Black Apple Art
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September 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Black Apple Art on Mar 22, 2015 20:48:07 GMT 1, What in the world has happened to the word "Mint"?
I find more and more frequently I am running into sellers, agents and galleries claiming pieces are "mint", only to find out they have never even opened up the frame to look at the piece. I believe the word is now just a novelty thrown in to attract buyers or keep interest in a pending sale and is an insanely over abused term. It seems the "M" word has now has regressed to mean "nothing major wrong with it" or "it was mint when I had it last" and I see a rampant problem with failure to properly grade pieces and seems to only be getting worse as fewer pieces are actually in mint or near mint condition and prices continue to increase for high demand works. The word itself has sadly lost most of its meaning by so much abuse and over use.
Many many years ago I used to collect comics and if you wanted true value for your piece you actually had to submit it to CGC for grading. If you simply graded it yourself it would be hard to sell at all and if you did it would be at a serious discount. I know in general "Mint" means "as new" or "pristine condition" but in comic collecting it really means "Gem Mint" or "perfect in every way" and most new comics new off the shelf don't even qualify for this grading. Over the years I had submitted several comics to the CGC that I thought were mint and the best I ever got back was a 8.5+ which isn't even "Near Mint" but "Very Fine Plus".
Getting back to art, I just find a serious lack in general for proper grading and the center of the problem seems to be the scale is now purely subjective to the person "grading" / selling it and let's be honest we are all usually a little biased when grading our own pieces. I know this is not always the case and truly appreciate and like to see highly detailed descriptions and pointing out minor flaws that may or may not mean something to a prospective buyer. Truth being that top condition, mint and near mint pieces are truly rare gems and should command a premium. I think anyone who has been collecting for a good amount of time can attest to how rare and special true mint pieces are and it is really something special to own.
Anyway... Would love to open up this subject and open for discussion ways to promote both better and more accurate grading and inspections by sellers and due diligence and proper inquiries from buyers. Let's all return the shine and luster back to the word 'Mint".
P.S. Framing dos and don'ts, knowing your framer and print abuse is another serious issue and equally important. Another time and another thread.
What in the world has happened to the word "Mint"? I find more and more frequently I am running into sellers, agents and galleries claiming pieces are "mint", only to find out they have never even opened up the frame to look at the piece. I believe the word is now just a novelty thrown in to attract buyers or keep interest in a pending sale and is an insanely over abused term. It seems the "M" word has now has regressed to mean "nothing major wrong with it" or "it was mint when I had it last" and I see a rampant problem with failure to properly grade pieces and seems to only be getting worse as fewer pieces are actually in mint or near mint condition and prices continue to increase for high demand works. The word itself has sadly lost most of its meaning by so much abuse and over use. Many many years ago I used to collect comics and if you wanted true value for your piece you actually had to submit it to CGC for grading. If you simply graded it yourself it would be hard to sell at all and if you did it would be at a serious discount. I know in general "Mint" means "as new" or "pristine condition" but in comic collecting it really means "Gem Mint" or "perfect in every way" and most new comics new off the shelf don't even qualify for this grading. Over the years I had submitted several comics to the CGC that I thought were mint and the best I ever got back was a 8.5+ which isn't even "Near Mint" but "Very Fine Plus". Getting back to art, I just find a serious lack in general for proper grading and the center of the problem seems to be the scale is now purely subjective to the person "grading" / selling it and let's be honest we are all usually a little biased when grading our own pieces. I know this is not always the case and truly appreciate and like to see highly detailed descriptions and pointing out minor flaws that may or may not mean something to a prospective buyer. Truth being that top condition, mint and near mint pieces are truly rare gems and should command a premium. I think anyone who has been collecting for a good amount of time can attest to how rare and special true mint pieces are and it is really something special to own. Anyway... Would love to open up this subject and open for discussion ways to promote both better and more accurate grading and inspections by sellers and due diligence and proper inquiries from buyers. Let's all return the shine and luster back to the word 'Mint". P.S. Framing dos and don'ts, knowing your framer and print abuse is another serious issue and equally important. Another time and another thread. |
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Dr Plip
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August 2011
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Dr Plip on Mar 22, 2015 20:57:57 GMT 1, I also have a background in comics and I agree with you on the loose interpretation of "mint" by sellers these days. The one that horrifies me is "near mint". For some reason, a lot of sellers seem to think that "near mint" covers any and all faults that an item may have. "It's got faults, but I just don't want to say it in my listing. I'd say it's near mint".
