Definition of Mint Condition

Mint condition describes the overall state of collectible products, such as coins, comic books, baseball cards and action figures. The term is used as part of a wider scale to gauge how beat-up an object is and thus how valuable it may be to a collector. Mint condition usually refers to objects kept in pristine condition. In many cases, only "perfect" condition---used to denote objects still in their original packaging---is ranked higher.

Origins

The term first arose in the realm of coin collecting. Coins were minted before going into circulation; a mint-condition collector's coin referred to one that looked as if it had come straight from the mint. The term soon expanded to other types of collecting. Now the term has become an accepted part of the vernacular. A house, for example, might be referred to as "mint condition," even though houses are not collectible objects.

Specifics

The specifics of a mint-condition object depend upon the object. Generally speaking, the object should be free or any nicks, scratches or blemishes on its surface. The material should not have degraded over time. Specifics like visages on coins or page corners should be unmarked. Surface images cannot appear faded or look discolored. Printing must be squared up perfectly. An object that has been handled for any length of time is generally not considered mint.

Storage

Mint-condition objects are usually intended only for collectors. Since objects in mint condition can't be handled without risking their mint status, collectors take steps to preserve them. Storage mediums such as mylar bags and high-impact plastic cubes allow mint condition objects to be viewed safely without being touched. Storage in cool, dry conditions better preserves them as well.

Value

Mint-condition objects are generally considered more valuable than identical objects in worse shape, but the condition isn't the only factor in the object's worth. Its comparative rarity, for example, may make an object more valuable. In addition, errors made in the manufacturing process---such as a stamp with its central image upside down---are often considered distinct from normal wear and tear and may make an object more valuable than its overall condition would merit.

Controversy

The criteria for grading an object's condition is often subjective. A dealer attempting to get the best price for an object may deem it in less than mint condition, while an overeager seller may categorize an object as mint even if it has a few nicks and scratches. Buyers and sellers can consult objective third parties to determine the object's condition or can test the market by finding another buyer or seller.