I think it matters on HOW you plan on selling them. If you're selling in person, everything said makes sense, but if you're selling online (specifically the GSX 1 and Iron Man 1), it'll save you a ton of time and negotiation on condition of the book if it's already graded.
Why it's so dangerous to buy a raw comic thinking you will get a high grade. Even if there are high quality photos it's very possible to miss something until you get the book in hand.
On the other hand I’ve heard more than my share of horror stories of CGC books that have been misgraded, the only 100% way not to have something like that happen is to hold the book in your own hands and look it over before you commit to buying it. Not that such an option is always possible in these days of e-bay buys and such. If you decide you have to buy it that way, check the dealer’s feedback, and if they have a return policy etc.
Then simply don’t buy big dollar books online. I’d much rather buy a raw book from a trusted online store, than overpay for a graded book from some random eBay seller and risk that CGC messed up the grade or damaged the book. Too many people are more than willing to buy a book simply based on the number and overlook those same missable flaws.
Most comics are not really worth much even graded. Except for a few keys they have been terrible investments of late. I saw a New Mutants CGC 9.8 go for $900 on Ebay. A book that was going for a steady $1500 a year ago and this is right after Deadpool 3 did over 1 billion.
I have a rule of thumb for Marvel and DC superhero books published after the dawn of comics fandom.. if the book isn't worth at least $500 AND it's not at least a mid-grade copy, it doesn't make sense to get it graded. Pretty much every Marvel and DC superhero book from the mid-1960s on is widely available. You won't get enough of a premium for slabbing a low-grade copy to make sense. The exception is Incredible Hulk 181. But that's about it.
I'd get both books graded as it takes the guesswork out of the grade and would make both of the books much easier to sell. Also, CGC seems to be more lenient on grades lately. I just got back from CGC an Iron Man #1 I had estimated at a 6.0-7.0. I was pleasantly surprised when it came back an 8.5! It's a $1500 book in 8.5 and only a $800 book in 7.0. I think I made a wise decision.
I’ve started getting my early Avengers issues graded. Not so I can sell them. I’m going to die with my collection. Someday my kids are going to have to sell them, and they know NOTHING about the market.
I have been grading books for years and feel confident in my work however color touch and some other repairs have always caught me.😢 Any chance you can do a video on how you spot them on raw books? That service is really where the value is for me in getting a book graded
They should change the plastic display. For 1, it's very large and does it have a spot for a nail-to-hang on a wall? All the information of the grade should be at the back of the plastic. And front should be clean with only the plastic to protect. With UV protection
CGC can suck it. Still missing 3 books for over 4 months now. They are almost done they say, zero movement on website. Stay far far away from them at this moment. Also i have a GSX #1 graded 2.0 for sale zero offers at 900
The purpose of the video is to show how you might evaluate your books to determine if you should grade them or not (if you want to sell them). When you bought them doesn’t make a difference. What matters is if it’s going to either increase the value or make them easier to sell. Both the books in this case would likely do just as well raw as graded if they were sold. But that’s not true across the board.
I think it matters on HOW you plan on selling them. If you're selling in person, everything said makes sense, but if you're selling online (specifically the GSX 1 and Iron Man 1), it'll save you a ton of time and negotiation on condition of the book if it's already graded.
Why it's so dangerous to buy a raw comic thinking you will get a high grade. Even if there are high quality photos it's very possible to miss something until you get the book in hand.
On the other hand I’ve heard more than my share of horror stories of CGC books that have been misgraded, the only 100% way not to have something like that happen is to hold the book in your own hands and look it over before you commit to buying it. Not that such an option is always possible in these days of e-bay buys and such. If you decide you have to buy it that way, check the dealer’s feedback, and if they have a return policy etc.
Then simply don’t buy big dollar books online. I’d much rather buy a raw book from a trusted online store, than overpay for a graded book from some random eBay seller and risk that CGC messed up the grade or damaged the book. Too many people are more than willing to buy a book simply based on the number and overlook those same missable flaws.
Most comics are not really worth much even graded. Except for a few keys they have been terrible investments of late. I saw a New Mutants CGC 9.8 go for $900 on Ebay. A book that was going for a steady $1500 a year ago and this is right after Deadpool 3 did over 1 billion.
I have a rule of thumb for Marvel and DC superhero books published after the dawn of comics fandom.. if the book isn't worth at least $500 AND it's not at least a mid-grade copy, it doesn't make sense to get it graded. Pretty much every Marvel and DC superhero book from the mid-1960s on is widely available. You won't get enough of a premium for slabbing a low-grade copy to make sense.
The exception is Incredible Hulk 181. But that's about it.
I'd get both books graded as it takes the guesswork out of the grade and would make both of the books much easier to sell. Also, CGC seems to be more lenient on grades lately. I just got back from CGC an Iron Man #1 I had estimated at a 6.0-7.0. I was pleasantly surprised when it came back an 8.5! It's a $1500 book in 8.5 and only a $800 book in 7.0. I think I made a wise decision.
I’ve started getting my early Avengers issues graded. Not so I can sell them. I’m going to die with my collection. Someday my kids are going to have to sell them, and they know NOTHING about the market.
Hey R, it's really helpful to hear you tick off the flaws but any preferred resources for how-to grading? Books? Sites?
I have been grading books for years and feel confident in my work however color touch and some other repairs have always caught me.😢
Any chance you can do a video on how you spot them on raw books? That service is really where the value is for me in getting a book graded
Very informative video. Thanks for sharing
They should change the plastic display. For 1, it's very large and does it have a spot for a nail-to-hang on a wall? All the information of the grade should be at the back of the plastic. And front should be clean with only the plastic to protect. With UV protection
I'd get them cleaned and pressed, I have issues 5,6. In about 4 or 5 and kept them raw. , in my p.c.
CGC can suck it. Still missing 3 books for over 4 months now. They are almost done they say, zero movement on website. Stay far far away from them at this moment. Also i have a GSX #1 graded 2.0 for sale zero offers at 900
Great video..
Great insight 👍 thanks for sharing
Great video.
So Ryan, for those of us who entered the hobby the last decade, and are saving up our raw books, are we SoL?
The purpose of the video is to show how you might evaluate your books to determine if you should grade them or not (if you want to sell them).
When you bought them doesn’t make a difference. What matters is if it’s going to either increase the value or make them easier to sell.
Both the books in this case would likely do just as well raw as graded if they were sold. But that’s not true across the board.
@@AutomaticComics Thx Bud, I know modern isn't your thing, but you're an encyclopedia so figured I'd pick your brain, lol