Be Careful How You Grade Condition

Be Careful How You Grade Condition

While a picture is worth a thousand words, it usually doesn't tell the whole story about the condition of items you're listing online for sale. This sealed store hanger card containing 1990s vintage BMX Frame Stickers is obviously NEW condition. You could also call it New Old Stock. MINT would also apply in this case, but that's an often misused word.

To many collectors, an item can only be called MINT if it remains factory sealed in original packaging. To others, it just has to be unused or unrun to be considered MINT. Of course, this eliminates all motor vehicles from consideration since they always arrive at dealerships with a few miles on the odometer.

Keep in mind that MINT is not just a description of visible wear. It's primary meaning relates to use rather than cosmetic appearance.