Mile High Providence!

[Professor Pecora]

Earlier today (8/2/13), I discovered a very interesting fact regarding my newly acquired X-Men #94 CGC 9.8!

 

The story begins with me conducting some online research regarding the sales trends of previous CGC 9.8 copies of X-Men #94.

 

I begin the search by browsing through Heritage Auction's "archives" database, and I stumbled across a solid 9.8 copy and said, "Hey, that looks similar to my copy..." With some curious excitement, I look at the serial numbers and carefully compare them, and no, that copy was not the copy I currently own!

 

Then, as I inspected that particular copy in further detail, I noticed that it was not as beautiful as my example; the corners were not as razor-sharp, the colors were not as bold and vivid, and it was also not as tightly wrapped!

 

From this point, I was now obsessed with scrolling through ALL of the previous X-Men #94's sold at auction in any grade, and I stumbled across another CGC 9.8 copy that again looked like my recent acquisition. Without any hesitation, I clicked on the book to get a closer view, and this one looked beautiful! Like I did previously, I cross referenced the serial numbers and this time...it was a match! This was my copy that previously sold at auction for $12,547.50 (including the Buyers Premium) on February 24, 2011! WOW!

 

However, it gets even more interesting! As I am scrolling down the original listing, I started to read the description, and to my surprise I was stunned when I read the following statement, which I am quoting directly:

 

"This particular copy is from the collection known as 'Mile High II,' and includes the certificate identifying it as such."

 

Here is the link to the Heritage Auction archive for your review:

 

http://comics.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=7030&lotNo=91234

 

Are you serious!!! My X-Men #94 originated from the prestigious Mile High II collection!! I was ecstatic!! I had no clue, as I obviously did not receive the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with the book! Further, I highly doubted that Robert of KEY Comics knew about it either, because he would have mentioned this in his original eBay listing.

 

At this point, I am hyped up and highly motivated to investigate the situation towards acquiring this COA! After all, I am the new proud owner, and I would like to have the documentation behind it!

 

My first point of reference was obviously Robert of KEY Comics, whom I purchased the book from. I shared my recent discovery with him, and provided the link to the original listing on Heritage. He responded within an hour, and was also completely surprised! He also had no idea that the CGC 9.8 example he sold to me originated from the Mile High II collection!

 

So he contacted the person whom he bought it from, and after an hour or so, he confirmed with me that the guy who sold the book to him, was indeed the individual who originally won the book from the Heritage auction on February 24, 2011! Now I was onto something! I felt confident that I would get that COA soon!

 

However, to both my surprise and Robert's surprise, the original buyer from Heritage also had no idea that the X-Men #94 CGC 9.8 he purchased was from the Mile High II collection, because he did not even read the book's description!! Therefore, the guy said he had no clue as to where the COA would be, as he was not even educated in terms of knowing what a pedigree comic is and even what to look for!

 

From this information, I contacted Heritage Auctions directly, and they said that the COA should have been shipped out with the book to the buyer at that time, and if he lost it that there was no way that they could replace it. However, they suggested that I simply print out the Heritage Auction original lot with the description, to use as a "Pseudo COA" since the serial numbers match identically. On that note, that was exactly what I did for the time being!

 

What is ironic or even symbolic for that matter, is that I currently reside in the Mile High City! I have direct access to meeting with Mr. Chuck Rozanski, the president of Mile High Comics, in person as I have previously, so I am going to plan a meeting with him in the near future, to see if he can generate a new COA to confirm that my X-Men #94 CGC 9.8 hails from that world-class collection! However, I will have to act soon, as I will be relocating to Atlanta, GA with my wife in exactly 2 weeks as of this writing! If for some reason I cannot make the arrangement, my Heritage Auction print-out should suffice!

 

Moreover - what a find! Now I can proudly showcase my copy as:

 

X-Men #94 CGC 9.8 OW/WP [Mile High II]!

 

In closing, this story is not quite completed, as you will have to wait until Monday evening or sometime on Tuesday, as I will be posting another MAJOR CGC 9.8 Acquisition that will truly embody & solidify the title of this journal entry..."Mile High Providence!"

 

So stay tuned... :-)

 

-Professor Pecora

 

See more journals by Professor Pecora

[Alawson453]

Great story Professor, I think you could give Batman a run for his money as the world's greatest detective. Can't wait to hear more of the story (hanging on the edge of my seat) so "Hurry Up" this is good stuff!

[Bomber-Bob]

This is a cool story, however, the Mile High II collection was nothing more than a warehouse find. It is not an Original owner collection and it is no longer recognized by CGC, It should not be confused with the true Mile High collection originating from the Edgar Church collection. You have a great book but it has no real heritage.

[Professor Pecora]

This is a cool story, however, the Mile High II collection was nothing more than a warehouse find. It is not an Original owner collection and it is no longer recognized by CGC, It should not be confused with the true Mile High collection originating from the Edgar Church collection. You have a great book but it has no real heritage.

 

Dear bomber-bob,

 

I am totally aware that the Mile High II collection is separate from the original Edgar Church collection, hence why the CGC does not recognize Mile High II on the actual CGC label, which was the reason Certificates of Authenticity (COA's) were released.

 

However, I still feel privileged to own a Mile High II copy, as some of the finest-looking examples of MAJOR KEY books from the Bronze Age originate from the Mile High II warehouse find! Just wait until you check out the next Bronze Age Grail I will be showcasing next week; there will be no denying the top quality of this collection! The condition of the books are truly remarkable - and I am proud to represent the Mile High II brand with my Bronze Age Grails! :-)

 

Moreover, now that this book is a part of "The Professor's Collection," it's earning its own heritage in my vault of pristine gems! (thumbs u

 

Thanks for your response!

