If your modern comic looks like a 9.6 or worse, then chances are that it isn’t worth sending to get graded. You would need to get a 9.8 from CGC on most newer books to make them worth your time and money. There are exceptions to this rule (see our next tip).
Is grading comic books worth it?
A general rule of thumb that many collectors follow is that a book’s expected value needs to be worth about $200 before it makes sense to have the book graded from a financial perspective. Also note that the grading process often takes some time. CGC states that grading can take 106 to 133 days.
Does getting a comic book graded increase value?
In most cases, a comic will have increased dramatically (not diminished) in value over the course of time it takes to get graded, but big-dollar collectibles can only become liquid assets if you can sell them.
How much does it cost to get a comic graded?
Before submitting comics, you’ll have to become a CGC member, which costs $25 a year for the cheapest option. The standard fee for grading one comic book is $75. There are also shipping fees to think about. All in all, you’ll probably pay a little over $100 to get your comic book graded.
Are there any 10.0 graded comics?
CGC graded comics that receive a 10 – the perfect score, a “gem mint” – are very rare.
Is a 9.8 graded comic good?
Remember, 9.8 is nearly perfect, not perfect. 9.9’s and 10’s can have 0 handling defects which a spine tick falls under. Another allowable defect in a 9.8 is a slight waviness to the book; waviness should be subtle enough that the grading process presses it out.
What makes a comic go up in value?
Flying into Films and Television Shows. A primary catalyst for a comic book increasing in value is an element of it appearing in a hit movie or TV show. “As characters get introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, their comic book appearances have risen dramatically in value.
Are comic books still a good investment?
Just like anything else, whether comic books are a good investment depends on your own personal financial goals and risk tolerance. In general, though, comic books are considered an alternative investment, so while they can be useful in your portfolio, you might be better off limiting your exposure.
Where do I send my comics to be graded?
Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)
Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) is the world’s leading third-party grading service for comic books, trading cards, video games, magazines, concert posters and more.
Does CGC increase value?
Those are just a few examples, but it’s easy to see how the CGC effect impacts the selling price of comics. Depending on the scarcity and popularity of the book, a CGC graded issue can sell for as much as three to four times that of a raw book that’s listed in the same grade.
Can I grade my own comics?
To grade a comic book, start by examining the cover through a magnifying glass for things like folds or fingerprints. Then, check the spine for small tears or folds, or spine break, which is a tear near the staples. Once you’ve finished checking the cover, count the pages of the comic to make sure none are missing.
Is CGC or PSA better?
Conclusion. I had a few returns from the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) and a few returns from the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), but I found the graded card slabs from PSA to be superior.
What does a 9.0 graded comic look like?
The pages can be creamy or off-white but in no way yellowing and with no darker page edges. For Very Fine, think simply Very Sharp. Almost perfect, almost as new, with white or off-white pages. Tight, flat and clean with only extremely light wear around an edge or a staple.
What does a 5.0 graded comic look like?
This is a comic with wear showing on the edges or stress around the staples. Still clean and flat with a small mark or cover writing but I do mean small. Pages may be yellowing slightly but no brown edges. Above average, read a few times and stored away with at least some concern.
Is 9.8 the highest comic grade?
A comic book cannot achieve a grade higher than 8.5 with this page quality.
What is the 180 rule in comics?
The rule states that the camera should be kept on one side of an imaginary axis between two characters, so that the first character is always frame right of the second character.
How do I protect my comics from graded?
Store the slabs in a dark location to prevent fading from UV light. Keep the slabs in a cool, dry location. Many collectors of graded comics want to further protect the plastic slab from getting scratched and place them in bags. BCW Supplies offers graded comic bags made from both polypropylene and Mylar.
Does pressing damage comics?
If done correctly, multiple pressings do not hurt a comic, whereas one improper pressing can cause substantially more damage. Our process is often used to correct improper pressings in addition to defect removal.
What does a 6.0 graded comic look like?
This is a comic with wear showing on the edges or stress around the staples. Still clean and flat with a small mark or cover writing but I do mean small. Pages may be yellowing slightly but no brown edges. Above average, read a few times and stored away with at least some concern.
What does a 7.0 grade comic look like?
VERY FINE (VFN)
For American comics, only the tiniest spine wear at the top or bottom but no cover marks, no tears, no prominent creases (perhaps 2mm and quite hard to spot). The pages can be creamy or off-white but in no way yellowing and with no darker page edges. For Very Fine, think simply Very Sharp.
What is considered a low grade comic?
LOW-GRADE COMICS
These are comics with obvious defects, like chips, stains, or tears. There may be writing on the cover on the interior pages, which are typically yellowed or in some cases brown.