Choosing the right books?

So here?s the thing. Do you send raw books to CGC for grading, or do you buy books that are already graded? For the most part I like to buy books that are already graded. Yes, it?s expensive, but I know exactly what I?m getting and there is zero risk involved. However if I can find the raw books I want in high grade for a good price then why not submit them myself and try to save some money? [NOTE: It?s a good idea to ask lots of clarifying questions about the condition of a book before buying from an auction site like eBay. Some sellers will list a book as NM/MT when in reality the book may have several defects that clearly keep it from grading that high...I found this out the hard way.]

For me personally it makes the most sense to submit raw books from the Bronze Age and some early Modern Age that I would expect to grade high and that are valued at $200 or less. The cost of grading these books (1975-present) is much less ($15.00 per book) than that of older more expensive books ($29.00-$37.00 per book) and the initial investment is minimal so the risk is well worth the potential reward. If you haven?t already, you should also go through your existing collection and submit those books you love that have a good chance of making the grade. I?m a big Wolverine fan so I pulled together several issues to complete a #1-10 run and found a couple of other noteworthy books that hopefully will do well. Having said all that, I anxiously await the results and return of the following books I just sent to CGC today?

Existing copies from my collection:

The Punisher #10 NM+ (1988), Daredevil crossover

Hulk 8 NM/MT (1999), Wolverine appearance

Wolverine #3 NM/MT (1989), Silver Samurai appearance

Wolverine #4, NM+ (1989)

Wolverine #8 NM+ (1989), Hulk appearance

Wolverine #10 NM+ (1989), Sabretooth appearance

Uncanny X-men #105 NM- (1977), Firelord appearance

Uncanny X-men #268 NM/MT (1990), Captain America appearance

Purchased copies from eBay over the past several months:

Spectacular Spider-man #17 NM+ (1978), Iceman and Angel appearance

Spectacular Spider-man #18 NM+ (1978), Iceman and Angel appearance

Alpha Flight #17 NM+ (1984), Wolverine appearance (X-men #109 cover swipe)

The Champions #17 NM+ (1978), Sentinels, Iceman and Angel appearance

Captain America Annual 8 NM+ (1986), Wolverine appearance

Daredevil #196 NM+ (1983), Wolverine appearance

Wolverine #1 NM+ (1988)

Wolverine #5, NM/MT (1989)

Wolverine #6, NM/MT (1989)

Wolverine #7, NM/MT (1989), Hulk appearance

Wolverine #9, NM/MT (1989)

Daredevil #257 NM+ (1988), Punisher crossover

I?ll let you know how these come out once I receive them back from CGC and we?ll see how bad I am at grading. What?s the worst that can happen right? Oh yeah?they could all come back 7.5 (Aarrgghh!!). Dude, if that happens I?m sticking with buying slabbed books from now on, period. Wish me luck!!!

Til next time?

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