The 10-Point Grading Scale
The comic industry uses a 10-point scale, with 10.0 representing perfect and 0.5 representing barely held together. The CBCS and CGC grading services use identical scales:
Gem Mint (10.0)
Theoretically perfect. Essentially unachievable for vintage comics. Even modern comics rarely achieve this grade, requiring factory-perfect production and immediate preservation.
Mint (9.9)
Virtually perfect with only the slightest, nearly invisible printing imperfections. Extremely rare for any comic.
Near Mint/Mint (9.8)
Outstanding condition with only minor manufacturing defects. Sharp corners, bright cover colors, tight binding. The benchmark for high-end modern collecting.
Near Mint+ (9.6)
Nearly perfect with minimal wear. May have one or two minor defects visible only upon close inspection.
Near Mint (9.4)
Well-preserved comic with minor handling wear. Covers remain flat with good reflectivity. Minor spine stress acceptable.
Near Mint- (9.2)
Minor defects more visible but still an excellent copy. Small amount of spine wear, minor corner blunting.
Very Fine/Near Mint (9.0)
Attractive comic with minor wear accumulation. Light spine stress, minor corner wear, slight reduction in cover reflectivity.
Very Fine+ (8.5)
Nice copy with moderate wear. Small spine creases, minor cover wear, light finger prints may be present.
Very Fine (8.0)
Above-average condition with moderate wear. Moderate spine roll, small creases, corners may be slightly blunted.
Fine/Very Fine (7.0-7.5)
Attractive but showing definite wear. Moderate creasing, corner wear, spine stress. Still above average appeal.
Fine (6.0-6.5)
Slightly above-average copy. Moderate to heavy creasing, minor tears may be present, cover wear evident but still complete and readable.
Very Good (4.0-4.5)
Average used comic. Heavy wear with creasing, cover soiling, spine roll, possible small pieces missing from cover edges.
Good (2.0-2.5)
Heavily read copy with significant wear. Tape, tears, and missing pieces possible. Still complete enough to be readable.
Fair (1.5-1.8)
Very poor condition. Missing pieces, heavy soiling, may be incomplete. Cover or centerfold may be loose.
Poor (0.5-1.0)
Barely holding together. Extensive damage, may be missing cover or pages. Value primarily as a "reading copy."
Common Defects
Graders evaluate numerous potential defects:
- Spine stress/roll - Vertical lines on spine, rolling of the cover toward the front
- Corner blunting/wear - Rounded or softened corners
- Foxing - Brown spots from fungal growth
- Tanning/browning - Paper discoloration from age
- Tears - Rips in paper, measured by length
- Staining - Water damage, food, or ink marks
- Writing - Names, dates, or other markings
- Restoration - Professional repairs that affect authenticity
Professional Grading Services
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) - The largest and most established service. CGC grades are industry standard, with extensive census data tracking graded copies.
CBCS (Comic Book Certification Service) - Strong competitor founded by former CGC employees. Known for verification services and competitive pricing.
Both services encapsulate graded comics in tamper-evident cases ("slabs") with labels showing grade, title, and certification number. While adding cost, professional grading provides confidence for high-value transactions.
Raw Grading Tips
When evaluating ungraded ("raw") comics:
- Use good lighting, preferably natural light
- Check spine first, then corners, then covers
- Open carefully to check interior pages
- Look for restoration (color touch, trimming)
- Consider that sellers often grade optimistically
Experience improves grading accuracy. Compare your assessments with professionally graded comics to calibrate your eye over time.