mint condition
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Originally, the phrase comes from the way collectors described the condition of coins coming straight from the mint (coin factory). First use appears c. 1897.
Pronunciation
[edit]Audio (General Australian): (file)
Noun
[edit]- (idiomatic) The condition of newness or perfection, as if just freshly minted.
- 1962 October, “Talking of Trains: L.M.R. car-carrying success”, in Modern Railways, page 224:
- The obvious advantages of this method of new motor vehicle delivery over long distances,, which the L.M.R. says dealers and ultimate customers are beginning to appreciate, are all-weather reliability, arrival in mint condition and with only a very small mileage "on the clock", and the assurance that the car has not been mishandled during its running-in period; [...].