此為Goldmine Record Album Price Guide的定義，僅供買賣雙方參考之用！
Mint (M)
各方面都完美無缺，非常少用到的等級。
These are absolutely perferct in every way.
Near Mint (NM or M-)
看起來就像剛從唱片行買回來，僅拆封一次。
It looks like it just came from a retail store and ut was opened for the first time.
NM records
唱片富有光澤，沒有看得見的缺點，唱片的圓標(label)上也沒有任何標記與使用傷痕，撥放時沒有任何雜音。
NM records are shiny, with no visible defects. Writing, stickers or other markings cannnot appear on the label, nor can any "spindle marks" from someone trying to blindly put record on the turntable. Major factory defects also must not be present; a record and label obviously pressed off center is not Near Mint. If played, it will do so with no surface noise.
NM covers
唱片封套沒有任何摺痕、圈印或是裂縫。封套有剪裁過的缺角也不能當NM.
NM covers have no creases, ring wear or seam splits of any kind. Covers with cutout markings can never be considered NM.
NM的狀況是非常高的標準，不隨著黑膠唱片的年代不同有所改變，1950年代的NM跟2000年代的NM是一樣的狀況！估計1950~60年代的唱片只有2~4%符合NM的標準，通常價格也非常的高！
Very Good Plus (VG+) or Excellent (E)
除了有一些小毛病外，可以達到NM的水準。
Except for a couple minor things, this would be Near Mint.
VG+ records
唱片有輕微的刮傷或痕跡，但不影響整體的聆聽。中間的圓標允許有正常使用，不被注意的痕跡。
VG+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, but repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.
VG+ covers
唱片封套僅在不易保護的地方有輕微的磨損。
VG+ covers should have only minor wear.
Very Good (VG)
通常只有NM唱片25%的價格。
Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ record are more obvious on a VG record. That said, VG records - which usually sell for no more than 25 percent of a NM record - are among the biggest bargains in record collecting, because most of the "big money" goes for more perfect copies. For many listeners, a VG record or sleeve will be worth the money.
VG records
唱片出現用手可感覺到的裂痕，失去原來唱片的光澤，唱片的磨損肉眼可見，撥放時有噪音，但不可大過音樂本身。圓標可有些許的記號。
VG records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. When played, a VG record has surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and ending. But the noise will not overpower the music otherwise. Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. Many collectors who have jukeboxes will use VG records in them and not think twice. They remain a fine listening experience, just not the same as if it were in better shape.
VG covers
唱片封套有許多手寫的記號，中間或外圍有圈印，有可見的摺痕，裂痕也更為明顯，有時也有價格的標籤在上面。
VG covers will have many signs of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside, is obious, 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. Some might have written or it or stamped a price tag on it, too.
Lower Grades
Good (G), Good Plus (G+), or Very Good Minus (VG-)
如果幸運的話，價格為NM的10~15%。這些唱片仍然不會跳針，在找到狀況好的唱片前，可先當過渡時期的唱片。
Poor (P), Fair (F)
價格為NM的0~5%，快被丟掉的唱片。
Sealed Albums
全新未拆，價格可能比NM高。但要特別注意
1. 是否被重新包裝
2. 唱片有可能不是NM的狀況
3. 唱片不是首刻的
4. 裡面的唱片跟封面不一樣
