You've seen them: comics sealed in hard plastic cases with a number on top. That's a slab, and the number decides what a comic is worth. Here is how it works, and whether you should bother.
What Is CGC?
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) is the biggest third-party comic grading service, founded in 2000. You send them a comic. Expert graders inspect it, give it a grade from 0.5 to 10, and seal it in a tamper-evident case with a label.
Its main rival is CBCS. Both are respected, but CGC slabs usually sell for more.
The Grade Scale, Simplified
| Grade | Name | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10.0 | Gem Mint | Perfect. Extremely rare. |
| 9.8 | Near Mint/Mint | The collector's target. Tiny flaws at most. |
| 9.6–9.0 | Near Mint | Great shape, minor wear. |
| 8.0–6.0 | Very Fine to Fine | Clearly read, still solid. |
| 5.0 and below | Very Good to Poor | Heavy wear, tears, missing pieces. |
On modern comics, the jump from 9.6 to 9.8 can multiply the value. That's why "9.8" is the number everyone chases.
Label Colors
The label color tells you what kind of book you're looking at:
- Blue (Universal): a standard, unrestored comic. The one you want.
- Yellow (Signature Series): signed in front of a CGC witness. Signatures are verified.
- Purple (Restored): the comic has been repaired, for example with color touch-ups. Worth much less.
- Green (Qualified): a significant defect is noted, such as an unverified signature or a missing coupon.
When Slabbing Is Worth It
Grade a comic when:
- It's a key issue. First appearances, first issues, famous covers.
- It's high value raw. If a comic isn't worth much more than the grading fee plus shipping, don't bother.
- You plan to sell. Buyers pay more for a certified grade they can trust.
- It's signed. Signature Series is the only way to prove a signature.
When It's Not Worth It
- You want to read it. A slab is sealed. Cracking it open destroys the grade.
- It's a common modern issue. Most new comics are printed in huge numbers.
- The math doesn't work. Grading fees, shipping both ways, insurance, and turnaround times of weeks to months add up. Check CGC's current pricing tiers before you submit.
Pro Tips Before You Submit
- Store it properly now. Bag and board every comic you care about. It's cheap and stops damage. Acid-free bags & boards
- Store them upright in a proper comic storage box, not stacked flat.
- Look up pressing. Professional pressing can remove non-color-breaking creases and bump a grade, but get it done before grading.
- Protect the slab too. Slabs scratch. Slab sleeves are worth it.
Bottom Line
Slab the keys, read the rest. Comics are for reading first. The best collections are ones you actually enjoy.
New to collecting? Start with The Golden Age in 5 Minutes to see where the valuable books came from.
Current-size comic bags and boards (100 pack)
Short comic storage box
Graded comic slab sleeves