The other less standardized rating system uses terms like fair and very good. Books in this condition pre1980 are virtually nonexistent. Chuck rozanskis grading standards mile high comics. Whereas mint is dependent on the absence of even the tiniest imperfection, a near mint condition comic allows for slight imperfections, such as a slight, barely perceptible curve in the spine. The hobby gets very petty when youre comic book grading near mint to gem mint comic books. The condition of the dust jacket should be graded independently of the book. Featuring thousands of products at wholesale pricing with no need for a special wholesale account. Near mint condition comic grading meaning liveabout. It is very rare, especially in older vintage comic books, to discover a comic in these grades as they are virtually nonexistent. The slightest bindery defects andor printing flaws may be seen only upon very close inspection. Gradingskala comics nach land grading ist unsere leidenschaft. Most comic books will be in near mint condition, but minor defects are allowed provided the overall condition is still appropriate for a new comic book on store.
Many people want their comic book to be better than it is, but few attain this high of a mark. Kind of difficult for me as an european due to the lack of comic book. As new means that the book is in the state that it should have been in when it left the publisher. 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. Get the best deals on darkhawk marvel modern age comics. Everything from the condition of the pages if theyre torn or bent to the products used to repair a damaged comic will change the grade. Near mint condition comic books 20 different while comedic story pictures have been around since the 17th century, the first known comic was printed in 1825 in gasglow scotland. They were adopted by the bookselling community and are still in use today.
The cgc is a company that offers impartial ratings of comic books. Only very minute printing and bindery defects or the most barely noticeable handling defects present. Signature series yellow a book signed by someone of significance to the comic, as witnessed by an employee of cgc, and the signature certified as authentic. Those comics that do, especially cgc graded books, can attain the highest possible market value that is out there. Mint we do not offer to sell comics in mint condition. Near mint is a bit more achievable, albeit still a great score for your comic book. The cover condition is more important than the interior.
Nearly perfect with a minor additional virtue or virtues that raise it from near mint. Grading rare and classic comics, marvel, dc, and dark. The worlds largest collectibles auctioneer comic books, vintage comics, original and animation art. You can think of the grade of a comic book like a grade on a report card. This is an exceptional example of a given book the best ever seen. Any amount of wear to the cover of the book must be factored into the condition and grading of the comic. The cgc uses a 110 numbering system which is pretty selfexplanatory and easy to understand. Very fine to near mint vfnm back to top general wear, tears, creases, folds, color flaking, water stains, foxing, etc.
This is the equivalent of mint condition in numismatics. Many of the comics we sell as near mintmint would qualify as mint, but we will not try to. For example, an otherwise near mint condition book with a 4inch back cover tear would be given a qualified grade of 9. It is very rare especially in older comic books pre1990 to discover a comic in either mint or gem mint condition. A high grade, like an a or mint, is good, while a low grade, like an f or poor, is bad. Some collectors consider this the lowest collectible grade because comic books in lesser condition are usually incomplete andor. The set of terms below were proposed in 1949 by ab bookmans weekly. The best possible existing condition of that comic book. When it comes to rare comic books, few are as important as the origin and 1st appearance of batman. Sorry to say that mint comics are really rare, and heres why. For one reason or another, ive got it stuck in my head that every comic book i buy needs to be in near mint condition and that i need to maintain that condition. If you have found rare comic books from the same era 1940s.
After all the above steps have been taken, the collector can then begin to consider an overall grade for his or her book, which may range from absolutely perfect gem mint condition to poor, where a comic is extremely worn, dirty and even falling apart. Swooping in almost at the last second to win the holy grail issue, the top bidder will now own the most expensive comic book. The premier online comics price guide free comic book values. An extremely exceptional comic with only very minute printing or bindery defects. Near mint condition is rob fox, dan hancock, tina plunkett, omar valdivieso, andrew ortwein, amanda valdivieso, and madelyn miles. In some cases it is possible for a comic shipped brand new from the publisher, or purchased new from a comic stores shelves, to already be in less than near mint condition due to the way the comic was produced, shipped, stored, or handled prior to purchase. The physical condition of the comic is what matters most during the rigorous evaluation process. This is the typical condition of a nice newstand mint comic book. Its rare to find a nearmint condition of marvel comics first comic book, aptly named marvel comics 1. In rare cases, a comic was not stapled at the bindery and therefore has a missing staple. Heritage says the buyer wished to remain anonymous. A comic book in fr condition may have nonstory elements such as coupons. These terms while descriptive can allow for personal bias.
How do you know if a comic book is very fine condition. Omar gives us a tour of his collected edition comic books. Darkhawk marvel modern age comics 1992now for sale ebay. Rare nearmint copy of first marvel comic book sells for. In rare cases, a comic book will look much better than the given grade. A mint comic book is an extreme rarity, at least if the comic has been published for some amount of time. Any staple can be replaced on books up to fine, but only vintage staples can be used on books from very fine to near mint. If you were to receive a grade on a book you purchased from us, after january 1, 2003, that. This comic would be considered very fine near mint condition by comic book collectors. They grade on a 10point scale, with 10 being a comic in absolutely perfect condition. How to get near mint comics newbie comic collecting questions. The best possible existing condition of a comic book. American comic books became very popular in the 1920s and, while their art form has changed with modern technical advances, their popularity remains constant. The term grade is used to describe what condition a comic book is in.