How to Get Your Comic Books Graded
If you’ve ever wondered whether your comic books are worth something, getting them professionally graded is the best way to find out. Whether you’re holding onto vintage comic books from childhood or recently scored a great comic book at a thrift store, grading helps determine their value and preserve them for years to come.
But let’s be honest—figuring out how to get comic books graded can feel overwhelming at first. With different grading companies, fees, and submission processes, where do you even start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This step-by-step guide will walk you through comic book grading, where to get comics graded, and how to protect your collection like a pro.
Comic Book Grading 101
Not all comic books are created equal. Some are collectibles that are worth money, while others are just fun to have. Comic book grading is a process that helps determine a comic’s condition, which directly impacts its market price. A professional grading company assigns a grade based on a standard scale and then encapsulates the book in a protective slab with a label that displays its grade and certification.
Grading Scales
A grading scale ranks comics based on their condition, ranging from pristine and untouched to well-loved and worn. The most commonly used scale goes from 0.5 (Poor) to 10.0 (Gem Mint).
10.0 – Gem Mint: Practically flawless
9.8 – Near Mint: Almost perfect, with very minor imperfections
8.0 – Very Fine: A solid, high-quality comic book with slight wear
5.0 – Fine: Some noticeable wear, but still a great copy
3.0 – Good: Clearly aged but readable and collectible
0.5 – Poor: Heavily damaged but may still have historical or sentimental worth
Factors Affecting Grade
When grading comic books, professionals assess multiple factors to determine their overall condition and value. Here’s what they look for:
Color Vibrancy – The richness of a comic book's colors plays a crucial role in its grade. Faded or dull colors due to age, exposure to light, or improper storage can lower its value.
Cover and Spine Condition – A well-preserved cover with no creases, folds, or scuffs can help maintain a high grade. The spine is especially important; any stress lines, splits, or damage from repeated handling can significantly impact the final assessment.
Staple Integrity – Staples hold the comic book together, and their condition is closely examined. Rusty, loose, or missing staples can indicate wear and tear, reducing the book’s overall grade.
Page Quality – The internal pages should be crisp and free from significant discoloration or damage. Yellowing, foxing (small brown spots caused by aging paper), tears, or missing pages can lower the book’s desirability and value.
Restoration – While restoration may improve a comic book’s appearance, it can actually reduce its value in the eyes of collectors. Professional graders assess whether any modifications, such as color touch-ups, trimming, or tape repairs, have been made, as the original condition is typically preferred.
Autographs – Signed comic books can either increase or decrease in value, depending on whether the signature is verified. Grading companies like CGC and CBCS offer signature verification services, ensuring that autographs from creators or artists are authentic and documented. However, unverified signatures may be seen as defacements and can negatively impact the grade.
By understanding these factors, you can better preserve your comics and make informed decisions about grading and value.
Choosing Comic Books for Grading
Not every comic needs to be graded. Since grading services come with a price, it’s wise to focus on books with collector appeal. Here’s a simple way to decide:
Rare issues or first appearances (think early superhero comics)
High-grade vintage comics from the Golden Age (1938-1956) or Silver Age (1956-1970)
Modern books with huge demand (like first prints of key storylines)
Comics with potential resale value—if you’re planning to sell, grading can boost the price.
Where to Get Comic Books Graded
There are three leading companies offering grading services for comic books.
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
CGC Comics is one of the most recognized names in comic grading. They offer:
CGC Grading with a well-respected grading scale
Signature authentication for signed books
Protective encapsulation with a detailed certification label
Different service levels depending on your budget and needs
CBCS (Comic Book Certification Service)
A strong alternative to CGC, CBCS is known for:
Verifying autographs without requiring a witness
Providing comic grading for vintage and modern comics
Offering competitive fees and faster turnaround times than CGC Comics
PGX (Professional Grading Experts)
PGX is a budget-friendly option that provides:
Fast service (often quicker than CGC or CBCS)
Comic grading that’s still respected in the industry
Lower fees, making it an option for casual collectors
How to Submit Comic Books for Grading
So, you’ve decided to get your comics graded—what’s next? The submission process varies slightly between companies, but here’s a general breakdown of how to get comics graded:
Choose a grading company (CGC, CBCS, or PGX).
Create an account on their website.
Fill out a submission form (this includes selecting your service level).
Package your comic carefully with acid-free backing boards and bags.
Ship your book using an insured and trackable shipping method.
Pay the grading fees (these vary depending on company and service level),
Wait for grading and encapsulation (turnaround times range from weeks to months).
Receive your professionally graded comic with a detailed label and certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get comics graded?
Grading fees vary based on grading company, book value, and turnaround time. Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100+ per book, with premium options available for faster service.
Is it worth getting comics graded?
If your comic book has historical significance, rarity, or collector demand, grading can boost its value and make it easier to sell. In fact, graded comics are often considered one of the best things to buy at thrift stores, as they can appreciate in value over time. However, if a comic is common or in poor condition, grading may not be worth the cost.
How long does CGC take to grade comics?
The CGC Grading timeline ranges from 20 to 75 days, depending on the service tier you choose. Faster options are available but come with higher fees.
Discover Hidden Gems at ShopGoodwill.com
If you love comic books, you’ll want to keep an eye on ShopGoodwill.com. A variety of comics are donated daily, meaning you could find anything from modern superhero issues to valuable vintage comics at a fraction of retail price.
With a constantly changing selection, ShopGoodwill.com’s online thrift store is a treasure hunt for collectors. Whether you're searching for classic series, indie favorites, or hidden gems, there’s always something new to discover. And because every purchase supports Goodwill’s mission, you’re not just expanding your collection—you’re making a difference.
So, if you’re looking for your next comic book, check out the latest auctions on ShopGoodwill.com. Who knows? You might just uncover one of the most expensive comic books in history—without even leaving your house.
Sources:
Certified Guaranty Company. CGC Grading Scale. https://www.cgccomics.com/grading/grading-scale/.
CBCS Comics. Grading & Certification Process. https://www.cbcscomics.com/grading-certification-process.
FinanceBuzz. How to Invest in Comic Books. https://financebuzz.com/how-to-invest-in-comic-books.
PGX Comics. PGX Grading Guideline. http://pgxcomics.com/pgx-grading-guideline/.