Definition
The condition of newness or perfection, as if just freshly minted.
Origins
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.
In Context
- "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; [...]."