Grading Guide
New Grading SystemEffective Aug 3, 2026
This grading guide introduces an updated condition grading framework, which replaces the previous grading system for all listings. All items listed on or after this date use the grades and terminology defined below. If you have purchased from Solandis Media before, please review this guide carefully as grade names and definitions have changed. The Grading Terms tab explains the specific language used at each tier.

Reference for understanding disc condition grades across all listings — discs are not graded based on dust

One-criterion rule: A disc only needs to meet one criterion in a grade tier to be placed there, and it does not need to match all descriptors.
Mint

Disc is extremely close to a brand new disc. Appears unplayed or barely handled. Free from any noticeable or apparent signs of wear. You may see:

  • Barely perceptible scuffs/scratches
  • Barely perceptible smudge marks
  • Barely perceptible markings
Near Mint

Wear is small in degree and not apparent during normal viewing. Still free from considerable scratches, smudge marks, and heavy discolouration. You may see:

  • Slight scuffs/scratches
  • Slight smudge marks
  • Slight markings
Excellent

Modest wear that can be hard to see during normal viewing. Still free from significant scratches, significant smudge marks, and heavy discolouration. You may see:

  • Modest scuffs/scratches
  • Modest smudge marks
  • Modest markings
  • Modest discolouration
Great

Noticeable wear readily visible during normal viewing. Most viewers will catch it. Wear lacks the significance and immediacy of lower-graded discs. You may see:

  • Noticeable scuffs/scratches
  • Noticeable smudge marks
  • Noticeable markings
  • Noticeable discolouration
Decent

Wear that is clearly visible, potentially for the vast majority of viewers. You may see:

  • Moderate scuffs/scratches
  • Moderate smudge marks
  • Moderate markings
  • Moderate discolouration
Fair

Disc has at least one considerable condition issue, but not necessarily all listed below. You may see:

  • Considerable scuffs/scratches
  • Considerable smudge marks
  • Considerable markings
  • Considerable discolouration
  • Considerable readable wear
Poor

Disc has heavy or severe damage. Damage may critically compromise the disc’s condition or playability. You may see:

  • Heavy or severe scuffs/scratches
  • Heavy or severe smudge marks
  • Heavy or severe markings
  • Heavy or severe discolouration
  • Heavy or severe cracks or chips
Grading Terms

Reference for understanding condition terminology used throughout the grading guide and all listings

Normal viewing refers to examining the disc in hand under standard household lighting such as overhead fixtures, lamps, or indirect daylight through windows — the way a buyer would naturally observe it when casually looking it over. It includes both casual glances and closer observation, but does not include angling to catch surface reflections, using magnification, or other specialized inspection methods.

Grading reflects the disc’s actual condition as observed in hand. Buyers should note that listing photos may not capture noticeable level wear that is visible during normal in-hand viewing, such as certain scuffs/scratches or smudge marks. The written condition description takes precedence over photos when assessing wear severity.
Aligns to Mint
1 Barely perceptible

Requires close, deliberate inspection to detect. Extremely small and virtually undetectable under normal viewing. Only noticed when specifically examining the disc for flaws.

Aligns to Near Mint
2 Slight

Wear is small in degree and not apparent during normal viewing or casual handling. Can be spotted when deliberately examining the disc under close, focused inspection, though it remains subtle and easy to overlook. Positioning a lamp above the item will reveal more wear beyond normal viewing.

Aligns to Excellent
3 Modest

Light wear that can be difficult to discern at a glance, but more readily visible than higher grade wear under close, focused inspection. Still may not stand out during normal viewing.

Aligns to Great
4 Noticeable

Readily visible during normal viewing without requiring close inspection or enhanced lighting. Most viewers will catch it. Moderate impact on overall condition.

Aligns to Decent
5 Moderate

Clearly visible and beginning to seriously impact the disc’s condition. Present enough to be pronounced, but non-extreme when directly compared to the lower grades.

Aligns to Fair
6 Considerable

Significant wear that is immediately apparent during normal viewing. Clearly impacts the disc’s condition and may affect multiple areas of the surface.

Aligns to Poor
7 Heavy

Dominates the visual impression of the disc and may have a obvious, persistent or compromising impact on playability. Accessing the disc’s data without serious issues may not be possible.

8 Severe

The most extreme level of wear. Damage is critical and may render the disc unplayable, make data inaccessible without high-end tools, or leave the physical structure unsound.