Parameters Modified for Defects Listed on CGC Labels

Based on feedback from prominent members of the collecting community, Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) is implementing a change that will reduce the number of defects that are identified on the comic book label.

Traditionally, certain defects were listed on the CGC label if they were present on a certified comic book, which were also recorded in the comic book’s Grader Notes. Because CGC members now have free access to Grader Notes, this redundancy is being eliminated from the label for the presence of the following defects:

• Stickers
• Siamese pages
• Punch holes
• Staples added after manufacturing
• Staples removed
• Detachments
• Fully split spine
• Tape
• Significant missing parts from the cover
• Lamination
• Miscuts
• Puzzles or coupons filled out

CGC will continue to identify on the label any significant missing pieces, pages, wraps or inserts from the interior of a comic. Each comic book’s grade will reflect all missing parts, and those missing parts will be recorded in the Grader Notes.

CGC is discontinuing the use of the term “incomplete” on its label, as well as the terms “affects story” and “does not affect story” when parts are missing from the interior of a comic.

The CGC label will continue to display restoration, conservation and qualifiers as we have in the past, including married parts, color copies, wrong parts, coverless comics, individual wraps and pages, multiple covers, additional inserts and unverified signatures on the cover.

Related Links

CGC Grader Notes
CGC Grader Notes for Comics Now Available for Free with Associate and Higher Memberships