After buying a few graded comics on ebay and starting my. Pgx was established in 2002 to meet the growing demand for impartial, thirdparty comic grading and continues to be the fastest, most affordable grading service in the industry. The higher the grade, the better the condition the comic book is in. Bowed a condition of the covers or boards of a hard cover book. The primary reason to grade a comic is that there is a direct correlation between the condition of the comic and the value of the book. Back in 2012 or so, i discovered graded comics from cgc comics guaranty corporation an independent third party that professionally grades a comic book and securely encapsulates said comic in a sealed plastic slab with a label that details key information and the actual grade of the comic whew, thats a mouthful. Grading your comic books guide revel in the detail. Removal of the tape improves the value and appearance of the book.
The newest and second most popular comic book grading company. Discount comic book service comics, trade paperbacks and. You can think of the grade of a comic book like a grade on a report card. Special thanks to our comic grading advisor steve borock, president of cbsc comic book certification service, former heritage auctions consignment director and former cgc presidentprimary grader. Pgx was created to meet the growing demand for professional, thirdparty comic book grading. This plastic case forever seals your comic, unless you destroy the case to extract the comic. View grading tutorials for other collectible types. Therefore, mcg is acting both as a grading unit for mcb and trying to fill a void in both affordability and availability in the world of comic book grading. Numerous collectors and comic fans will purchase coverless comics to either read or to obtain a filler copy of a book for their collection. Affordable comic book storage ideas for your home carina pereira jun 27, 2018 i was given my first comic book when i was about eight or nine years old. Most professional comic book graders are in doubt if such copy of gem mint old comics exists today. Certified guaranty company cgc, launched in early 2000, is a comic book grading service that can help you determine whether a comic book you are considering for purchase is restored or conserved.
I just want to get the most out of what is probably my best comic. Before you ship your comics, please read the shipping information below. Comic grading is the process of encasing a comic book in a plastic case. We are a comic seller, comic buyer, grader and advisor and locator of rare comics. Newly updated, the overstreet guide to grading comics includes the 10point grading system, as well as exhaustive descriptions of primary and split grades, examples of each grade with more than 200 fullcolor images in all, articles on storage, preservation, and restoration, a look at the independent, thirdparty grading companies, and much more.
The best possible existing condition of that comic book. This 10point comic book grading scale is widely used now and you will often see people grade by simply putting the number value on the book with the classic descriptive grade. After all, it would need to be applicable to a wide array of comics and on a consistent basis among different experts within the company. Originally produced in conjunction with the first edition of the overstreet comic book grading guide, the owl or overstreets whiteness level card is a comic book grading tool used to evaluate paper color on the reverse side is the one or overstreets numerical equivalent card, which translates the traditional letter grades into their equivalent values on a. Below are cgcs grading standards for each numeric grade as well as the restoration grading scale. This company was started by steve borock, the former president of cgc so he definitely has some clout in the industry. The process is cheap and quick, and nothing is added to the comic, such as japan paper or color touch see the glossary for definitions. A high grade, like an a or mint, is good, while a low grade. Then, simply register or login to start the submission process. Oct 24, 2017 buying the overstreet guide which is the bible of grading standards helped me immensely since i am now purchasing comics both at comic book stores and through the internet. Books that have been encapsulated and certified by an objective thirdparty grading service take the guesswork out of the grading process for both collectors and dealers. Jul 25, 2017 the advantages of the collectors condition comic book raw grading labeling system is.
Comic book grading the basics of grading comics superworld. Below is a brief overview of grades based on comic book conditions. When grading a comic book, the first thing youll see is the cover. For cheaper comics graded on the basic grading scale, we show you a stock image of what that issues cover looks like, but we dont scan the exact book being. Grading from australia cgc registry cgc comic book. So if you want to know your stuff even better, you can buy the overstreet guide to grading comics on the publishers site at. My 2 options for shipping are usps 1st class for cheap price comics or usps. You have to know the basics of grading comics to determine whether sellers are under and over charging based on their subjective standards.
There is a numeric system which corresponds to a titled grading system. The most difficult, contentious and eternally frustrating aspect of comic collecting is grading. Dick ayers celebrates 64 years as a comic book artist at albany comic con attention nostomania members. However, the idea of grading a book and getting it back and being excited to have it slabbed, showing it off and knowing its preserved is worth it to me. The 2 reputable thirdparty professional grading services both begin with c use the same scale, but not exactly the same criteria, but overstreet has collaborated with them for their newest grading guide.
