skypinkblu Posted April 9, 2012 Share Posted April 9, 2012 Most of the books I bought in the beginning were bought to read. I never understood why some went for so much more. I was looking for any copy...and the lower grade ones were ones I could easily afford. I just bought a mixture. When I learned about GA books, I just wanted a non brittle copy...and there were so many books that looked interesting, I was more interested in just finding a copy of as many of them as I could afford instead of one or two nicer ones. It wasn't till I got here that I even knew there was a huge chase for high grades. I found myself once or twice, selling a higher grade copy because I like looking at the insides and I didn't want to damage it, I've replaced a few with lower grade copies. I love the history, give me a book that has a little glitter on it, and I can see a little girl gluing it on...I enjoy character in some of the old books. I know there are a lot of other collectors like me, because despite what someone else said here, I've never had a problem selling a low grade book that I no longer wanted, there are still tons of "bottom feeders" ..esp on eBay, I was astounded at what some of my coverless books went for....My books go from POS- (a grade an old eBay friend invented) to 9.6. I just think it's that different people enjoy different things. I've never bought a Mercedes, always was fine with a Nissan...or a Toyota..as I got older, maybe I bought a better Nissan. This way if I get a dent, I don't have heart failure...same way I feel about owning a high grade book and opening it, I don't want to croak because I bend a page. However, I LOVE looking at Cheetah's books and Bedrock's, to me, it's like looking in a museum,just like I got a kick out of going to dinner in a friend's Rolls. I'm sure I could sell all my low grade books and buy a few very high grade copies, but I have zero desire to do that...just different strokes for different folks. I think low grade collectors can admire both ends of the spectrum, it's easier for them. So, collect what you like. Readcomix and porcupine48 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mintcollector Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 I'm trying to get back into comic collecting and am wondering why people will pay so much for high grade comics. I don't see why a 9.0 graded comic could be worth hundreds, if not thousands,more than the same comic graded 8.0. To me, the differences are so minor, why has a market been created around those differences that make them worth so much money? Is it mostly people speculating on comics as investments, or is a collector really willing to pay $1,000 more for a comic to not have some slight imperfections if they are simply going to keep it for themselves? To me, I just want a comic that generally looks nice. If the 4 or 5 looks nice, I don't see the value to myself in buying any higher grade if I'm going to keep it. This is especially true for modern comics, when the differences between a 9.8 and 9.4 seems so minimal, give me the much cheaper 9.4 any day! Keep in mind that higher grade comics usually rise in value faster than mid-grade or low-grade comic books. I personally, have a problem buying a comic book in anything less than 9.2. This is only my preference. I am also considered to be a 'high grade snob' by some. I would not argue this 'title.' Therefore, this is only my opinion. Still, you should know that I am active in the antiques and collectibles trade. I do find that some beginning collectors have the mentality that vintage collectibles (and antiques) in low to mid grade condition have 'character.' The problem with this mentality, and someone said it best in a market report which was featured a few years back in the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide; is that 'there are a lot of great cars sitting in the junk yard with character.' The collectible market is based upon several factors, of which condition being paramount. That being said, I do think that collectors who chase top census copies are taking a major risk. In another post I have stated examples like a lot of 'bronze age' keys selling for half their value in CGC 9.8 (i.e. Tomb of Dracula #1 and Swamp Thing #1; among many others); compared to just a few years ago. Personally, I have a hard time believing that a 'bronze age' comic book worth $300 in 9.4 should be worth $3,000 (i.e. ten times more) in 9.8. This is why I do not buy top census copies. That is only my opinion. In conclusion, I do see what you are saying and hear this sentiment in all collecting fields. However, the truth of the matter is that most collectors will pay for a high quality item and condition is what a lot of collectors (and investors) look for. I personally would rather have one or two high quality collectibles; than multiple low quality items. Respectfully yours, 'mint' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chromium Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 It wasn't till I got here that I even knew there was a huge chase for high grades. I found myself once or twice, selling a higher grade copy because I like looking at the insides and I didn't want to damage it, I've replaced a few with lower grade copies. I love the history, give me a book that has a little glitter on it, and I can see a little girl gluing it on...I enjoy character in some of the old books. I know there are a lot of other collectors like me, because despite what someone else said here, I've never had a problem selling a low grade book that I no longer wanted, there are still tons of "bottom feeders" ..esp on eBay, I was astounded at what some of my coverless books went for....My books go from POS- (a grade an old eBay friend invented) to 9.6. +1 Apart from a few books which I hoard, I'm not really into high grade comics. I would rather have 50 VG books than 5 NM books...I also tend to always sell on the higher graded comics I accidentally stumble on and buy more low grade books with the money. Everything higher than FINE can go This is