Condition Grading for Rare Books

The antiquarian book trade uses a standardised vocabulary for describing condition. These terms are defined by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association and are understood internationally.

Fine (F)

As new. A book in the same condition as when it left the publisher. No wear, no marks, no fading. For modern books, this includes an unclipped, unfaded dust jacket without tears or chips.

Near Fine (NF)

A book showing minimal signs of wear. Perhaps a tiny bump to one corner, or the slightest hint of shelf wear to the jacket edges. The defects are trivial and require close inspection to notice.

Very Good (VG)

A book showing some signs of wear but no major defects. Minor rubbing to extremities, perhaps slight darkening to the spine, small closed tears to the jacket. Still a highly presentable copy.

Good (G)

A book with more obvious wear: noticeable rubbing, some soiling, perhaps a small owner’s name or bookplate. The text block is sound and the book is complete, but it shows its age plainly.

Fair

A reading copy. Significant wear, possible loose or detached boards, heavy soiling or foxing. All pages present but the book is no longer attractive as a collector’s item.

Poor

A copy with serious structural problems: missing pages, broken spine, heavy damp damage. Generally only acceptable for extremely rare titles where no better copy exists.

Jacket Terminology

• Unclipped: The original printed price is still present on the jacket flap
• Price-clipped: The corner of the flap has been cut to remove the price
• Chipped: Small pieces missing from the jacket edges
• Sunned: Faded from exposure to light (usually the spine)
• Rubbed: Surface wear, typically to folds and edges