How are comic books graded?
The 10-Point Grading Scale
The standard grading scale, popularized by Overstreet and used by CGC and CBCS, ranges from 0.5 to 10.0. Key grades include 0.5 (Poor), 2.0 (Good), 4.0 (Very Good), 6.0 (Fine), 8.0 (Very Fine), 9.0 (Very Fine/Near Mint), 9.4 (Near Mint), 9.8 (Near Mint/Mint), and 10.0 (Gem Mint). Each grade reflects overall condition, with 9.8 being the highest typically assigned to modern comics. A 10.0 is virtually flawless and extremely rare.
- 0.5 Poor: heavy wear, missing pieces
- 2.0 Good: major creases, loose pages
- 4.0 Very Good: moderate wear, complete
- 6.0 Fine: some wear, attractive copy
- 8.0 Very Fine: minor wear, high eye appeal
- 9.8 Near Mint/Mint: nearly perfect
- 10.0 Gem Mint: flawless
What Graders Look For
Graders examine cover and interior page quality, including spine roll, tears, creases, stains, and foxing. They also check for restoration, such as color touch or trimming, which can lower the grade or result in a qualified label. Page quality is rated from white to cream to off-white to brittle. The final grade is a consensus of multiple graders, and the comic is encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder with a label detailing the grade and notes.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a comic must be perfect to be worth grading—many mid-grade comics are submitted.
- Confusing grade with value—a high grade on a common book may not be worth the fee.
- Overlooking page quality—it can significantly affect the grade and value.
