Is my comic worth grading?

Grading a comic means sending it to a company like CGC or CBCS, which grades it on the 0.5 to 10.0 scale and seals it in a plastic case with a label. A graded book usually sells for more than a raw one, because the buyer knows exactly what they are getting. But grading costs money, so it only pays off for some books.

The simple test

A book is worth grading when:

price at its likely grade − raw price − grading costs > 0

Grading costs are more than the grading fee: add shipping both ways and insurance. Fees depend on the book's value, its age and how fast you want it back, so check the grader's current fee schedule. treasury-comics assumes about $40.00 per book, all in, for a typical modern submission.

An example

Say a raw Near Mint copy lists for around $60.00, and CGC 9.6 copies of the same issue list for around $150.00. Take off about $40.00 in costs and grading adds roughly $50.00 of value. If the book only reaches a 9.2, the math may not work at all, which is why being honest about condition matters.

Books that are usually worth grading

• Key issues in decent shape: first appearances, origins, iconic covers. Buyers pay a premium for the certainty of a slab.
• Modern books that can reach 9.8 when 9.8 copies sell for far more than raw ones.
• Golden and Silver Age books, where grading also checks for restoration and authenticity.
• Books you plan to sell for more than a few hundred dollars. Graded books sell faster and with fewer disputes.
• Signed books, if the signature was witnessed. A Signature Series label adds value an unverified signature does not.

Books that are usually better left raw

• Common modern books where even a 9.8 sells for about the cost of grading.
• Reading copies with creases or tears, unless the book is a major key.
• Books you will never sell and simply enjoy reading.

Before you submit

• Look at it under a bright light. Check the spine, corners and back cover. Most surprises are on the back.
• Consider pressing. Professional pressing can remove non-color-breaking bends and lift a grade. The major graders do not treat it as restoration.
• Choose the right tier. Declared value decides the fee, so do not under-declare a valuable book.

Find the books in your collection worth grading

Doing this math book by book is slow. treasury-comics compares each raw copy you own with the price of its likely CGC grade, takes off the grading costs and lists the books where a slab pays off, ranked by what you would make. Start your collection to see yours.