This article is designed to answer any additional questions that commonly
arise. If your question is not covered in either location please
call CGC Customer Service at 877-662-6642.
click to enlarge
Does the signature have to be witnessed by an Authorized
CGC Representative?
Yes! Absolutely no “what ifs” allowed… (“What
if the artist will say he just signed it?” “What if
I took a picture?”, “What if my friend/dealer/etc witnessed
it?”, “What if I have a Certificate of Authenticity?”, “What
if I videotaped it?”, “What if the artist is dead, but his
wife says it’s his signature?”, etc.)
Who can sign my book?
Well, though a vague question, there are several possibilities. Any
of the artists (inker, colorist, etc.) and any writer from that specific
title and issue can sign. Any person who was significantly involved
in the creation of the character or storyline can sign the book. If
an actor played that character, they can sign the book. Also, any
persons mentioned or quoted in the book can sign (letters published,
names mentioned, quoted).
How does CGC grade books that have been signed, but not witnessed?
Basic rule-of-thumb is if the book is mid-grade or lower, or if the
signature is on the inside of the book, it will get a Universal label
with grading text that would read something like: “Name written
on cover/nth page in marker.”
If the book is high-grade the signature would be the qualifier,
hence the Qualified label. The grading text in that case would read something
like: “NAME WRITTEN ON COVER IN MARKER.” (Qualifiers are
always in CAPS on the Qualified label)
The Universal label would be inclusive of the Signature as a defect
and the book would be graded accordingly. Since the book is mid-grade,
the signature would not warrant the use of a qualifier because the signature,
in our standards, would be an acceptable defect in that grade.
The Qualified label would ignore the major defect (in this case
the signature) in the grade and would reflect the grade of the book.
We only use the Qualified label for specific defects and if the difference
in grades between being Universal or Qualified is big enough to warrant
it.
I have a comic that was signed by a creator without a CGC Signature
Series Witness present. At an upcoming show, I have the opportunity
to have the same book signed by the artist, but this time with a CGC
Signature Series Witness overseeing. If the book were to then
be sent off for the CGC Signature Series grading, would it get the
CGC Signature Series label or the Qualified label?
First, we’d recommend that you get an unsigned copy done for the
CGC Signature Series.
The book you are describing would still be eligible for the CGC Signature
Series, but the final grade would depend on a few variables, like where
the first un-witnessed signature is located on the book.
If the un-witnessed signature is in the margin on the interior of the
book, then the book would receive the yellow CGC Signature Series label
with the grading text reading something to the affect of: “SIGNED
BY ________ ON X/X/XX (Name written on 1st page in marker.)” Depending
on the overall grade of the book, the un-witnessed interior signature
could cause the book to get a slightly lower grade. This really will
come into play if the book is very high-grade.
If the un-witnessed signature is on the cover the book would still receive
the yellow CGC Signature Series label with the grading text reading something
to the effect of: “SIGNED BY ________ ON X/X/XX (Name written on
cover in marker.)” Depending on the overall grade of the book,
the un-witnessed signature on the cover most likely will result in the
book receiving a considerably lower grade. This really will come into
play if the book is mid- to high-grade.
Can I make a special request when submitting books for CGC Signature
Series?
Yes, and all attempts will be made to accommodate requests (colored
pens, multiple signatures, sketches, etc.), but since it is ultimately
up to the creator, no guaranty can be made. Please list artists
in order of personal importance if numerous artists are requests, but
also understand that we may only be able to get the book signed by the
last person listed. Once the books are received by CGC, the submitter
assumes any costs involved with getting the book signed, graded and shipped
regardless if any or all requests have been met.
Will CGC take a scan/image of my signature if it is inside the
book?
No, you must take any scans or images you want before submitting the
book for grading. We do offer an imaging service for $3 a book,
but you will only receive a scan of the front of the comic once it is
graded and encapsulated.
My Local Comic Shop has a great signing scheduled. Can they
request to be authorized to do CGC Signature Series for this event?
Yes, if they are already a CGC Authorized Dealer, this can be quite
simple. All they have to do is give us a call. If they are not a CGC
Authorized Dealer, they must apply to become one in order to be authorized
to host a CGC Signature Series Event (please allow two extra weeks for
the Authorized Dealer process). We just ask that they contact CGC Customer
Service (1-877-662-6642) at least one month in advance to make the necessary
arrangements for the signing.