Take a close look, ideally with a magnifying glass, and make careful notes of any apparent damage, including. Comic book storage supplies shop comic book sleeves and. The above mention prices are an additional price to the regular press prices. Any amount of wear to the cover of the book must be factored into the condition and grading of the comic. Vault grading provides grading, pressing, encapsulation, valuation, and screening services to comic book collectors. A guide to grading the comic book price guide for great. These records are from an impartial 3rd party source gp analysis.
Comic book grading learn the scale and how to apply it. Comic book grading labels collectors condition comic book. Although its always imperative to disclose any and all restoration work on a book, some collectors dont even view these simple repairs as restoration. The online form will allow you to easily submit any number of comics, and then you can print a copy of the form to be included in your shipment. When you go to buy a car, an antique, house, or other purchases, you want to know what kind of shape it is in. Its full of pics that help a lot more than just reading text. Mar 27, 2020 when grading a comic book, the first thing youll see is the cover. Cgc uses a 10point grading scale to evaluate comics. Our system ensures that the comics we grade truly represent the grade that is assigned to them and not just an opinion. The collectors condition is offering free for a limited time only to nostomania members an exclusive opportunity to signup and receive actual working samples of our revolutionary comic book raw grading labels to try out.
It costs a bit more than a bag and board, but prevents the book from damage or creasing if it is dropped and keeps the pages from bending. The newest edition may have slightly different definitions than on this page, as these are from 20112014. The term grade is used to describe what condition a comic book is in. Specialising in back issues and finding that sought after comic, we have a large world wide base of customers and contacts through being in the comic.
For collector and dealer alike, it is essential to grade the condition of a comic fairly and accurately in order to determine its true value and worth. Comic book grading and restoration may 19, 2016 scott robertson 25 comments comic book grading is one of the most important parts of speculating. The overstreet guide to grading comics includes the 10point grading system including new grades 0. Grading of comics can be subjective, although there are basic agreed upon standards within the industry. Its packed with 32 indepth analyses of easytobuy and sell comic books. The overstreet guide to grading comics latest edition. Comic book grading labels raw collectors condition starter kit buy now. By requesting prescreen and specifying a minimum grade on your invoice, you will be charged grading fees only for comic books that meet or exceed your specified minimum grade. If you were to receive a grade on a book you purchased from us, after january 1, 2003, that was graded as nm that came in below 8. The system starts at 0 and goes all the way to 10, with 0 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest. Jul 16, 2014 a few weeks ago, i attended a local comic convention here in vancouver and i heard about the new company comic book certification service. The grading labels fit on top of backing boards, or can be placed over sleeves.
Aaron albert, a collector of and an expert on comic books, has studied, taught, and written about the comic book genre for more than 20 years. For one, if you have a really valuable book, it offers a form of protection. Egs european grading service halo certification pgx professional grading experts vault 60 day comic grading mcg midwest comic grading. You then hand the book over to them, and it gets sent off to be graded. It also guarantees a consistent grade for the comic, which makes it easier to resell. Though at times controversial, its proven grading system has become a gold standard for those looking to have their collection appraised. I read the same sport billy stories over and over again, and as i grew up and started reading books without drawings, i still found joy in discovering other comics, like the witty calvin. Comic grading company has a simple and affordable pricing structure without any clubs to join. The worlds largest collectibles auctioneer comic books, vintage comics, original and. How to grade your comics comic book grading labels. Our grading methods are based upon factual and measurable observations.
The overstreet guide to grading comics 2016 edition. It is not the practice, however, to use numbers other than those in this scale so you wouldnt see a book graded 6. We sell comics in fair for 12 of the good prices listed in our catalog. The modern grading system was employed when commercial graders realized the fallibility of the older system when it came to devising a sound method of objective grading. Every comic book certified by cgc is graded by the hobbys most experienced and trusted team, according to wellestablished grading standards. Predating todays commonly used 10point numerical grading scale by about 10 years, the 100point scale was an unsuccessful early attempt to apply a more scientific standard to the comic book grading process. I am an experienced comic book collector and i know grading very well and can easily distinguish a comic book in poor condition from a comic book in. Gp analysis lists us as a cgc the comic book grading authority online auction firm. Grading your comic books guide revel in the detail comics. Bcw starter comic book storage kit storage box, dividers, resealable bags, backing boards. Useful for when you are unsure of the grade of a book or do not wish to grade the comic. Up to 50% off preorder, mail order comics, trade paperbacks and collectibles from dc, marvel, dark horse, image, boom. Halo certification pty ltd australiahalo certification united. In these rare cases, a check mark will be placed on the label by the numerical grade.
