"Mint" has a very special meaning. In my opinion, Mint cannot have any scratches, dents or other flaws. Period! All the parts must be original.
"Mint" means used but implies "like new" condition.
"New" on the other hand, means never used.
As far as appearance goes, one should not be able to tell a "Mint" calculator from a "New" calculator.
But people stretch (i.e. exagerate) the description to include Mint, whereever they can.
There are two calculators on eBay right now that use mint. One is described as 9.5 (which is subjective) and not mint, in my opinion, if it has scratches. Another says Mint but has 2 obvious dents.
But, since this is all subjective and not defined anywhere, the only real important thing is does the seller tell you how he defines Mint. If he does, then no harm, no foul.
Edited: 9 July 2003, 7:57 p.m.