The golden rule of record collecting is condition, condition, condition; but how do you know what the condition of your albums are? It's the most talked about and debated aspect of record collecting, and one of the most important things when it comes to figuring out just how much that Led Zeppelin, Northern Soul and Pat Boone LP might actually be worth. Now you can brush up on your grading skills with the help of Goldmine columnist Stephen Braitman who hosts the Goldmine Seminar Series: Learn How to Condition Grade Your Records .

With this recorded online seminar you gain valuable details about the history of record grading, from the early days when deals were made one-on-one to the big shift in the 1970s when albums were sold in big volume and low price, and on to the modern era and the radical changes of the Internet. Braitman walks you through it all and explains the impact each has had on today's market. In addition you'll learn:

• Why grading standards are important
• Easy-to-follow definitions for Mint, Near Mint, Very Good Plus=Excellent, Very Good and everything else
• Understanding visual grade versus playing grade
• What streaks, scratches, spindle marks and finger prints do to condition
• Steps for setting up a point system for counting defects – to aid in your grading
• How to spot a first pressing and how to uncover the truth about album covers

Get the inside details and word on wax from Goldmine.