A copy usually in poor to fair condition that includes all text presented in a legible fashion. Cgc grading scale cgc uses a 10point grading scale to evaluate comics. In rare cases, a comic book will look much better than the given grade. A european agent for cgc comics with full advice on submitting your comics and handling the complete service. Discoloration, fading, foxing, and even minor to moderate soiling is allowed. Cbgc provides the only easy to use, online comic submission form. The comic book price guide for great britain a guide to grading. Cgcs restoration grading scale is a transparent system that is much more descriptive and accurate than before. The process is cheap and quick, and nothing is added to the comic, such as. We are currently migrating data to our new system and conducting tests, and we are really excited for you to try it out. Comic book grading company the affordable and reliable. The grade of a comic book is very similar to a report card grade. The comic book grading companies will offer witnesses, so a representative from the grading company will stand with you as you get a book signed. It can also be propped up for display like a picture frame.
Dealers and graders may often disagree with some grading classifications. The best way to understand why a specific comic book received a check mark designation is to refer to the graders notes. This can include abrasions, tears, creases, bent corners, spine splits, chips, tape, glue, as well as a multitude of other types of wear we will cover in the grades noted below. Our company has sat well over 600 world record prices selling vintage comic books at auction.
While i was auctioning off my comic books on ebay, i came to a dilemma on how to ship a comic book without damaging it. Cbgc has developed a proprietary comic book grading system with over 550 separate grading characteristics, covering over 20 grading categories. Yes, we can grade books but we prefer to keep our grading to comic book related materials. Halo certification pty ltd australiahalo certification.
There are eight major grades in the comic book grading scale. A comic book in fr condition may have nonstory elements such as coupons, ad pages, or marvel value stamps cut or torn out of the book. These grading services assign grades on the same tenpoint grading scale used by mycomicshop. Raw grading labels the preprinted labels are colorcoded using the standard 10 pt.
For cheaper comics graded on the basic grading scale, we show you a stock image of what that issues cover looks like, but we dont scan the exact book being offered. These comic grading services will grade a comic and then seal the comic in a hard plastic case that displays the assigned grade. For special comic books, many collectors opt for hard plastic holders. This book may range anywhere from poor to near mint and there is no obligation to clarify its condition. Professional comic book grading eliminates concerns about grade misrepresentations by providing a professional assessment of condition and quality. One area we focused on is the way you submit comics and access your account information. Lets show you some examples, so you can understand what your books grade on this scale. For books that have a signature witness, they are sealed with a special label. The generally accepted comic book grading scale, terms, and descriptions are as follows. How to store a comic book collection like a superhero. It is considered a perfect copy and is extremely rare to find today. One of our goals for the new website is to offer an easier online experience for our customers.
Other descriptors used in conjunction with the above grading scale. Sell my comic books presents a basic guide to comic book grading. Gemstone mint is in every way a flawless copy of a comic book. Selling your comic collection click here to see what we buy. When shopping for used amazing fantasy spiderman comic books, its important to understand the comic book grading system.
The overstreet guide to grading comics includes the 10point grading system, as well as exhaustive descriptions of primary and split grades, examples of each grade with more than 200 fullcolor images in all, articles on storage, preservation, and restoration, a look at the independent, thirdparty grading companies, and much more. Everything you need to know about submitting comic books. All professional graders, whether grading coins, currency, or comics are charged with placing your items under a microscope see logo to determine their condition and therefore value. Best way to pack a comic book for shipping cgc grading. Who is the most reputable to help get the most value. Every type of restoration found on each book will be individually graded for quantity and quality, with a cumulative score determining the final restoration grade assigned.
Cover shows significant wear, and may be loose or even detached at one staple. A spine split of up to 23 the length of the book, a missing back cover provided the front cover is still attached, severe water damage or residue damage. Additionally, some comics are slabbed by cgc, cbcs, or pgx. Comic book age comic book grading company company 1. Restoration checks are done on all comics during the grading process. The term grading refers to finding the condition that a comic book is in. Though comic book grading has been around for decades, it wasnt until 2000 that a new thirdparty grading service, cgc, burst onto the scene and revolutionized the comic book collecting industry. The owlone card comes sealed in its original foil packaging.
This collectibles shop page has the standard 10 point grading scale and definitions, as used in the overstreet guide. Books that are coverless, but are otherwise complete, will receive a grade of 0. Learn what is the comic book rating system and how a comic book is graded with cbcs comics grading guidelines. Collectors condition comic book raw grading labels stickers. Taking into account the capricious nature of cgc grading, comics in this grade can be expected to grade out with cgc at 6. Types of damage that place a comic in fr range include.