Crossword Genius

Notebooks in pristine condition (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mint

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'condition' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Perfect condition' mean 'mint' so perhaps 'condition' could also mean 'mint')

'notebooks in pristine' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'in' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mint that I've seen before include "Coin-making place or nice lamb sauce" , "Herb - place where money is coined" , "Large sum of money" , "sweet > factory?" , "Place where metal money is made" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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