IMHO I take MINT to mean a USED item that is virtually indistinguishable from new and INCLUDES the original box, paperwork, and all of the "bits" that would ordinarily be received by the buyer if it were new. I see all to many items advertized as mint without the above description. . .it is simply misleading to the buyer. Items that are virtually indistinguishable from new without the box, papers, etc. should be labeled as 9/10, much as the seller might wish to disagree.
Mint Condition, Doesn't Anyone Know What It Means
You used to see one or two things that said "MINT" condition, You new if it was over a month old that wasn't possible...Now I see Dynaco amps that are 40-50 years old, that say "MINT"...I don't think that I ever bought anything new or used that was mint....Do people know what it means ????