Comic Book Grading: a Primer
- Joe Martorella
- Nov 10
- 5 min read
Comic book collecting is a hobby that combines passion for storytelling and art with the thrill of preserving valuable pieces of pop culture history. One of the most important aspects of collecting is understanding comic book grading. Grading helps determine a comic’s condition, value, and authenticity. This guide explains the grading scale, professional grading services, and the different categories of grades collectors should know.
Understanding the Comic Book Grading Scale
Comic book grading is a system that assigns a numeric value to a comic’s condition. The scale ranges from 0.5 to 10, with 10 representing a perfect, mint condition comic. Here’s a breakdown of the main grades:
10.0 Gem Mint
A flawless comic with no visible defects. The cover is bright, the spine is tight, and pages are white or off-white.
9.9 Mint
Nearly perfect; a single micro imperfection visible only under magnification.
9.8 Near Mint/Mint
Almost perfect with only very minor imperfections such as a tiny stress mark on the spine or a slight printing defect. This grade is generally considered to be a "perfect" grade. When collectors submit books to a grading service, the hope is a 9.8. 10s and 9.9s are extremely, extremely rare amounting to <0.2% of the entire CGC census.
9.6 Near Mint+
A comic with very minor wear, such as a small corner crease or slight spine stress.
9.4 Near Mint
Minor wear is visible, including small spine ticks or slight color fading.
9.0 Very Fine/Near Mint
Noticeable but minor defects like small creases, slight discoloration, or minor spine wear.
8.0 Very Fine
Some wear is evident, including small tears, minor spine roll, or slight corner blunting.
7.0 Fine/Very Fine
Moderate wear with visible defects such as small tears, creases, or discoloration.
6.0 Fine
Clear signs of wear, including spine splits, larger creases, or minor stains.
5.0 Very Good/Fine
Noticeable defects like larger tears, significant creases, or discoloration.
4.0 Very Good
Defects are more pronounced, including spine damage, stains, or missing pieces.
3.0 Good/Very Good
Heavy wear with multiple defects, but the comic remains intact.
2.0 Good
Major defects, including large tears, missing pieces, or heavy stains.
1.0 Fair
Severe damage, but the comic is still recognizable.
0.5 Poor
Heavily damaged, missing large parts, or barely recognizable.
It should be noted that there are .5 grades between 2 and 8 that are referred to as "+" grades. For example a 6.5 book is often eferred to as F(ine)+
This scale helps buyers and sellers agree on a comic’s value. For example, a first appearance of a popular character graded 9.8 can be worth thousands of dollars, while the same comic in 4.0 condition might be worth a fraction of that.
What Is Professional Grading and Why Use It?
Professional grading is a service where experts evaluate a comic book’s condition and assign an official grade. The comic is then sealed in a tamper-proof plastic case, often called a slab, with a label showing the grade and other details.
How Professional Grading Works
You submit your comic to a grading company.
Experts inspect the comic for defects, restoration, and authenticity.
The comic is graded using the standard scale.
The comic is encapsulated in a protective case.
You receive the graded comic back, ready for sale or display.
Cost of Professional Grading
Grading fees vary depending on the company, the declared value of the comic, and the turnaround time. Typical costs range from $20 to $100 or more per comic. High-value comics may require higher fees or insurance.
Reasons to Get a Comic Professionally Graded
Increased Value: Graded comics often sell for more because buyers trust the grade.
Protection: The slab protects the comic from damage and environmental factors.
Authentication: Grading companies verify the comic’s authenticity, reducing the risk of counterfeits.
Marketability: Graded comics are easier to sell at auctions or to collectors.
Peace of Mind: Knowing the exact condition helps collectors make informed decisions.
Major Comic Book Grading Companies
Two companies dominate the professional grading market. Each has its reputation and grading standards. The good:
Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)
The most widely recognized grading company. CGC uses a 10-point scale and offers various grading categories. Recently CGC has partnered with JSA to offer signature authentication services. Their slabs are highly trusted and widely accepted.
Comic Book Certification Service (CBCS)
Focuses on comic books and offers grading, restoration detection, and signature verification. CBCS has a lot of respect in the industry, with even stricter grading standards than CGC. In most respects, they follow CGC's grading scale, but CBCS books usually sell to 10%-20% lower than CGC books. They were
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
PSA is the giant of card-grading, and they’re now crashing into comics late—officially opening submissions for comic books and magazines starting July 14, 2025. While their reputation is rock-solid in sports cards, in comics they’re fresh to the arena—collectors are curious, skeptical, and watching how the market accepts PSA slabs in the world dominated by CGC.
Professional Grading Experts (PGX)
PGX (Professional Grading eXperts) offers comic book grading and encapsulation at lower prices and faster turnaround than CGC or CBCS. However, collectors often question its grading consistency and restoration detection. As a result, PGX-graded comics usually sell for less and are viewed as less reliable than those from the top-tier services. Many collectors buy PGX books to have them regraded by other services.
Summary of Grading services
CGC = safest bet for resale and recognition.
CBCS = strong, reliable alternative; better for verified signatures.
PSA = wildcard newcomer — trusted name in cards, untested in comics.
PGX = cheapest option, but collectors treat it as a risk.
Different Categories /Label types of Grades
Grading companies assign different categories (and label colors) to describe the comic’s condition beyond just the numeric grade. These categories help buyers understand any special circumstances. The following are CGC terms and colors, but the other companies have similar deisgnations and often the same color labels
🟦 Universal Grade (Blue label)
Indicates a complete, unrestored comic in its natural state with no significant defects beyond normal wear.
Most common label type.
No writing, missing pieces, or restoration.
Represents the comic’s “pure” condition.
🟩 Qualified Grade (Green Label)
A book with a significant defect or anomaly noted but not penalized.
Example: “Name written on cover” or “Missing coupon – does not affect story.”
The grade reflects the book as if the defect weren’t present, but the note explains why it’s “qualified.”
Often used when an otherwise high-grade book has a single notable flaw.
Also includes books that MAY have been signed by a creator, but the signature has not been verified.
🟪 Restored Grade (Purple Label)
A book that’s been repaired or enhanced.
Restoration can include color touch, tear seals, cleaning, piece fill, etc.
Graded on both condition and the extent of restoration (slight, moderate, extensive).
Usually substantially lower market value than unrestored copies of the same numeric grade.
Having a book come back as restored when you weren't expecting it is one of the biggest heartbreaks in the hobby.
⬜ Conserved Grade (gray Label Hybrid)
Book stabilized, not “restored.”
Conservation repairs aim to prevent further damage (e.g., tear sealing, reinforcement) but not improve appearance.
Label color is whatever color the label would otherwise be, with a gray strip at the top of the label.
Holds more value than fully restored but less than universal.
🟧 Signature Series (Yellow Label)
Signed under supervision OR verified
Service witnesses the signature in person or verifies it via authorized channels.
Maintains full grade integrity; no “qualified” status needed for a signature.
Very popular for modern/key books with creator autographs.
Pedigree Label
Special Universal grade indicating the book comes from a recognized, historically significant collection (e.g., Mile High, Pacific Coast).
Pedigree status adds provenance and value.
Final Thoughts on Comic Book Grading
Understanding comic book grading is essential for collectors who want to protect their investment and make smart buying or selling decisions. The grading scale provides a clear way to assess condition, while professional grading adds authenticity and protection. Knowing the major grading companies and grade categories helps collectors navigate the market with confidence.
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