very Good+
Albums may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches. Slight warps are OK. There may be some very light wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. A VG+ cover might have some very minor seam wear that's more extensive than seen on an EX cover or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, a VG+ cover may have some defacing, such as larger cut-outs or other factory markings. Other audio media may contain slight wear to labels, j-cards or inserts, scuffing to cellophane or insignificant small tears on sealed items. Light to moderate wear to the physical media, but not too distracting.
- Edge wear more prominent
- Small veining in multiple areas
- 2 bent or dinged corners
- Slightly visible ring wear
- Larger tears in cello
- Scratches and blemishes are more visible
- Multiple or larger cracks to plastic casings
- Most normal promo hole or manufacturer cuts fall into this grade
6
Very Good
Very Good
Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ item are more obvious on a VG record. VG items have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh packaging. Minor writing, tape or a sticker may be present. VG album covers will have many signs of wear. Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside, is obvious, though not overwhelming. Some more creases might be visible. Seam splitting will be more obvious; it may appear on all three sides, though it won’t be obvious upon looking.
- Multiple or larger obvious bends, creases and veining
- Large corner damage
- Multiple seam splits
- Large cello tears or pieces missing
- Larger damaging manufacture promo hole or cuts
- Larger cracks to cello and plastic casings
- Blemishes and defects distract from the visual appeal
5
Good
Good
Good items have significant wear, and the packaging is worn, heavy writing may be present, or obvious damage caused by someone trying to remove tape or stickers. The album cover has ring wear to the point of distraction, has seam splits obvious on sight and may have even heavier writing, for example, huge radio station letters written across the front to deter theft.
- Smaller tears to album cover or artwork slicks
- Heavy ring wear to jacket
- Heavy wear to media surfaces
4
Fair+
Fair+
An item in Fair + condition will have large scratches, scuffs, tears and very visible wear. An album cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present.
- Heavy damage to cello or jacket
- Heavy discoloration
- Heavy edge wear
- Large sections of seam splits or complete edges
- Plastic casings show heavy damage
3
Fair
Fair
An item in Poor condition is physically present but barely. All aspects of the item show extreme damage a. Records are unplayable and covers have no structure to them, missing total pieces or large sections of the packaging.
- Heavy wear in all areas up to 75% of the item
- Major damage to plastic casings
- Multiple full seam splits
- Very large portions of artwork or packaging are missing or heavily damaged
2
Poor+
Poor+
An item in Poor+ condition will show major to very major defects. Plastic jewel type casing is inoperable due to damage, severe water or other staining is present or broken media casing. Records are cracked, impossibly warped and covers are very heavily damaged to the point of falling apart.
- Very major damage to all parts of the media
1
Poor
Poor
An item in Poor condition is physically present but barely. All aspects of the item show extreme damage. Records are unplayable and covers have no structure to them, missing total pieces or large sections of the packaging.
- Extreme damage to all parts of the media
- Large portions missing or unrecognizable
- Heavy water or mold damage
- Broken media