Vinyl Record Grading Scale Explained: What Do the Numbers Mean?
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A record graded AMG 9 isn't just "almost perfect" — it's a specific, repeatable standard based on the Goldmine scale that collectors have used for decades, refined with AMG's own proprietary criteria. If you've ever wondered what separates an 8 from a 9, or why a sealed copy grades differently than an open one, here's exactly how the scale works.
The AMG 1-10 Scale, Grade by Grade
AMG's scale uses a modified version of the Goldmine standard — the same condition language collectors have relied on for decades — and assigns each item a numerical grade from 1 to 10 that gets printed directly on the label inside the slab.
10 — Mint: Absolutely perfect in every way. Never played, possibly still sealed. Only a small percentage of submissions land here.
9 — Near Mint: Nearly perfect. No creases, folds, seam splits, or cut-out holes on the cover; media looks like it just left the factory case.
8 — Excellent: Very slight wear — light scuffs or blemishes are OK, but no ring wear or discoloration.
7 — Very Good+: Light scuffs or scratches, slight warps are acceptable, and a minor seam split under an inch is permitted.
6 — Very Good: More obvious flaws — visible ring wear, more noticeable creasing, seam splitting on multiple sides.
5 — Good: Significant wear, worn packaging, ring wear to the point of distraction.
4 — Fair+: Large scratches, scuffs, and visible wear; seam splits especially at the bottom or spine.
3 — Fair: Extreme damage throughout; records may be unplayable and covers structurally compromised.
2 — Poor+: Major to very major defects — cracked or warped media, heavily damaged covers.
1 — Poor: Present but barely — extreme damage across every component.
Sealed vs. Open: Why the Method Changes
For sealed items, AMG grades solely on the condition of the packaging — the shrink wrap and cover, since that's all that can be assessed without breaking the seal. Splits, damage, staining, sticker removal, and factory discount markings all factor in.
For open items, AMG looks at four components: the record itself, the labels, the cover, and (when present) the shrink wrap. The record and cover are weighted more heavily than the labels and shrink wrap in the overall grade.
Packaging (P) and Media (M): The Two Sub-Grades
Open items receive two sub-grades in addition to the overall number: Packaging (P) for the sleeve and cover, and Media (M) for the record itself. AMG never simply averages these to produce the overall grade — but they're printed on the label so you can see exactly where an item is strong and where it's weak, rather than just trusting a single blended number.
Why the Grade Number Matters More Than You Think
A numerical grade turns a subjective condition call — "looks pretty clean to me" — into a verifiable, third-party standard that buyers can trust without inspecting the item in person. Every AMG-graded piece is also documented with a tamper-proof serial number, so the grade on the label is checkable against AMG's records at any time, not just taken on faith.
Submit Your Records
Curious what your collection would grade? Get an objective, third-party number on your records. Start your submission at audiomediagrading.com →