The Word "Mint" and it's meaning towards games

rhiohki · Jun 13, 2003

What is MINT? What does the word mean in terms of Neo collecting? I have been contemplating this for some time now, as with doing trades, I find this term loosely thrown around this forum. I will admit as well to loosely using this term to describe conditions of games. The term mint, from Meriam-webster online means, "[adj] unmarred as if fresh from a mint". Albiet, Meriam-Webster used the same word, but a part of speech, in it's own definition, the meaning is still understood. Mint, i.e- something that is new, un-scathed, etc.

With that definition in mind, why is the term MINT used so often, when in fact, ALL neo carts have some sort of blemish, whether from the factory itself or from just careful handling. Wouldn't the correct way to describe a cart that has a very very slight insertion mark, be very very Near Mint? Maybe I am being very anal, as I am a very meticulous collector, but I think when grading carts, the most appropriate term should be used. Once again, I admit to not fully using this term correctly, and upon thinking about it and just by talking to members privately, I see that this term are used alot for carts that are in less than or equal to Near mint condition.

Any thoughts?

SonGohan · Jun 13, 2003

This thread is mint.

Phoenix Down · Jun 13, 2003

SonGohan:
This thread is mint.

Nope, since you replied to it the best it will ever be at this point is near mint.

SonGohan · Jun 13, 2003

Phoenix Down:

SonGohan:
This thread is mint.

Click to expand...

Nope, since you replied to it the best it will ever be at this point is near mint.

I guess since you replied (and me replying to you) now makes this an excellent thread?

Chicago Cheeseburgler Crew · Jun 13, 2003

Now, since I'm replying, this thread is somewhere around fair/poor condition.

Oh well, at least it's not sunfaded.

Freelancer · Jun 13, 2003

Depends on the seller.

I've bought and sold many, many items over the years and in my experience, I usually find the sellers who understate the condition of their items (for example, excellent condition when an item is near mint) are the ones who have come closest to the mint description than those who claim up front that their items are mint.

Some items I've purchased have been labeled as mint, but are clearly NOT mint as I've seen small blemishes, etc on the items.

rhiohki · Jun 13, 2003

buttasuperb:
Now, since I'm replying, this thread is somewhere around fair/poor condition.

Oh well, at least it's not sunfaded.

This was meant to be a serious thread, but I enjoy the humor somewhat...

Baseley09 · Jun 13, 2003

The Royal Mint in England is where the pound is made, it's mint and fresh when nit leaves there, soon to be screwed out of shape by a retarded public.

Mint Royal are a uk music combo, who have worked with Liam Gallagher, and once had a hit with saucy northern lass Lauren Lavern, who ive fancied for prolly over 7 years since here debut in the band Keniki.

ooooo .........anal.

waku7 · Jun 13, 2003

A mint game is a game released in Japan only

We European/American are not civilized enough.

"Generalities"

THERE IS AN INSERTION MARK!

waku7 · Jun 13, 2003

Seriously
A Mint game is a game new but opened(not new sealed)
A game without flaws.

rhiohki · Jun 13, 2003

Baseley09:

ooooo .........anal.

LOL..you all never cease to make this a fun board to be on.

tsukaesugi · Jun 13, 2003

Good topic and question.

What exactly are the ranks, and the characteristics people use for them?

MINT: opened, but perfect condition,

EXCELLENT: almost perfect, but one or two small problems

GOOD: a few signs of wear and tear, but otherwise OK?

FAIR: a little roughed up from use, but undamaged

POOR: damaged, or missing something

Is this a pretty close summary of what people use?

HPMAN · Jun 13, 2003

Many people conception of "mint condition" is a real joke...

Keep in mind even new games aren't always mint.

Pep · Jun 13, 2003

The word MINT has been perverted by many people here.

MINT cannot men anything but immaculate, flawless or like new. PERIOD

But, since in the neo-store’s price guide MINT is a different category of LIKE NEW, many people have taken advantage of it to rate crappy games as MINT.

HPMAN · Jun 13, 2003

Well, how do you describe like new ?

Some new games are mint, while others are flawed (scratches etc...)

Pep · Jun 13, 2003

Like new = flawless (by deffect)

Anyhow, a honest and serious seller will not sell anything just using a couple of words, but trying to provide an accurate description of his item.

Michael Yagami · Jun 13, 2003

You have to be very careful when using the word "MINT" when describing Neo games for the simple fact that Neo collectors are some of the mosts (admitidly) anal collectors on the face of the earth. Its a fine line to tread, which is why I seldom rate anything I sell as "MINT". The closest I get is "NEAR MINT", somewhat because of my own high standards (I'm very anal about other things I collect, just not my Neo) and because I know the standards of the collectors around here.

Mike

Comrade Porn King Mikhail · Jun 13, 2003

No, Neo collectors are nothing compared to hobbies where the "mint" perfection exists on a much more regular basis: non-sports and sports cards, stamps, comic books, etc.

The only thing that separates this hobby from the above is a lack of a centralized grading standard and an authority that would enforce said standard.

Sincerely,

Mikhail

Mokum · Jun 13, 2003

Mint is an abused word. Period.

I too often received "mint" stuff only to discover it was in poor conditions... oh_no

Damn you! :mad:

Michael Yagami · Jun 13, 2003

Mokum:
Mint is an abused word. Period.

I too often received "mint" stuff only to discover it was in poor conditions... oh_no

Damn you!

Agreed. "MINT" is thrown about too freely.

Mike

BIG · Jun 13, 2003

I was also a victim of the word "mint". Oh wait,nevermind."Practically Brand-New" was the correct term... :rolleyes:

Yodd · Jun 13, 2003

I think at most that I will ever describe something is near-mint. I just don't believe in "Mint" when it comes to video games. Too many factors and things that could possibly make it non mint.

Its a bullshit term anyways. Its only good if are talking about collectible cards and stamps and such.

Besides I would rather use pictures to describe the condition. Pictures can tell a thousand words; and I ain't particurally interested in typing that many out.

The Word "Mint" and it's meaning towards games

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