my main hobby and it's an escape from all the stress and worry of the real world. If I would have to worry about the condition of my comics, how much they will appreciate or where to store them so nothing bad can happen to them it would become yet another drag and stop being fun for me. And I also love the history of a certain title, a filled-in coupon, a date stamp, the name of the boy/girl that bought it new way back when, written in chicken-feet on the cover ...fabulous. porcupine48 and Readcomix 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 chicken feet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Define999 Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 I think part of the reason people chase high grades is the "time machine" factor. When a book looks as fresh as the day it came off the rack there is somthing about how it transports the collector back a few decades in his mind.... I chase the highest grade I can, but I am fine with a lower grade as long as it presents well.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chromium Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 chicken feet That's what my wife calls my penmanship when I write her a note Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisco37 Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 chicken feet That's what my wife calls my penmanship when I write her a note Chicken scratch! That's what it's called over here. I write in the same manner. My penmanship is atrocious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trmoore54 Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 One man's/woman's floor is another man's/woman's ceiling... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chromium Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 My penmanship is atrocious. But you had decent swordsmanship skills back in the day I hear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComicConnoisseur Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 (edited) I'm trying to get back into comic collecting and am wondering why people will pay so much for high grade comics. I don't see why a 9.0 graded comic could be worth hundreds, if not thousands,more than the same comic graded 8.0. To me, the differences are so minor, why has a market been created around those differences that make them worth so much money? Easy answer. The market of digital 9s was created because people figured out bronze,copper and modern comic books are virtually worthless in near mint. They figured out that near mint copies are not rare at all because of all the bagging,boarding and hoarding between 1976 and up! So they had to create an artificial market to make some money. 9.2, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8 then 9.9 Some day we will see the 9.9 and a half! You are trying to make it sound like there were no differentiations of grade after NM before CGC, which is of course not true. Such minute detail,but not enough minute detail to make thousands of dollars difference. Hero for Hire #1 9.6 vs Hero for Hire #1 9.8 shows what kind of lunancy this digital 9s market has become. Edited April 11, 2012 by ComicConnoisseur Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaillant Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 What I think Bodhi396 meant – mostly – is not that a higher grade book is not better, and more desirable to collect (I think this goes without saying for most objects, even books or objects with a story, of course), but simply that sometimes there are VF books (and even F books) which are awesome looking, and it is highly disputable when a 9.8 is assigned over, say, a 9.4. Honestly, I think the system of numeric grading has its advantages (here in Italy, many sellers have a generic very wide "range" and by saying a book is "perfect" they could mean a F up to a NM), but it has also a high number of disadvantages. To me, it is systematic and professional, but it fuels a collecting frenzy which can make you lose your sense of proportions. Not to mention you will never find early prewar and interwar italian publications in high grade: they simply do not exist, because the paper and overall manufacturing process was a lot worse than in the US. I have an original japanese Astro Boy supplement from the "golden age" of the character (the 1950s, since japanese comics bloomed in their modern form after the war) and it looks inflinitely more fragile and "cheap" than a golden age comic book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeliBebek Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 (edited) Everyone has a limit, I think. While in college some year back, I came across Avengers #8 (there was only one Avengers #8 back then) for 10 bucks. Structurally a nice comic, with better than average wear, except for the ballpoint pen doodling inside the balls of energy in Kang's force field. For the longest time, it was the earliest Avengers I owned, but I always wanted a better one. After completing the run, I upgraded that one, but I still didn't feel the need for a 9.8. Buying raw, the Avengers #8 is probably 5.0-5.5, which is my comfort zone - my optimal point between condition and price. I personally just don't like tears, drawings and stains on the covers and I don't like loose staples. Spine ticks and creases are much lower on the list of dislikes, but the more I collect, the more I avoid those too. Someday I may see the need to get comics that are just a little better than the ones I already have, and buying high grade is the ultimate extension of that gradual tendency. Somewhere along the way, I realized the need to upgrade Avengers #182 because it was missing a staple, and Avengers #54 because not only was it a very beaten copy, but also some guy named John had scribbled his name at the bottom of the splash page. My concern is that there are many collectors who are collecting potential prices, rather than collecting comics they admire and love. This keeps the favorite profitable back issues increasing slowly if unsteadily in the market, while