I also have a background in comics and I agree with you on the loose interpretation of "mint" by sellers these days. The one that horrifies me is "near mint". For some reason, a lot of sellers seem to think that "near mint" covers any and all faults that an item may have. "It's got faults, but I just don't want to say it in my listing. I'd say it's near mint".
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Deleted
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January 1970
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Deleted on Mar 22, 2015 20:59:45 GMT 1, personally, I will never, ever use the word mint when I'm selling something. It's too debatable a word. I'll start with "excellent", and anything lesser quality I will list and photograph any imperfections.
Edit: Even grading companies get it wrong, because they grade on the base of one (or more) person's opinion. They're also in the business to make money, and can be biased towards repeats customers' submissions
personally, I will never, ever use the word mint when I'm selling something. It's too debatable a word. I'll start with "excellent", and anything lesser quality I will list and photograph any imperfections.
Edit: Even grading companies get it wrong, because they grade on the base of one (or more) person's opinion. They're also in the business to make money, and can be biased towards repeats customers' submissions
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Dr Plip
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August 2011
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Dr Plip on Mar 22, 2015 21:01:28 GMT 1, "Mint" should be an exceptional example when it comes to condition.
"Mint" should be an exceptional example when it comes to condition.
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Dr Plip
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August 2011
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Dr Plip on Mar 22, 2015 21:03:55 GMT 1, Speaking of which, remember my map of North Wales that was near mint?
Speaking of which, remember my map of North Wales that was near mint? |
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Deleted
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January 1970
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Deleted on Mar 22, 2015 21:05:17 GMT 1, What about a hand screened print, made on handmade paper? How does anyone determine perfect condition, since there's bound to be inconsistencies with print strokes and paper tearing?
What about a hand screened print, made on handmade paper? How does anyone determine perfect condition, since there's bound to be inconsistencies with print strokes and paper tearing?
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alittle
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November 2012
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by alittle on Mar 22, 2015 21:18:02 GMT 1, I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art.
If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a shit about these minor imperfections.
I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art.
If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a shit about these minor imperfections.
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chichi carter
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February 2011
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by chichi carter on Mar 22, 2015 21:19:10 GMT 1, What about a hand screened print, made on handmade paper? How does anyone determine perfect condition, since there's bound to be inconsistencies with print strokes and paper tearing?
I believe the term 'in artist's condition' is used when referring to pieces that are intentionally rough looking, like some of the hand finished Faile and Bast pieces for example. Whatever 'damage' there is was inflicted by the artist and is therefore acceptable.
What about a hand screened print, made on handmade paper? How does anyone determine perfect condition, since there's bound to be inconsistencies with print strokes and paper tearing? I believe the term 'in artist's condition' is used when referring to pieces that are intentionally rough looking, like some of the hand finished Faile and Bast pieces for example. Whatever 'damage' there is was inflicted by the artist and is therefore acceptable. |
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dashboll
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January 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by dashboll on Mar 22, 2015 21:23:14 GMT 1, Haha Dr Plip I laughed first time and laughed even harder this time. That feels like it was ages ago that you first posted that 
Haha Dr Plip I laughed first time and laughed even harder this time. That feels like it was ages ago that you first posted that |
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Swiss Alan
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March 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Swiss Alan on Mar 22, 2015 21:35:03 GMT 1, Speaking of which, remember my map of North Wales that was near mint?