 

-Professor Pecora

[Professor Pecora]

Great story Professor, I think you could give Batman a run for his money as the world's greatest detective. Can't wait to hear more of the story (hanging on the edge of my seat) so "Hurry Up" this is good stuff!

 

Thank You Alawson453!

 

I appreciate it!

 

Although the books from the Mile High II collection are not from the original Edgar Church find, for me, it's all about the "quality of the books" that speak for themselves! I am impressed with my copy of X-Men #94 CGC 9.8, and personally feel that it is the best copy I have seen in this grade!

 

I have also seen actual recognized "Pedigrees" look worse than un-pedigreed copies in the same grade, so it's all about one's "perspective" at the end of the day.

 

Contrary to how other collectors may feel about it, I am a firm supporter of the Mile High II collection and will represent my books proudly!

 

Moreover, I feel blessed to have learned that my X-94 originates from the Mile High II collection, and I am super excited to showcase the next major Mile High II installment in 2-3 days from now!

 

In the meantime, I'll be posting another early new X-Men acquisition journal later today!

 

Thank you for your positive energy!

 

-Professor Pecora

[newshane]

Pedigree or no pedigree...it is STILL a 9.8 copy of X-Men 94!

 

Awesome book!

[Professor Pecora]

Pedigree or no pedigree...it is STILL a 9.8 copy of X-Men 94!

 

Awesome book!

 

Thanks newshane! - AGREED!

 

-Professor Pecora

[Logan510]

The COA's were not released because CGC would no longer recognize it on their label. I have MHII COA's from back in the 1980's when I bought a bunch of the books from MH's catalog.

[Tnerb]

I love comic books with stories around the stories. I do hope you get the COA to accompany such a gorgeous book. Maybe after getting the COA, and maybe a letter fro Chuck that CGC could actually reslab it for you and have it placed on the label. I look forward to reading your continued story of this amazing book.

 

[Logan510]

I love comic books with stories around the stories. I do hope you get the COA to accompany such a gorgeous book. Maybe after getting the COA, and maybe a letter fro Chuck that CGC could actually reslab it for you and have it placed on the label. I look forward to reading your continued story of this amazing book.

 

It's a nice thought, but I've been told MHII will never be back on the label.

[SW3D]

COA or no COA... I am just in awe of the Heritage Auction selling price from 2011.

Holy SH:T!

 

Congrats Prof!

 

Hey if you want to even trade my first Byrne for it... just let me know. And I'll throw in a COA with the history of how it came into my hands.

 

But seriously... Your collection just keeps on impressing!

 

SW3D

[adamstrange]

provenance: a place of origin, esp that of a work of art or archaeological specimen

 

providence

1. ( often initial capital letter ) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.

2. ( initial capital letter ) God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.

3. a manifestation of divine care or direction.

4. provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.

5. foresight; provident care.

[Professor Pecora]

provenance: a place of origin, esp that of a work of art or archaeological specimen

 

providence

1. ( often initial capital letter ) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.

2. ( initial capital letter ) God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.

3. a manifestation of divine care or direction.

4. provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.

5. foresight; provident care.

 

Dear adamstrange,

 

The title of this journal entry is correct and was intentional; for I believe God was guiding me along my collecting journey and allowed me to uncover the origins of my X-Men #94 CGC 9.8 to the Mile High II collection, while I am currently residing here in the Mile High City.

 

So if this will help you - "God's providence allowed me to uncover the provenance of my X-Men #94!" (thumbs u

 

Take Care,

 

-Professor Pecora

[Professor Pecora]

COA or no COA... I am just in awe of the Heritage Auction selling price from 2011.

Holy SH:T!

 

Congrats Prof!

 

Hey if you want to even trade my first Byrne for it... just let me know. And I'll throw in a COA with the history of how it came into my hands.

 

But seriously... Your collection just keeps on impressing!

 

SW3D

 

Good stuff SW3D! I enjoy your humor!

 

Sure we can make the trade, but we'll have to get you on the extended layaway plan!

 

Anyway, thanks again my brother!

 

I will continue building up my collection until I'm ready to conduct my final Grand Auction in roughly 10-20 years from now. It's either that, or simply pass down the assets to my future children! Who knows what the future holds! All we have is NOW, and I am enjoying the process of acquiring these Key books and showcasing them to the world!

 

-Professor Pecora

[Professor Pecora]

I love comic books with stories around the stories. I do hope you get the COA to accompany such a gorgeous book. Maybe after getting the COA, and maybe a letter fro Chuck that CGC could actually reslab it for you and have it placed on the label. I look forward to reading your continued story of this amazing book.

 

Dear Tnerb,

 

Thanks for your response!

 

Just as you mentioned in one of your previous journal posts, you truly are "optimistic!" I can definitely appreciate that!

 

Although it is highly unlikely that the CGC will affix "Mile High II" on the CGC label, I like your idea of having Chuck write a letter to the CGC with a "special request." Who knows...maybe I will get lucky!!

 

I am going to reach out to Chuck this week and possibly meet up with him in person. Therefore, this story is definitely to be continued...

 

In classic Tnerb fashion...

 

"Thanks for reading!"

 

-Professor Pecora

[Azkaban]

That X-94 is SWEET! Wish I had one.

[lscomics]

If I remember right CGC had made a statement that "Mile High II" wouldn't be notated on labels any longer unless it was for a book that already has it on the label and is being re-slabbed.

[XXXPHOENIX]

I love anecdotes like these!!!