some truly wonderful comics will always be considered dreck. Edited April 13, 2012 by DeliBebek BA773 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoaster Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) On 4/4/2012 at 6:15 PM, sufunk said: I mainly collect HG and pay the premiums for them. For me, it has nothing to do with speculating or investments. The easiest way for me to explain why I do is that I LOVE the books I buy. When I was a kid, I dreamed of having these books but could never dream of affording them. Now that I can afford some of them, I want the absolute nicest, most perfect copy I can afford. If it costs a little(or a lot!) more, so be it. That's what makes me happy Yeah, I know there is not much difference between a 9.4 and 9.8 and the concept didn't even exist when I was reading comics. I was careful and put them away bagged and boarded but didn't need a magnifying glass to check their condition! I don't consider my comics an investment but yeah I want the best condition available that I can afford. Maybe someday I'll get Amazing Spider-Man 300 for $2000. Not the best cover but iconic. I'm surprised Hulk 340 is worth anything. Cool cover and Hulk vs. Wolverine but not really key. A Conan 1 9.8 would be cool but right now would result in a lot of explaining as it's several thousand bucks. I'm collecting the comics I loved and also like the covers as art, so sometimes I'll just want a cool cover. You can't go wrong if you collect what you love. It's collecting for someone else that leaves you empty... unless of course you're only in it for the money. Edited October 28, 2019 by eastcoaster Arak Zantara 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingrayiii Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 For me it is 6.0 and up. I perfer 7.5 up, but will grab a 6.5 all day long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzutak Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 There's no right or wrong when it comes to collecting for pure enjoyment (although I'm a big believer in spending only what you truly can afford to spend). I began buying comics off the rack in the 1950s, and I enjoy 'em as much now as I did then. Newsstand-fresh cover inks and reflectivity on half-century-old comics are truly sights to behold but I also love my low-grade holdings and my pound puppies porcupine48, Krismusic and taro90 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csaag Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 When I was an early teen at the LCS staring at the comics up on the wall behind the counter, I valued getting as many as I could vs the fewest with the highest grade (and more $$$) I even *read* them as soon as I got home. It's only now with the explosion of prices for high grades that I'm a little glad I paid for better copies for at least a couple of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sauce Dog Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) Entropy. It's easy for any comic to become lower grade (and my will do so in the years to come, even if it is just a slight tiny blemish), but it is next to impossible (barring re-grading and bumping it that way) for a non-restored book to become better condition and remain non-restored. The numbers of lower grade copies of any particular comic will always be increasing. That said, I prefer books that present well and actually aim for low/mid grade (3.5-5.0 is a sweet spot for me, as I like GA books that have a some nice patina to them) unless I find a nice raw copy which ends up grading high. Edited October 28, 2019 by Sauce Dog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foley Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 12 hours ago, eastcoaster said: On 4/5/2012 at 2:15 AM, sufunk said: I mainly collect HG and pay the premiums for them. For me, it has nothing to do with speculating or investments. The easiest way for me to explain why I do is that I LOVE the books I buy. When I was a kid, I dreamed of having these books but could never dream of affording them. Now that I can afford some of them, I want the absolute nicest, most perfect copy I can afford. If it costs a little(or a lot!) more, so be it. That's what makes me happy Yeah, I know there is not much difference between a 9.4 and 9.8 and the concept didn't even exist when I was reading comics. I was careful and put them away bagged and boarded but didn't need a magnifying glass to check their condition! I don't consider my comics an investment but yeah I want the best condition available that I can afford. Maybe someday I'll get Amazing Spider-Man 300 for $2000. Not the best cover but iconic. I'm surprised Hulk 340 is worth anything. Cool cover and Hulk vs. Wolverine but not really key. A Conan 1 9.8 would be cool but right now would result in a lot of explaining as it's several thousand bucks. I'm collecting the comics I loved and also like the covers as art, so sometimes I'll just want a cool cover. You can't go wrong if you collect what you love. It's collecting for someone else that leaves you empty... unless of course you're only in it for the money. The post you're replying to is 7 years old and the member who wrote it hasn't logged in in 5 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theCapraAegagrus Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 59 minutes ago, Foley said: The post you're replying to is 7 years old and the member who wrote it hasn't logged in in 5 years I'll answer the question of the topic, though: High grades just look better... Crazy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sauce Dog Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 51 minutes ago, theCapraAegagrus said: I'll answer the question of the topic, though: High grades just look better... Crazy! I would honestly say not always; i've seen some issues that were grades higher than others - but due to an off centre cover wrap, they were painful to look at and and first glance the lesser copies looked 'better' Krismusic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