Speaking of which, remember my map of North Wales that was near mint? Very close to Low quality mint... |
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Black Apple Art
Art Gallery
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September 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Black Apple Art on Mar 22, 2015 21:40:42 GMT 1, I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art. If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a s**t about these minor imperfections.
I find the most prevalent issue to be the back side of prints. While the front may be in great condition, very often the reverse is quite another story and often been blessed with the wide spectrum of adhesives and techniques many framers deemed to be "usual practice" or "benign" in nature when if fact they caused significant damage and continue to do so being unchecked and treated. . I know it's easy to unwrap and hang but for everyone's sake... Open your pieces and inspect them or have your framer do it.
I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art. If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a s**t about these minor imperfections. I don't find someone being particular discerning "sad" as I think everyone can have their own standards for their own pieces and preferred condition. To me truly "minor" issues are just that and don't bother me but still nice when they are pointed out before hand. I find the most prevalent issue to be the back side of prints. While the front may be in great condition, very often the reverse is quite another story and often been blessed with the wide spectrum of adhesives and techniques many framers deemed to be "usual practice" or "benign" in nature when if fact they caused significant damage and continue to do so being unchecked and treated. . I know it's easy to unwrap and hang but for everyone's sake... Open your pieces and inspect them or have your framer do it. |
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DameHoracia
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June 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by DameHoracia on Mar 22, 2015 22:11:05 GMT 1, I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art. If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a s**t about these minor imperfections. I don't find someone being particular discerning "sad" as I think everyone can have their own standards for their own pieces and preferred condition. To me truly "minor" issues are just that and don't bother me but still nice when they are pointed out before hand. I find the most prevalent issue to be the back side of prints. While the front may be in great condition, very often the reverse is quite another story and often been blessed with the wide spectrum of adhesives and techniques many framers deemed to be "usual practice" or "benign" in nature when if fact they caused significant damage and continue to do so being unchecked and treated. . I know it's easy to unwrap and hang but for everyone's sake... Open your pieces and inspect them or have your framer do it.
But it stupidly hadn't crossed my mind to ask about the back of the print. The guy told me it was mint, until of course I received it and saw the back of it. He had himself removed it from the frame and whatever tape had been used you could see elements of where it had been pulled off. You can't see the marks from the front but I don't know if they will eventually show over time.
I wrote to him. It wasn't about a discount or even a refund. But he ignored my email/s. Which pissed me off. I only wanted to know why he hadn't mentioned it after he had removed the print from the frame just to let me know. I finally wrote a stroppy-ish email stating I wasn't after a refund but to at least have the dogs undercarriage to answer my emails. He finally answered and apologised for not telling me. I guess i regret not being more savvy (although thinking I had covered all the bases) after buying it I saw a few on offer for less money and 'MINT' but again, what does that mean to the individual?
