How To Grade Your CD Collection Using Updated Goldmine Grading

CD grading is more straightforward than vinyl records but more challenging than you would think. Most believe that if your CD plays completely without skipping, it must be in excellent condition, but this is far from the truth. CD collectors are more serious about the condition of what they buy than the vinyl crowd.

Here is how I determine the grading of CDs. It is my own method but based on Goldmine Grading with tweaks from my experiences when dealing with CD buyers.

MINT

CD: The item is new, like it just came from the store.

Cover: 99% of CDs come sealed by the manufacturer, with rare exceptions. Just because it is a sealed CD does not mean it is new. If the CD was improperly stored and damage has occurred to the case or digipak, it is no longer mint.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

CD: Other than the CD not being factory sealed, it is perfect.

Cover: No signs of wear other than being opened. Jewel box or digipak is unblemished.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

CD: It has been played but has minor scuffs or scratches. Slight hairline imperfections may be present but should be minimal.

Cover: Book/inlay should still be in excellent condition, but there may be slight but minimal signs of use.

Very Good (VG)

CD: The CD will show more signs of use than VG+ and may have some blemishes that will not impact play. The CD should play or rip completely without skipping.

Cover: Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak may show more signs of use but should be free from writing or tears.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+)

CD: This CD shows heavy signs of use and has scratches that could affect play but likely will not. CDs have a higher “threshold of pain” than vinyl and can often play fine, even if they look worn.

Cover: Insert/Inlay/Booklet/Sleeve/Digipak is worn, possibly marked, faded, and might have writing or tears.