I NEVER use this term.

Yes, yes, yes, I recognize that some experts with great stature use this term.

I don't.

Maybe it is because I collected coins for so long. Maybe it's because I love the smell of printer's ink. Whatever the reason, it is perfectly clear to me that coins are minted and paper is printed. Period!

I use this term for currency and small pieces of paper such as passes and unused tickets.

In my opinion, the only way vintage paper could have survived in this condition was for it to have been placed in archival storage almost immediately after printing. Items in this condition are flawless. They can not show ANY problems whatsoever.

I use this term for items that do not appear to have seen circulation or use.

Be aware that items in this condition may display exceedingly light evidence of handling. Even brand new paper coming off printing presses shows handling marks.

Items in this grade show NO FOLDS whatsoever. Because most newspapers were folded in half, this rule automatically eliminates practically all newspapers from receiving this designation.

I use this term sparingly. Items in this condition can show light mishandling, usually in the form of an almost imperceptible corner fold.

This grade means that items are in better conditions than average, but there will be some problems.

This is generally the highest grade I use for multi-page documents, mainly because it is almost impossible to find two or more pages in the same condition. Taken as a whole, it is pretty easy to tell whether items are "better than average."

Multi-page items in this condition usually have almost perfect covers. There are no major tears or water stains.

I make exceptions for pulp magazines printed from the 1890s to the 1930s. They often had covers that extended over the edges of interior pages. For those kinds of collectibles, even magazines in great conditions show several minor edge tears. Per my rule, I assign this grade to any collectible that is better than average.

Documents are a little better than average. Items in this grade often display several kinds of problems, but the aggregation is not obnoxious.

Smaller pieces of paper can have two or three light folds. Paper can show minor aging. Very pulpy newspapers can show sun toning, and maybe even a hint of brittleness if outside of printed areas.

Average documents with average problems. Documents are intact, but will have average creases, handling marks, minor tears along spines of magazines and newspapers, or minor edge tears. There may be cancellations, staples, maybe even some tape.

Let me leave a warning. If you are unwilling to accept average problems, then I beg you, DO NOT BUY anything in this condition. If you are overly picky about condition, stay with items graded XF or better.

Documents have more problems than normal. They show definite wear.

Originally-folded documents, like,newspapers, maps, fold-out postcards and brochures, may show minor separations along original folds. There may be water stains. Pulp paper, particularly pulpy newspapers, may show yellowing or brittleness. I note missing pieces and rips over an inch in length.

Documents are intact, but beat up.

There may be significant acidic paper deterioration in paper with high pulp content. Do not collect documents in this condition except as space fillers.

Documents are heavily worn. Some may have detached or missing covers. There may be large tears or bad acidic paper deterioration. I only offer items in this condition if they have historical or collectible interest.