How To Grade Comic Books

The market value of comic books is determined by a process.The seller can get an idea of how much a comic is worth by knowing the exact condition and completeness of it.A reasonably accurate grade can be assigned by a careful amateur.

Step 1: Look for damage to the structure.

The cover is the first thing you see when you look at a comic book.Take a close look, ideally with a magnifying glass, and make careful notes of any apparent damage, including: dents that warp the shape or surface of the book, but don't affect the color Coackling, a bubbling effect on the cover usually caused by printing.

Step 2: Take note of the attempts to fix the book.

There are tapes or glue that can be used to repair the book.These can have a negative effect on the value.More sophisticated efforts to restore a comic book, such as color restoration or re-glossing, are often hidden by amateur graders, but can also have a negative effect on value if noticed by a potential buyer.Before attempting to sell a comic book, such restorations should be noted.

Step 3: Look at the spine.

The comic book's spine is equally important to the surface of the cover.If you notice any of the following, inspect it closely and make note of it.

Step 4: Take the staplers and inspect them.

The staplers have to be inspected closely.Make sure the staplers are in good shape.There are signs of rust on the staple.A popped staple occurs when one side of a cover has torn next to the staple, but remains attached by the paper beneath it.This condition can lead to detached staplers.

Step 5: The pages should be counted.

Carefully open the book after you've had a chance to look at the cover.The use of tweezers is recommended for very collectible books.The first thing you have to do is count the pages.There are no missing pages in the comic book.The value of a comic is affected by missing pages.

Step 6: Don't forget any loose pages.

It's common for the center-fold pages to become detached from the staple.Take note of how many pages are detached, either fully or partially.

Step 7: There is damage to the pages.

In addition to the damage done by readers, paper can easily degrade.If you notice any of the problems with the pages you should watch them out for and make note of them.

Step 8: Paper integrity can be assessed.

Today's comics are printed on a paper that lasts a long time.The quality of the paper is likely to have degraded over time with older comics.It's a good idea to look for discoloration or brittleness.As the paper oxidizes, it can become yellow or tan, and lose some of it's structural integrity.The less the better, because a certain amount of discoloration is expected and acceptable in very old comics.

Step 9: There is a "Mint" grade.

The 0-10 rating system is used for graded comics.A grade of "mint" or "near mint" is appropriate for comic books that are in perfect condition.This condition applies to comics with a glossy cover and no obvious wear."Mint" grades include "Perfect/Gem Mint".There are comics that have no noticeable flaws.The book is perfect in every way.Only a small number of comics are still on the shelves in a comic store.The "Near Mint+/Mint" grades include a score of 8.6 and 9.1.There are grades for comics that have the least wear.There are a small number of acceptable defects.The trained eye may notice small flaws, but most people would consider these to be perfect.There are comics that have minimal stress lines and discoloration.The cover and spine are not straight.The colors are still bright despite the small amount of surface wear on the cover.The standard condition of a new book sold at a comic store is a 9.4 Near Mint book.A 9.2 shows a minimal stress mark on the spine or similar marks.

Step 10: Determine if it deserves a "Fine" grade.

A comic that is well preserved but not "mint" is called "Fine" or "very fine".These comics have been read and enjoyed, but with care.The cover should still be glossy and attractive, even though they may have some discolored pages.Some grades allow for some wear, as they have been read a few times.Some stress lines are acceptable.The cover can have some wear, but it should not affect its original shine."Fine" grades include "very fine" (8.0), "fine+" (6.9), and " fine-" (5.75).There is a fair amount of stress lines in comics.A low number of small tears and missing pieces is acceptable at this grade level.

Step 11: Determine if it should get a "Good" grade.

"Good" is the grade below "Fine."This is deceptive because a grade of "good" is not particularly good, but more like average.These comics have been well-loved by readers.The books in this condition need to be read." Very Good" grades include "Fine" (5.0), "Good+" 4.5, and "very Good-" 3.5.The grades describe a comic that has all of its pages but is creased, rolled, and scratched.The missing pieces on the cover can be as large as 1/2 inch."Good" grades include 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, and 1.7.The grades describe comics that are not very good.The cover may have missing pieces and the book may be faded.It is permissible to have a moderate spine split.The comic has all of its pages.

Step 12: Consider a "fair" grade.

A comic is ugly and ragged.The story may be more difficult to follow if there are missing pages.There are panels on the reverse side of the page with clipped coupons.There are 1.5 and 1.0 "Fair" grades.The grades describe comics that are worn and disorganized.Most of the covers are still retained despite their condition.The comics may be torn, stained, faded, and brittle.

Step 13: If necessary, give a poor or incomplete grade.

The name suggests that the comics are damaged.They could be torn, stained, or have missing chunks.There are missing pages or covers in incomplete comics.Comic books that are missing pages and up to 1/3 of the cover are described as poor.The comic can be brittle and defaced by other materials.Some people will not grade a comic missing it's cover, but some will.

Step 14: Look at professional grades.

If you have a comic that is rare, you may want to have it graded.This allows you to speak confidently about it's condition.Potential buyers won't be able to open the comic and assess it for themselves if it's professionally sealed.The Certified Guarantee Company and Professional Grading Experts are used by professional graders.

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