MINT - A magazine that is in "mint" condition should be in about the same condition today as it was the day it went on sale. It must be new, with its original gloss and luster, with absolutely no signs of ever having been read. A magazine straight off the newsstand will not always be in "mint" condition. I will almost never refer to any of my magazines as being in this condition. A magazine of this level will have a substantial premium placed on its value.
EXCELLENT - Noticeable, though minor defects, such as loss of luster, areas of rubbing, a single vertical crease from "fold back" of a portion of the cover, a chipped or peeled spot, a small tear on cover or an inside page, or minor chafing along the spine. This might include thumbing dimples on the covers. This could also include magazines with mailing labels. This is the highest grade I will probably give to any magazine.
GOOD - A copy which has been read over a period of time, but with care in an attempt to preserve it in excellent condition. The cover shows definite wear, but is still intact. There are the tell-tale signs of use but none greatly outstanding. There are no MAJOR tears or peels, no taping, and the copy is clean inside and out. This might include such things as: a few small thumbing dimples on the cover, a price sticker or evidence of one having been present at one time, small pen markings on the cover, and small surface scratches and dings.
FAIR - An ordinarily read copy with no consideration to collecting. It received normal handling resulting in considerable loss of luster; faded covers or considerable rubbing; dog-eared edges on cover and some pages; a slight tear, creasing or chafing here and there, and especially along the spine; quite a few thumbing dimples on cover and other surface damages from handling, storage, etc.
POOR - These copies have been read extensively and handled carelessly, and they show all the signs of their treatment - Mutilated, heavy rubbing, faded covers, dirty covers, chafing, peeling, ripped and chafed along spine, heavy thumbing creases resulting in the white of the paper to show through, dirty or torn pages on the inside, water or moisture damage, heavy surface scuffing and scratching. You will generally not find these items for sale on my website.
