CGC Labels

Universal Label (Blue)

This label is given to collectibles that are simply the grade as marked, with no qualifiers or special considerations.

CGC Signature Series^® Label (Yellow)

This label is applied to collectibles that have been signed by someone of significance to the collectible, under the direct observation of a CGC authorized witness, and are thus certified by CGC as having an authentic signature. In select instances, CGC may accept signed collectibles directly from the signer/publisher. For more information about CGC Signature Series, click here.

Qualified Label (Green)

A Qualified label is used by CGC for collectibles that have a significant defect that needs specific description, or to note an unauthenticated signature (one which was not witnessed by CGC). For example, a comic book with a missing coupon that otherwise grades 6.0 will receive a Qualified grade, avoiding a considerably lower grade. CGC would give this book a Qualified grade of 6.0 and a Label Text notation “COUPON MISSING FROM PAGE 10, DOES NOT AFFECT STORY.” Or, if the book is signed on the cover it may be noted as “NAME WRITTEN ON COVER IN MARKER.”

Restored Label (Purple)

This label is applied to any comic book that has evidence of repair so that it will appear as it did when it was in its original condition. Restoration can come in a variety of degrees, from slight professional restoration (A-1) to extensive amateur restoration (C-5). View the CGC Restoration Grading Scale

Pedigree Label (Gold)

This label is applied to any comic book that is part of a CGC recognized pedigree collection. Many pedigree collections were recognized and accepted by the hobby before CGC came into existence. For a list of recognized pedigrees, view the Pedigree Comic Book Collections page.

No Grade

NG – This label stands for "No Grade" and is assigned to comics that are either missing the entire cover, or one half or more of the interior pages, or both. It may also be assigned to comics that are only being verified as authentic, per CGC's discretion.

Individual Page

PG – This label is assigned to either a single page or wrap from the interior of a comic book. Pages that cannot be associated with a specific issue will not be certified by CGC, however. Some interior pages display only advertisements on both sides, lacking the context that allows CGC to correctly identify the issue to which they belong. Unless this kind of page is submitted with other pages from the same copy, and resembles those pages in grade and page quality, it will not be graded and the fee will be refunded less a small processing charge.

Cover

CVR – This label is assigned to covers only, whether the front cover, back cover, or both. Back covers that cannot be associated with a specific issue will not be certified by CGC, however. An example of this scenario is the back cover to Amazing Fantasy #15, which is common to other Marvel comics printed that same month, as well as other months. If CGC cannot definitively tell the back cover is from Amazing Fantasy #15, it will be not be graded and the fee will be refunded less a small processing charge.

Conserved Label (Blue/Grey)

This label is applied to any comic book with specific repairs done to improve the structural integrity and long-term preservation. These repairs include tear seals support, staple replacement, piece reattachment and certain kinds of cleaning. View the CGC Conservation Grading scale

CGC Signature Series Qualified Label (Yellow/Green)

This label is assigned to a collectible that has been signed by someone of significance to the collectible, and which also exhibits a qualifying defect or unwitnessed signature. For example, if a comic book is signed by Stan Lee under direct observation of a CGC authorized witness* but is missing a page, the book will be graded as if the page was not missing, and given the CGC Signature Series Qualified label with a notation of the missing page. Another example is if Stan Lee signed a high grade comic book under direct observation, but the cover also exhibited a signature not observed by a CGC authorized witness. Stan Lee's witnessed signature (eligible for CGC Signature Series) and the other signature (not eligible for CGC Signature Series) would result in a CGC Signature Series Qualified label. For more information about CGC Signature Series, click here.

* In select instances, CGC may accept signed books directly from the signer/publisher.

CGC Signature Series Restored Label (Yellow/Purple)

This label is applied to a restored comic book that has been signed by someone of significance to the comic, under the direct observation of a CGC authorized witness, and is certified by CGC as having an authentic signature. The degree of restoration is also noted on the label. For more information about CGC Signature Series, click here.

CGC Signature Series Conserved Label (Yellow/Grey)

This label is applied to a conserved comic book that has been signed by someone of significance to the comic, under the direct observation of a CGC representative, and is certified by CGC as having an authentic signature. The conservation work is also noted on the label. For more information about CGC Signature Series, click here.