Pop quiz: what is the single best thing you can do to improve the value of your collection? Answer: up your grading game. Improving your skills in this area does at least three things for you. One, by using CGC or CBCS to grade comics, you'll reduce those negative surprises. Two, you'll become a more discerning buyer. Finally, you'll find your reputation as a seller or trader of comics will improve.

Confessions of a Professional Grader

Don't you love those Ebay listings where the seller shows a few pictures but weasels out of providing a grade with the old, "I am not a professional grader," bit? Yeah, me too. How many professional comic graders do you think are out there? There is subjectivity to grading, I think we all understand this. But labeling everything VF/NM isn't very helpful to your prospective buyers. So what's the solution?

Here's the thing. If you are going to sell or trade comics, people need to be able to trust that you understand the nuances of condition. I'm not saying that reasonable minds can't differ on whether this copy is a 9.2 or a 9.0. However, we shouldn't find ourselves debating with each other whether a comic is a 9.4 or an 8.0. If that's the case, one of us has missed something.

No one should expect us to be perfect and mistakes are going to happen. What gives people confidence in your assessment is providing good descriptions. Note any problems that you see. I also think it is acceptable (and this may surprise you) to give a range, especially when discussing a comic lot being sold together.

Sample:

Here's a sample description: Marvel. The Jack of Hearts, #1 - 4. Very Fine range with issue #3 closer to fine with center wrap detached at bottom staple.

One thing to keep in mind is that the bigger the dollar value involved, the more effort should be put into determining as accurate a grade as possible and describing it accordingly. Here is an example for a higher dollar book:

DC. Batman #232, Fine- (5.5) quarter-sized tape pull bottom front cover, 1.5" corner crease on back cover. Dust/sun shadow on back cover. Staples strong, presents well.  With that speckled green & white cover, a tape pull might be hard to spot. Save yourself a headache and disclose it properly. You don't have to mention everything but hit the highlights.

Would You Believe Semi-Pro?

So cool story, I get compensated to grade comics for my LCS. The manager believes I have a good handle on the condition of comics I've brought in to trade and also those I've negotiated for purchase. (Pro tip: don't be a jerk describing someone else's merchandise. Be respectful, point out what you see--"that's a subscription crease if I'm not mistaken, and in my experience, that maxes out the grade at 5.0 assuming there are no other major issues,"--and let the seller think about it and adjust accordingly). Remember, if you want to develop relationships with dealers and other collectors, your transactions need to be win-win. So I spend a few hours each week working in a comic store and grading stock. How awesome is that?

Fine (or is it Very Fine?) How do I Learn How to Grade Comics?

The short answer is...from people that have experience AND solid grading reputations. I have a few suggestions on how to find examples you can use for your grading education.

My day job is in IT, and there aren't too many days that I don't consult YouTube for help when I'm trying to figure something out. Guess what, there are a lot of great comic grading tutorials out there. As always with resources like YouTube, put a little time in to find a teacher that communicates in a manner you understand and appreciate. The channel I like best might not work for you and that's Okay.

Another thing you can do is go to an online comic shop known for accurate grading and look at their scans and descriptions. It helps to look at many copies of the same issue in different grades. Just make sure they are showing you actual scans of the book and not a stock image. A third option is to look at your own collection. Do you have third party graded comics? Look at different grades and see if you can discern the differences. Of course you won't be able to look at the interior of the comics online or in person if they are encapsulated, but scans of the front and back cover will teach you most of what you need to know.

For you old-schoolers out there, buy the book. The Overstreet Guide to Grading Comics has examples of every grade along with allowable flaws and so on. It's a great resource.

Grade Comics

 

Grade Comics Wrap Up

Remember that there is no substitute for experience. Like most things in life, you can't learn it if you don't put in the work. So find examples of books in different grades and teach yourself what to look for. You and your collection and your reputation will be glad you did.