Spotting a 9.8 Grade in Your Comic Book Collection

Edge of Spider-Verse #2, CGC 9.8

As you’re flipping through your long box of comics looking for books to send out for grading, you are understandably looking for books in the best condition. While grades of CGC 9.9 (Mint) and CGC 10 (Gem Mint) are possible, they are rare. A CGC 9.8 (Near Mint/Mint) is a nearly perfect collectible with negligible handling or manufacturing defects, and it’s about the best grade you can typically expect to get on a book.

Modern books generally are seen more often earning grades of 9.8 or higher because they are newer and have probably been well-preserved. Professional cleaning and pressing can usually address minor defects. Older books sometimes present more challenges, due to their age and how they have been handled over the years. They show more spine damage, bending, color, breaks or off-color pages. Because of this, older books in high-grade are even rarer and more valuable.

There are common defects as well as page quality issues that can bring down the overall grade of your book. To achieve a grade of 9.8 or higher, page quality must be at least OFF-WHITE with light aging through the middle of each page, or WHITE with pages that exhibit light aging to the outer edges.

When CGC receives a submission of a book, it is opened by trained professionals under a security camera before being entered into a tracking system using an ID number that assures books are judged impartially. Submissions are kept stored safely in a vault until it is time to be authenticated and graded. The book is examined by multiple CGC professionals, before a consensus is reached on a grade.

Once a book is graded by CGC, it is then encapsulated in a state-of-the-art CGC holder that combines superior optics and the most advanced archival materials, ideal for visual display and preservation. The crystal-clear plastic’s superior optics unleash a comic’s actual color and vibrancy, and its sturdy outer plastic better resists impacts. The holder design uses precise pressure to lock the comic in place for enhanced protection.

After the book is encapsulated in its holder, it undergoes a final assessment for accuracy before being carefully packed for shipping to return to its owner.

For a closer look at the grading process, CGC Primary Grader Matt Nelson has created this excellent video.

DISCLAIMER: This article is made available in the form of a general guide only and is provided solely for reference and informational purposes. The article is not intended to provide, nor should anyone consider that it provides, grading or collecting advice or guarantees. CGC disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on these materials by anyone who may be informed of any of its content.