What do the CGC label colors mean?
Why labels differ
CGC, which is a comic grading company, places graded comics in sealed holders with labels that show the grade and certification number. Labels can differ in color or design to indicate categories. Some labels mark special programs, while others show that a comic was graded with a qualifier.
Reading the label carefully matters because the category can change how a buyer values the comic. A label that says qualified, for example, means the grade has a note attached, which usually lowers the price compared with a standard grade.
- Check the grade on the label
- Look for category or program markings
- Verify the certification number online
Verifying a slab
Use the certification number on the label to look up the comic in the grading company's database. This confirms the grade and any notes. Compare the label to official examples so you do not mistake a fake label for a real one.
Be cautious with labels that look similar but are not from a recognized company, and ask for photos of the holder from several angles before you buy.
Ask the seller for a photo of the holder and label next to a current, clear image of the comic, so you can see the details more clearly. Keep a list of the slabs you own with their certification numbers.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all colored labels mean the same category.
- Buying a slab without verifying the certification number.
