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Understanding the condition of comic books can help determine its value. Grading your comic allows you to describe its condition using a universal scale. Comic grading is subjective, but the Comics Guaranty Company (CGC) can grade your comic for a fee, providing a third-party opinion and making the grade less subjective. They use the same scale, so it’s not always necessary to pay them for grading.
The highest grade a comic can receive is mint. A mint condition comic should look like it just came off the press. For a comic to be in mint condition, there can’t be any tears, cuts, or creases. The comic should lay flat on a surface without any rolling or curving of the pages. The spine must be completely straight. The staples in the spine should look new and can’t have any rusting or unusual bending. The pages of a mint condition comic can’t have any fading or discoloration, marks or smudges, and there can’t be any rips or tears. The only acceptable marking on the comic is an autograph.
Not every comic is perfect, and the next best grade it can receive is near mint. Older comics in near-perfect condition usually receive this grade. Overall, the comic should look new, but there are some exceptions allowed for this grade. If the cover is slightly off-center, it can be considered near mint. Other conditions that can give your comic a near mint grade are minor bindery tears and minor fading of the pages. All other aspects of the comic must be perfect.
A comic with minor imperfections typically receives a very fine grade. Over time and with use, a comic can become worn or damaged. However, to be graded very fine, the comic can only have minor issues such as wear around the staples in the binding or a small crease on the cover. The color on the cover and pages can be slightly faded as well.
Comic books that are used and read, not just collected, usually receive a fine grade. As the comic has been opened and read, there may be creases on the spine and pages. The staples may have some discoloration or show signs of unusual bending. Minor stains or tears to the pages can result in a comic being graded as fine. Fine graded comic books are above average in appearance.
The average comic book that has been read is graded as good. A well-read comic may have stress on the staples in the spine and visible creases. The comic must have its pages still intact. The cover and pages can have discoloration and fading, but there can’t be major tears. A small rip is allowed for this grade.
As comics start to lose value, and it’s evident they have been used and well-read, the grade given is either good or fair. The comic is worn down, has major issues, but is still readable. A good or fair grade is given if the cover has been detached, has tears and creases throughout the cover and pages, the pages are marked or stained, and the spine is in poor condition. If pages are missing and the cover is gone, the comic is graded as poor.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
