Comic book grading involves a professional assessment of a comic’s condition, assigning it a numerical grade based on established criteria. This grade reflects factors like page quality, cover integrity, and overall wear and tear. An example would be a comic receiving a grade of 9.8, indicating near-mint condition.
Third-party grading offers several advantages. A certified grade provides assurance to potential buyers and sellers, enhancing the comic’s market value. It also protects the comic within a tamper-evident case, preserving its condition. Historically, the lack of standardized grading made valuing comics subjective, leading to inconsistencies in pricing and transactions. Standardized grading brought transparency and confidence to the market.