online mail-order sales of rare vinyl records and music memorabilia

All records are graded visually and we use the Goldmine grade system which is summarized below:
SS (Still Sealed) - in factory fresh condition
M (Mint) - Used only if the item is unsealed but otherwise unplayed.
M- (Mint Minus) - A record which shows no obvious signs of wear. The sleeve has no more than minor defects such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of MINOR handling.
VG+ (Very Good Plus) - even a superficial mark that doesn't affect play moves an otherwise M- record to VG+. Only well cared for records are graded VG+. Surfaces may have slight signs of wear or light scratches that don't effect listening quality. Minor cover wear is also acceptable. This grade should be sufficient to satisfy all but the most demanding collector.
VG (Very Good) - a used, reasonable copy. There will be obvious signs of wear and some surface noise, but still plays quite well. There might be a sticker or writing on label or sleeve or tape but not all of these problems.
VG- (Very Good Minus) - more significant wear and marks and usually noticeable surface noise especially during quieter passages.
G+ (Good Plus) - A record in this condition can be played without skipping although it will have significant surface noise, scratches and visible groove wear. A sleeve will have significant wear such as seam splits/tape/writing/ring wear. From here on down (Fair, Poor), records should be considered beat-up (read: unplayable).
G (Good) - In the record collecting world, 'Good' does not really mean good! G is the lowest grade used. Records in this condition are marginal at best.

GLOSSARY (for records) record grading / abbreviations (for records)
For reference purposes, the following list contains an explanation of some commonly used terms in record collecting:
box set = multi-LP or CD set in presentation box
catalog number = identifying number on sleeve/disc
company sleeve = record sleeve featuring record company logo
compilation = collection of songs from various sources
cue sheet = printed supplement included with radio/interview albums
deleted = no longer commercially available, ie out-of-print
demo = demonstration disc pressed for reviewers/radio stations etc
die-cut sleeve = sleeve with pattern or circular hole cut on one or both sides
double-pack = two records packaged together as one release
envelope sleeve/ps = thick card sleeve with envelope-style flap opening
flexidisc = soft plastic (flexible) record
gatefold sleeve = record cover that opens out like a book
inner sleeve = printed protective sleeve for disc inside main cover
insert = bonus item of packaging, eg postcard, info sheet
laminated sleeve = sleeve with high gloss, shiny finish
limited edition = a release pressed in a set, limited quantity
lyric sheet = paper or card insert featuring words to songs
matrix number = unique number/letter code etched into record run-out groove
memorabilia = collectors items such as clothing, printed matter, backstage passes, etc
mispress(ing) = disc pressed with incorrect music, label info or design
mono/stereo/quadrophonic = music recorded for playback through one/two/four channels
one-sided = record with music on one side only
picture disc = record with a picture/design sealed within playable clear vinyl
picture sleeve = sleeve with a printed picture/design
poster sleeve = sleeve that folds out into a poster
promo = promotional release used by DJs, journalists, etc
reissue = re-release of a recording
run-out groove = continuous groove at end of record
sampler = compilation release showcasing an artist, label, genre etc
sealed = shrinkwrapped in cellophane (unopened)
shaped disc = non-circular release, normally shaped picture disc
test pressing = non-commercial pressing made by manufacture for quality control
vinyl = material from which records are made (also 'plastic', 'wax' etc)
warped = record misshapen by heat
white label = type of demo, promo or test pressing with plain white labels
withdrawn = release removed from sale by record company

bk = book/tour programme/sheet music
cat no = catalogue number
cc = cut corner
CD = compact disc (s = single)
co = cut out
coh = cut out hole
cvr = cover
cw = cover wear
dbl = double
dj = disc jockey or promotional copy
DMM = Direct Metal Mastered
es = electric stereo
feat = featuring
gf = gatefold
incl = including
inner = printed inner sleeve
lt = light
ltd.ed = limited edition
mag = magazine
MC = (music) cassette (s = single)
nap = not affecting play
#'d = numbered
#ol = number on label
obc = on back cover
oc = original cast recording
ost = original soundtrack
ss = still sealed
ps = picture sleeve
pstr = poster
quad = quadrophonic
re = reissue
rw = ring wear
sl cw = slight cover wear
slv = sleeve
sm = small
split seams, x" split, x" taped seam, etc... = refer to cover damage
ss = still sealed
stkd = stickered
toc = tape on cover
tol = tape on label
troc = tear on cover
trol = tear on label
ts = tape on seam
w/ = with
wl = white label
woc = writing on cover
wol = writing on label