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.
For open and loose vinyl – AMG looks at four components for each submitted open item: (1) the record, (2) the record labels, (3) the cover, and (4) the shrink wrap on the record (when applicable). Examples include scratches and scuffs on the record, wear / peeling on the label, damage to the surfaces of the packaging, etc.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.