Comic Book Grading: Why It Matters and When to Get It Done

If you’ve ever looked at comic listings online and wondered why some sell for $5 and others for $500, the answer often comes down to grading. Condition is everything in the world of collecting, and grading is how that condition gets officially recognized. The Comic Buying Center in Libertyville regularly sees both raw and graded books, games and sell magic cards — they know that a professionally graded retro things can make a big difference in value. But grading isn’t always necessary. So how do you know when it’s worth it?

What Comic Book Grading Actually Means

Grading is a really important thing if you want to sell you comic, book or any other antique stuff to the store. So, what is it? Grading is the process of evaluating a comic’s physical condition and assigning it a number, usually on a 10-point scale. It’s done by a professional or a store. The most trusted name in comic grading is CGC (Certified Guaranty Company), which also places the comic in a tamper-proof plastic case—commonly called a “slab.” This sealed slab displays the grade, title, issue number, and key notes like “first appearance of X character” or “variant cover.”

Here’s a quick overview of what those numbers mean:

• 9.8 — Near Mint/Mint. Virtually flawless.
• 9.6 to 9.0 — Near Mint. Clean with minor imperfections.
• 8.5 to 7.0 — Very Fine to Fine. Light wear visible.
• 6.5 to 5.0 — Fine to Very Good. Moderate wear, minor creases.
• Below 4.0 — Good or lower. Heavy wear, tears, or missing parts.

It’s also pretty helpful. Buyers use this system to gauge exactly what they’re getting. A raw comic might look good in a photo, but a slabbed 9.8 offers certainty—and that’s what often drives the price up.

Raw Comics vs. Graded (Slabbed) Comics

Raw comics are ungraded and typically stored in bags and boards. They’re easier to flip through and take up less space. Many collectors prefer raw books, especially for casual reading or assembling complete runs.

Graded comics are preserved in a sealed plastic case and meant for display or long-term investment. While you can’t read them once they’re slabbed, you can sell them faster and often for more money.

Here’s when it usually makes sense to go from raw to graded:

• It’s a key issue. First appearances, origin stories, or landmark events.
• It’s high-grade. If you believe your book is a 9.4 or higher, grading can add major resale value.
• It’s rare or old. Silver and Golden Age books benefit most from authentication.
• You plan to sell. Buyers are more comfortable paying top dollar for slabbed books.
• You want to protect it long-term. Slabbing stops further wear and tear.

When to Skip Grading (and What to Do Instead)

Grading isn’t free. Submissions to CGC usually cost between $25–$60 per comic, depending on the book’s value and turnaround time. That means grading a $10 comic makes no sense—you’d lose money.

Also, grading is irreversible. Once the comic is slabbed, it stays that way unless you crack it open (and risk damaging it). For books you love reading, flipping through, or showing off casually, keeping them raw is often the better choice.

If you want to sell comics but aren’t sure what’s worth grading, stores like Comic Buying Center can help you sort through them. They see thousands of books and can often point out which ones might benefit from grading—and which are better off sold raw.

For new collectors, understanding grading is a smart first step toward building a valuable collection. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about knowing when condition matters, and when it’s worth locking that condition in.

Comic Buying Center
888-882-6642
624 E Park Ave Suite D, Libertyville, IL 60048, United States