For new collectors out there, there is a grading system in place set by a book called "The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide." This provides a set of standards to assess the condition and subsequently the overall worth of a vintage comic. Here is a quick table listing below. An explanation will follow the table.


9.9 M- Mint -
9.8 NM/M Near Mint / Mint
9.7 NM++ Near Mint ++
9.6 NM+ Near Mint +
9.5 NM/NM+ Near Mint / Near Mint +
9.4 NM Near Mint
9.3 NM-/NM Near Mint - / Near Mint
9.2 NM- Near Mint -
9.1 VF/NM+ Very Fine / Near Mint +
9.0 VF/NM Very Fine / Near Mint
8.75 VF++ Very Fine ++
8.5 VF+ Very Fine +
8.25 VF/VF+ Very Fine / Very Fine +
8.0 VF Very Fine
7.75 VF-/VF Very Fine - / Very Fine
7.5 VF- Very Fine -
7.0 FN/VF Fine / Very Fine
6.75 FN++ Fine ++
6.5 FN+ Fine +
6.25 FN/FN+ Fine / Fine +
6.0 FN Fine
5.75 FN-/FN Fine - / Fine
5.5 FN- Fine -
5.0 VG/FN Very Good / Fine
4.5 VG+ Very Good +
4.25 VG/VG+ Very Good / Very Good+
4.0 VG Very Good
3.5 VG- Very Good -
3.0 GD/VG Good / Very Good
2.5 GD+ Good +
2.0 GD Good
1.8 GD- Good -
1.5 FA/GD Fair / Good
1.0 FA Fair
0.75 PR/FA Poor to Fair
0.5 PR Poor

The "GOOD" rating is considered the very lowest rating for collectors in terms of value. This website has different links to help you find various "grades" of comic books, thereby letting you sift through auctions of comic books that will be of lesser collector's value due to their poor condition. Here is a layman's description of each grade.


GOOD:  Considered the lowest collectible grade.   This is a comic still in good condition with some minor wear and tear.  There may be wrinkles, small creases in the cover, a couple large tears or some mild water damage.  This grade also allows for comic that have the coupons cut out (as long as it does not impact the story).  There should be no pages missing.  Keep in mind that if the cover is heavily soiled, the book is not in GOOD condition.



VERY GOOD:  One of the most heavily traded grades.  This is a couple with very few obvious flaws.  It may have a very slightly faded color to the cover.  Some shelf wear is present and there can be a small stain.  Tears and creases can still be present but they are minimal at worst.  The cover must still be attached by a single staple and the centerfold must be intact.   Since many of these comics only have a single flaw, they are highly traded.


FINE:  Also referred to as a "mid-grade" copy.  A great looking copy from a short distance away.  There are no noticeable defects.  This grade only allows for some light wrinkles and a handful of creases (no more than two inches).  The cover should have over 60% of its glossiness intact. Missing pieces are not allowed here.  Writing is generally not allowed in this grade but can be present if it is small and very minor.


VERY FINE:  The best of the best.   Must have at least 80-85% of its cover glossiness intact.  Only minor rounding of the corners is present.  There should be no large creases, spine rolling, fading or shelf wear.  No writing should be present unless autographed.  There should be no stress marks from the staples in the cover present. 



This is a brief guide of comic book grades.  Hopefully it will be of assistance to you on this website.  Enjoy your stay and happy bidding!



-Richie



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