Cracking the Code: Understanding Comic Book Grading for Collectors

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comic book collectingComic book grading is the process of evaluating the condition of a comic book. The condition of a comic book can greatly affect its value, with higher grades often commanding higher prices in the collector’s market. Grading is typically done on a scale, with the highest grade representing a book that is in perfect, “mint” condition, and lower grades representing varying levels of wear, tear, and damage.

The grading scale most commonly used is the 10-point grading scale developed by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), though there are other grading companies and scales. The CGC scale includes:

  1. Mint (MT) – A perfect or nearly perfect comic book that appears to have come off the press. It is often given a grade of 9.8 or 10.
  2. Near Mint (NM) – A nearly perfect comic with only minor imperfections allowed. Grades range from 9.0 to 9.7.
  3. Very Fine (VF) – A comic book that shows some small signs of wear but is still relatively flat and clean with no major defects. Grades range from 7.0 to 8.9.
  4. Fine (FN) – A comic book that shows some wear but still has good eye appeal. Typically, the grades range from 5.0 to 6.9.
  5. Very Good (VG) – A comic that shows moderate wear and is considered an average copy. Grades range from 3.0 to 4.9.
  6. Good (GD) – A comic that shows substantial wear but is still complete and readable. Grades range from 1.8 to 2.9.
  7. Fair (FR) – A comic that is heavily worn, with diminished eye appeal. Typically graded at 1.0 to 1.7.
  8. Poor (PR) – The lowest grade, indicating a comic book that is in extremely poor condition, potentially missing pages or with other major defects. Typically graded below 1.0.

Grading can be subjective and is based on numerous factors, including the condition of the cover, spine, pages, and corners, as well as the presence of any stains, tears, or other defects. Professional grading companies like CGC, CBCS (Comic Book Certification Service), and PGX (Professional Grading eXperts) provide third-party grading services where they will grade a comic and then seal it in a protective case with the grade displayed, a process known as slabbing. This can help preserve the comic’s condition and provide a trusted assessment of its grade for collectors.

My brother and I use an online service Comics Price Guide to help us determine our comic book values or we use the most recent Overstreet Price Guide.

If you would like to read more information on Comic Book Grading, check out my article About Comic Book Grading.

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