I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art. If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a s**t about these minor imperfections. I don't find someone being particular discerning "sad" as I think everyone can have their own standards for their own pieces and preferred condition. To me truly "minor" issues are just that and don't bother me but still nice when they are pointed out before hand. I find the most prevalent issue to be the back side of prints. While the front may be in great condition, very often the reverse is quite another story and often been blessed with the wide spectrum of adhesives and techniques many framers deemed to be "usual practice" or "benign" in nature when if fact they caused significant damage and continue to do so being unchecked and treated. . I know it's easy to unwrap and hang but for everyone's sake... Open your pieces and inspect them or have your framer do it. I agree with you BBA, I bought a print a year or so ago on Ebay, I had been looking for it everywhere, finally found it and was over the moon, guy said it was in a frame but there was no way it could be sent in the frame. But it stupidly hadn't crossed my mind to ask about the back of the print. The guy told me it was mint, until of course I received it and saw the back of it. He had himself removed it from the frame and whatever tape had been used you could see elements of where it had been pulled off. You can't see the marks from the front but I don't know if they will eventually show over time. I wrote to him. It wasn't about a discount or even a refund. But he ignored my email/s. Which pissed me off. I only wanted to know why he hadn't mentioned it after he had removed the print from the frame just to let me know. I finally wrote a stroppy-ish email stating I wasn't after a refund but to at least have the dogs undercarriage to answer my emails. He finally answered and apologised for not telling me. I guess i regret not being more savvy (although thinking I had covered all the bases) after buying it I saw a few on offer for less money and 'MINT' but again, what does that mean to the individual? |
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DrWhite
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August 2012
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by DrWhite on Mar 22, 2015 22:36:04 GMT 1,
I find that different interpretation of the word 'mint' between one seller & another is vast. I've had some really disappointing experiences with prints I've received from eBay sellers galleries & members here, and On the majority of occasions the damage has been caused by poor handling / storage or rolling to place the print into a tube. My heart always sinks when I see a print I've been chasing or looking forward to receiveing and it's been damaged thru poor handling or packing. I try not to buy framed prints unless I know the seller & they have had it framed by a reputable framer. It's just easier to pass than have to go thru the hassle of retuning/ restoring or trying to get a refund
I find that different interpretation of the word 'mint' between one seller & another is vast. I've had some really disappointing experiences with prints I've received from eBay sellers galleries & members here, and On the majority of occasions the damage has been caused by poor handling / storage or rolling to place the print into a tube. My heart always sinks when I see a print I've been chasing or looking forward to receiveing and it's been damaged thru poor handling or packing. I try not to buy framed prints unless I know the seller & they have had it framed by a reputable framer. It's just easier to pass than have to go thru the hassle of retuning/ restoring or trying to get a refund
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tartarus
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February 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by tartarus on Mar 22, 2015 22:38:28 GMT 1, The word "mint" began to lose all meaning when french people started listing records on discogs in the early 2000's! It seemed to get lost in translation or something. and then the lines just got blurred.
The word "mint" began to lose all meaning when french people started listing records on discogs in the early 2000's! It seemed to get lost in translation or something. and then the lines just got blurred.
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Deleted
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January 1970
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Deleted on Mar 23, 2015 1:11:35 GMT 1, I can understand with ltd editions done by a printer that they should be mint when produced and condition described accurately.
A buyer will always emphasise small imperfections in order to get a lower price and a seller will ignore small imperfections in the description to get a better price.
Original art is not always mint though.
I mean how would one describe Tracey Emins bed ?
I can understand with ltd editions done by a printer that they should be mint when produced and condition described accurately.
A buyer will always emphasise small imperfections in order to get a lower price and a seller will ignore small imperfections in the description to get a better price.
Original art is not always mint though.
I mean how would one describe Tracey Emins bed ?
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curiousgeorge
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March 2007
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by curiousgeorge on Mar 23, 2015 1:51:36 GMT 1, This is a bugbear in the sneaker collecting community too
This is a bugbear in the sneaker collecting community too
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by snidleywhiplash on Mar 23, 2015 3:13:37 GMT 1, I agree with your statement completely. This exact same issue occurred in the baseball card industry because it was always subjective to the owner/buyer what the true defined condition and that was way to opinion based. In the late 90's the grading companies just like what happened for comic books came in and completely changed the industry upside down and now you cannot even get real value for something that is not graded by BGS or PSA. Not only does it help with grading the cards but it helped with weeding out the fakes with that being an issue with older cards most often and autographs.
Problem is with art they wouldn't be able to encapsulate the "artwork" needed grading like they would do a card/comic book with the grade. But I do agree with multiple run prints grading would be a benefit for the industry but just my two cents.
I agree with your statement completely. This exact same issue occurred in the baseball card industry because it was always subjective to the owner/buyer what the true defined condition and that was way to opinion based. In the late 90's the grading companies just like what happened for comic books came in and completely changed the industry upside down and now you cannot even get real value for something that is not graded by BGS or PSA. Not only does it help with grading the cards but it helped with weeding out the fakes with that being an issue with older cards most often and autographs.
