Mint condition
Mint condition is an expression used in the description of pre-owned goods. Originally, the phrase comes from the way collectors describe the condition of coins. As the name given to a coin factory is a "mint", then mint condition is the condition a coin is in when it leaves the mint.[1] Over time, the term "mint" began to be used to describe many different items having excellent, like-new quality.
[edit] Variations
The term mint condition is often used to describe a collectible item such as an action figure, doll, or toy that is as good as new without any scratches or other damage. The term is also widely used in philately,[1] record collecting,[2] and comic books.[3]
Abbreviations include:[4]
- NRFB – Never removed from box
- MIB – Mint in box
- MIP – Mint in package
- MOC – Mint on card (For accessories sold attached to a card)
When describing trading cards, perfect condition is used to describe the condition as it is when pulled from a pack, mint would be new but opened.
[edit] See also
 |
Look up mint condition in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
[edit] References
- ^ a b Thorp, Prescott Holden (1953). The Complete Guide to Stamp Collecting. New York: Minkus Publications. p. 136. OCLC 2866199. http://books.google.com/books?id=IhYKGQAACAAJ.
- ^ Shuker, Roy (2010). Wax Trash and Vinyl Treasures: record collecting as a social practice. Surrey, UK: Ashgate Publishing. p. 140. ISBN 0754667820. http://books.google.com/books?id=0KOR8shcjVUC&lpg=PA140&dq=vinyl%20record%20condition%20ratings%20%2Bmint&pg=PA140#v=onepage&q&f=false. Retrieved 2010-01-10.
- ^ Benton, Mike (1985). Comic Book Collecting for Fun and Profit. New York: Crown Publ.. p. 51. ISBN 0517557029.
- ^ "A guide to collecting barbies: preservation, finding and other tips". essortment.com. http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/guidecollecting_sznn.htm. Retrieved 2010-08-13.
