Spotting a 9.8 Grade in Your Comic Book Collection (2024)

Edge of Spider-Verse #2, CGC 9.8

As you’re flipping through your long box of comics looking for books to send outfor grading, you are understandably looking for books in the best condition.While grades of CGC 9.9 (Mint) and CGC 10 (Gem Mint) are possible, they arerare. A CGC 9.8 (Near Mint/Mint) isa nearly perfectcollectible with negligible handling or manufacturing defects, and it’sabout the best grade you can typically expect to get on a book.

Modern books generally are seen more often earning grades of 9.8 or higherbecause they are newer and have probably been well-preserved. Professionalcleaning and pressing can usually address minor defects. Older books sometimespresent more challenges, due to their age and how they have been handled overthe years. They show more spine damage, bending, color, breaks or off-colorpages. Because of this, older books in high-grade are even rarer and morevaluable.

There are common defects as well aspagequality issues that can bring down the overall grade of your book. Toachieve a grade of 9.8 or higher, page quality must be at least OFF-WHITE withlight aging through the middle of each page, or WHITE with pages that exhibitlight aging to the outer edges.

When CGC receives a submission of a book, it is opened by trained professionalsunder a security camera before being entered into a tracking system using an IDnumber that assures books are judged impartially. Submissions are kept storedsafely in a vault until it is time to be authenticated and graded. The book isexamined by multiple CGC professionals, before a consensus is reached on agrade.

Once a book is graded by CGC, it is thenencapsulated in a state-of-the-art CGC holder that combines superior optics andthe most advanced archival materials, ideal for visual display and preservation.The crystal-clear plastic’s superior optics unleash a comic’s actual color andvibrancy, and its sturdy outer plastic better resists impacts. The holder designuses precise pressure to lock the comic in place for enhanced protection.

After the book is encapsulated in its holder, it undergoes a final assessmentfor accuracy before being carefully packed for shipping to return to its owner.

For a closer look at the grading process,CGC Primary Grader MattNelson has created this excellent video.

DISCLAIMER: This article is made available in the form of a general guide only and is provided solely for reference and informational purposes. The article is not intended to provide, nor should anyone consider that it provides, grading or collecting advice or guarantees. CGC disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on these materials by anyone who may be informed of any of its content.