Problem is with art they wouldn't be able to encapsulate the "artwork" needed grading like they would do a card/comic book with the grade. But I do agree with multiple run prints grading would be a benefit for the industry but just my two cents.
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fattyramone
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June 2012
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by fattyramone on Mar 23, 2015 4:34:41 GMT 1, There's absolutly no way would I want to hand over the power of veto to any self appointed guardians of the gradeings and all the self importance that goes with it.
Certainly not at the kind of finantial level the vast majority of us dabble with ....
Who's going to pay all those extra postage/insurance costs to and from the grading Gods (no doubt primarily based in America) just so that your print can be anointed as being "worth" a B+ grade that upgrades it to being worth ยฃ125 as apossed to ยฃ75 without it's grading certificate. Especially when the bloody thing only cost ยฃ50 in the first place ...but the real cost was nearer ยฃ100 anyway after the initial posting costs and inevitable customs chargings ....customs chargings that will no doubt be charged yet again on its return back to me...
It's self regarding nonsense at this level.
Start getting to ยฃ10,000+ and maybe there's a need for it , but there's enough checks and balances at this level to not get really stiffed with a bad grading without recourse , using the old Bush-ism of fool me once shame on you , fool me twice shame on me
There's absolutly no way would I want to hand over the power of veto to any self appointed guardians of the gradeings and all the self importance that goes with it.
Certainly not at the kind of finantial level the vast majority of us dabble with ....
Who's going to pay all those extra postage/insurance costs to and from the grading Gods (no doubt primarily based in America) just so that your print can be anointed as being "worth" a B+ grade that upgrades it to being worth ยฃ125 as apossed to ยฃ75 without it's grading certificate. Especially when the bloody thing only cost ยฃ50 in the first place ...but the real cost was nearer ยฃ100 anyway after the initial posting costs and inevitable customs chargings ....customs chargings that will no doubt be charged yet again on its return back to me...
It's self regarding nonsense at this level.
Start getting to ยฃ10,000+ and maybe there's a need for it , but there's enough checks and balances at this level to not get really stiffed with a bad grading without recourse , using the old Bush-ism of fool me once shame on you , fool me twice shame on me
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iamzero
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May 2011
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by iamzero on Mar 23, 2015 8:22:34 GMT 1, It's annoyed me with collecting vinyl for years. Coupled with the postal services inability to deliver anything with attempting to ruin it. Bought a brand new Noel Gallagher 10" vinyl from ebay last week as I missed its ยฃ6 release so had to resort to secondary market. Won the item for ยฃ12 with ยฃ4 postage... That must've been worth the sellers time? It arrives at my home in a clear polythene sleeve posted in a standard jiffy envelope, not a cardboard stiffener in sight and creased as hell. Sent the item back and got fully refunded including return postage and the seller expressed his annoyance with Royal Mail?
With that said I have started only to buy records from Amazon as their vinyl packaging is excellent whiled standard vinyl sellers don't seem to care how they package mailed out item. Slightly off topic but even brand new items are not Mint as the people handling them for packaging mishandle them all the time. Very frustrating.
It's annoyed me with collecting vinyl for years. Coupled with the postal services inability to deliver anything with attempting to ruin it. Bought a brand new Noel Gallagher 10" vinyl from ebay last week as I missed its ยฃ6 release so had to resort to secondary market. Won the item for ยฃ12 with ยฃ4 postage... That must've been worth the sellers time? It arrives at my home in a clear polythene sleeve posted in a standard jiffy envelope, not a cardboard stiffener in sight and creased as hell. Sent the item back and got fully refunded including return postage and the seller expressed his annoyance with Royal Mail?
With that said I have started only to buy records from Amazon as their vinyl packaging is excellent whiled standard vinyl sellers don't seem to care how they package mailed out item. Slightly off topic but even brand new items are not Mint as the people handling them for packaging mishandle them all the time. Very frustrating.
