If I'm not mistakeneded .. the term "Mint condition" was originally used by coin collectors of legally minted tender to describe a coin placed in circulation which is still in perfect condition, as opposed to a coin that hasn't left the factory (i.e. left the Mint) yet, which would be, by definition, an un-circulated coin. Regardless of the broader use of the term "mint" being applied to things other than legally minted tender (coins) ... an original and un-modified guitar MAY be in "Mint condition", but the fact that a guitar is original and un-modified doesn't necessarily mean that it IS in "Mint condition". Ergo... "Mint condition" is still synonymous with "Perfect condition". However, I'm undoubtedly still an idiot for waisting precious time and bandwidth by pointing this out ... so you WIN!

Well Rusty, that makes me a bigger idiot, but I've got time

My point is-
A custom airbrush painted Stratocaster with Dimarzio pickups and a Floyyd Rose trem, may well be in perfect condition, but could never be considered ''mint".

Alternately, a fifties Stratocaster with all the original pickups,wiring,knobs,screws ,everything, but with some very light play-wear could not be called "mint" either.

When I was a stamp collector, a mint stamp was untouched by human hands, although I wouldn't expect that of a "mint" guitar

All good mate. I just enjoy words, as do you. (What are your thoughts on the "fifty year centenary"?)

.......Mark.

It all comes down to the buyer being well informed. So many sellers honestly have a false impression of their guitar's worth, other's want to deceive. Sometimes both in the same add ("I'm selling this guitar for my grandson and he says it's worth $$$$$ new"). That's why I love this forum, you learn something every time you log in, and I feel we honestly try to help each other out.