what is your definition of 'mint

[andyk]

I understand it to mean that it has been used, but is otherwise in the condition it was when it left the factory.

The coin collecting equivalents are

 

Uncirculated -- New In Box

Mint -- Opened, filled and used, but perfect (literally perfect) condition

 

Edited to add -- I am most likely wrong. Can any numismatists correct me, please?

 

Must admit this is my definition of mint, used but otherwise 'perfect'.

 

If the pen were in the same condition but unused I would expect it to be NOS, or labeled 'Mint Unused'

 

Andy

 

[Titivillus]

Could the establishing of grading criteria be something the PCA and WES could develop?

Seems like the perfect function for the 2 main Pen Collecting Associations?

 

Steve

 

But that would mean that people would have to agree on a grading criteria :roflmho: :roflmho: And if you look at member numbers doesn't FPN rank up there with the other two associations

 

 

So why don't we do it ourselves?

 

I think mainly because there is no way to enforce it. Anyone can call a pen anything they like.

 

 

Kurt

 

[jonro]

Could the establishing of grading criteria be something the PCA and WES could develop?

Seems like the perfect function for the 2 main Pen Collecting Associations?

 

Steve

 

But that would mean that people would have to agree on a grading criteria :roflmho: :roflmho: And if you look at member numbers doesn't FPN rank up there with the other two associations

 

 

So why don't we do it ourselves?

 

I think mainly because there is no way to enforce it. Anyone can call a pen anything they like.

 

 

Kurt

There's no way to enforce it, but if we put our imprimatur on and and people start to use it, it will become a de facto standard. One way to make it more tangible would be to show photos of the same model and color pen, but with a version for each grading level. In other words, photographs of NOS, mint, excellent, very good, and user grade Vacumatics of the same model and color would serve as a visual guide and help establish a standard.

 

Jon