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Jeezuz Jones Snr on Mar 23, 2015 8:23:12 GMT 1, Is A1 better condition than mint? A1 annoys the shit out of me also..
Is A1 better condition than mint? A1 annoys the shit out of me also..
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Deleted
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January 1970
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Deleted on Mar 23, 2015 11:02:36 GMT 1, dont you think that its unrealistic to hope that a piece of paper can really be described as mint ?
I recall the deckled edge Bnaskhys looking like they had been nibbled by rats after the most minimal & careful handling
dont you think that its unrealistic to hope that a piece of paper can really be described as mint ?
I recall the deckled edge Bnaskhys looking like they had been nibbled by rats after the most minimal & careful handling
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Matt
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September 2014
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Matt on Mar 23, 2015 12:23:01 GMT 1, Whether it's Forumites or galleries, there are really 2 sorts : those who will be forthcoming about the condition of the piece, and those who won't.
The second category is the reason I pay via PayPal by card.
It really is not that hard to describe anything that is different in conditions vs. what it was when new. The semantics of calling it "mint" or "blue elephant" or who the fuck knows....is a waste of time.
Whether it's Forumites or galleries, there are really 2 sorts : those who will be forthcoming about the condition of the piece, and those who won't.
The second category is the reason I pay via PayPal by card.
It really is not that hard to describe anything that is different in conditions vs. what it was when new. The semantics of calling it "mint" or "blue elephant" or who the fuck knows....is a waste of time.
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thriftypix
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January 2014
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by thriftypix on Mar 23, 2015 17:01:22 GMT 1, I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art. If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a s**t about these minor imperfections.
I understand the desire for works of art to be properly and accurately described vis a vis condition, and that defects and oddities should be reported by sellers to potential buyers. But buyers also have the responsibility to check out the works in which they are interested. Best to do so in person. If not - and in this digital world, in which so many purchases unfortunately are made long-distance - then it behooves the buyer to request comprehensive photos of the piece. (Of course buying a piece that has had to be removed from its frame requires nothing less!) If a seller won't agree to this, then I walk away. Knowledge is power, people. If you get screwed by a seller because you forgot to ask about something you should have, shame on the seller, but shame on you as well.
Still, I can't help but feel that all this talk of "mint" and "near mint" - terms that come from the comics and trading card world, and which are not typically used by most gallerists and serious art collectors - is misguided. Taking the approach to "grading" condition that permeates the world of comics and trading cards and attempting to apply it to fine art is utterly nonsensical. Comics and trading cards have always been cranked out mechanically, often in the tens if not hundreds of thousands, sometimes even the millions. To compare these mostly mass-produced products and the "grading" of their condition to handmade, often hand-pulled limited edition silkscreens, for example - with all of their built-in "defects" and idiosyncrasies - is absurd. And to make this same comparison to original 1/1 artwork is even more ridiculous. There is not, nor has their ever been, nor will there ever be a "central authority" that anyone should trust to "grade" the condition of fine art. Condition should be decided on a case-by-case, piecemeal basis between a gallerist/seller and the collector.
I think what's more sad is the importance many collectors place on minor imperfections in condition. Comic books and trading cards are enjoyed in entirely different ways than art. If your art is still relevant in 20-30 years, no one is going to give a s**t about these minor imperfections. ^^ This. I understand the desire for works of art to be properly and accurately described vis a vis condition, and that defects and oddities should be reported by sellers to potential buyers. But buyers also have the responsibility to check out the works in which they are interested. Best to do so in person. If not - and in this digital world, in which so many purchases unfortunately are made long-distance - then it behooves the buyer to request comprehensive photos of the piece. (Of course buying a piece that has had to be removed from its frame requires nothing less!) If a seller won't agree to this, then I walk away. Knowledge is power, people. If you get screwed by a seller because you forgot to ask about something you should have, shame on the seller, but shame on you as well. Still, I can't help but feel that all this talk of "mint" and "near mint" - terms that come from the comics and trading card world, and which are not typically used by most gallerists and serious art collectors - is misguided. Taking the approach to "grading" condition that permeates the world of comics and trading cards and attempting to apply it to fine art is utterly nonsensical. Comics and trading cards have always been cranked out mechanically, often in the tens if not hundreds of thousands, sometimes even the millions. To compare these mostly mass-produced products and the "grading" of their condition to handmade, often hand-pulled limited edition silkscreens, for example - with all of their built-in "defects" and idiosyncrasies - is absurd. And to make this same comparison to original 1/1 artwork is even more ridiculous. There is not, nor has their ever been, nor will there ever be a "central authority" that anyone should trust to "grade" the condition of fine art. Condition should be decided on a case-by-case, piecemeal basis between a gallerist/seller and the collector. |
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by Daniel Silk on Mar 23, 2015 18:50:03 GMT 1, Also worth remembering that this is a Street Art scene 
Some works don't come as what most would describe as MINT in the first place. As things have developed people are expecting much higher quality pieces than the artists might have produced at least in the early years.
So what I'm saying is MINT might be impossible sometimes.
Also worth remembering that this is a Street Art scene Some works don't come as what most would describe as MINT in the first place. As things have developed people are expecting much higher quality pieces than the artists might have produced at least in the early years. So what I'm saying is MINT might be impossible sometimes. |
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sameoldthing
New Member
Posts โข 274
Likes โข 206
September 2014
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by sameoldthing on Mar 23, 2015 19:14:46 GMT 1, The word "mint" began to lose all meaning when french people started listing records on discogs in the early 2000's! It seemed to get lost in translation or something. and then the lines just got blurred.
The word "mint" began to lose all meaning when french people started listing records on discogs in the early 2000's! It seemed to get lost in translation or something. and then the lines just got blurred. It's not just French people it's a lot of people. Just more people lie or have sh*t in there eye's... |
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iamzero
Full Member
Posts โข 9,190
Likes โข 8,542
May 2011
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by iamzero on Mar 23, 2015 19:20:30 GMT 1, For early days prices of ยฃ75 I guess you could overlook stuff but not for ยฃ300.
For early days prices of ยฃ75 I guess you could overlook stuff but not for ยฃ300.
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tartarus
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,628
Likes โข 2,168
February 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by tartarus on Mar 23, 2015 19:22:33 GMT 1, The word "mint" began to lose all meaning when french people started listing records on discogs in the early 2000's! It seemed to get lost in translation or something. and then the lines just got blurred. It's not just French people it's a lot of people. Just more people lie or have sh*t in there eye'sโฆ
The word "mint" began to lose all meaning when french people started listing records on discogs in the early 2000's! It seemed to get lost in translation or something. and then the lines just got blurred. It's not just French people it's a lot of people. Just more people lie or have sh*t in there eye'sโฆ for sure! although i remember giving up completely on buying anything that said it shipped from france. The odds of a decent copy were seemingly minimal. But you completely right. |
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bone
New Member
Posts โข 416
Likes โข 157
September 2013
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by bone on Mar 23, 2015 19:25:27 GMT 1, That why I always state M/NM, no matter how "mint" the print is. The print has 4 sharp corners, no blemishes on the front of the image or the back. No bends or creases
That why I always state M/NM, no matter how "mint" the print is. The print has 4 sharp corners, no blemishes on the front of the image or the back. No bends or creases
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curiousgeorge
Junior Member
Posts โข 5,833
Likes โข 1,091
March 2007
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The sad regression and demise of the word "Mint" , by curiousgeorge on Mar 23, 2015 20:37:30 GMT 1, Just to muddy the waters some more
AAA+
AAA+++
what the hell?
Just to muddy the waters some more
AAA+
AAA+++
what the hell?
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