Why Choose CGC

Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) revolutionized the comic book marketplace when it was founded in 2000 by providing clear, objective and impartial assessments of authenticity and grade. Today, CGC is the world’s largest and most trusted third-party grading service for comics, trading cards, video games, home video, magazines, concert posters and related collectibles with more than 15 million collectibles certified since 2000.

Industry leading features, including

Manufacturer & Issue Details

  • Card Manufacturer: The brand that produced the card (e.g., Topps, Panini).

  • Year of Production: The year the card was made.

  • Set Name: The specific series the card belongs to.

Pristine 10
A Pristine 10 is a virtually flawless card to the naked eye. The centering is 50/50, and the card has flawless color and registration. All cards that merit a CGC Pristine 10 grade will receive a special CGC Cards Pristine 10 label.
 
Gem Mint 10
A Gem Mint 10 is a card that has received a 10 grade overall; however, one of the grading criteria does not meet the requirements of a Pristine 10. Corners will appear perfect to the naked eye and Mint+ under 10x magnification. The surface is free of print spots and should also display perfect gloss, devoid of any surface flaws. Centering is not to exceed approximately 55/45, and reverse centering is not to exceed 75/25.
 
Mint+ 9.5
A Mint+ 9.5 is a card that displays premium eye appeal for a Mint card. Qualities such as exceptional centering, surface qualities/color or other key elements can elevate a card to a Mint+ grade.
 
Mint 9
A Mint card has four sharp corners with only minor wear visible. Slight minor flaws on the edges may be visible. The surface must have all original gloss; however, a small number of specks or one minor spot or surface defect is allowed. For TCG cards, cards will have only a few minor manufacturing or handling defects. For sports and non-sports cards, centering must be 60/40 or better for the front of the card, and 90/10 for the back.
 
NM/Mint+ 8.5
A card graded 8.5 has relatively smooth edges with only minor touches of wear. It must have original color borders and gloss. One of the following very minor flaws is allowed: corners are sharp to the naked eye but reveal slight imperfections under magnification; a small amount of minor print spots; subtle focus imperfections of the image. A very slight diamond cut is allowed. TCG cards could show small handing defects.
 
NM/Mint 8
A card graded 8 must have relatively smooth edges with only minor touches of wear. It must have original color borders and gloss. One of the following very minor flaws is allowed: corners are sharp to the naked eye but reveal slight imperfections under magnification; a small amount of minor print spots; subtle focus imperfections of the image. A very slight diamond cut is allowed. TCG cards could have small-to-moderate handling defects. For sports and non-sports cards, centering must be 65/35 or better.
 
Near Mint+ 7.5
A card graded 7.5 may also have a touch of wear on two or three corners or slightly rough edges. The image may be slightly out of register. A slight diamond cut is allowed, and very slight wax staining is allowed on the reverse. TCG cards could have a moderate defect or a number of small handling defects. For sports and non-sports cards, 65/35 centering is allowed.
 
Near Mint 7
A card graded 7 may also have a touch of wear on three or more corners and/or slightly rough edges. The image may be slightly out of register. A slight diamond cut is allowed, and very slight wax staining is allowed on the reverse. For sports and non-sports cards, centering should be 70/30 or better.
 
Ex/NM+ 6.5
For a grade of 6.5, no more than one slightly “dinged” corner is allowed, or no more than two of the following flaws: two or three fuzzy corners; slightly rough edges; noticeable print spots. A moderate diamond cut is allowed, and light wax staining on the front is acceptable.
 
Ex/NM 6 
For a grade of 6, no more than one “dinged” corner is allowed or no more than two of the following flaws: two or three fuzzy corners; slightly rough edges; noticeable print spots. A moderate diamond cut is allowed, and wax staining on the front is acceptable. For sports and non-sports cards, centering may be no worse than 75/25.
 
Excellent+ 5.5 
At 5.5, the corners may exhibit light “fuzzyness” and very minor rounding. The corners may come to a point but may have one or two “dinged” corners. There may also be chipping on the edges, minor border discoloration, noticeable print spots and/or color or focus imperfections on the surface.
 
Excellent 5
At 5, the corners may exhibit “fuzzyness” and very minor rounding. The corners may come to a point but may have two to three “dinged” corners. There may also be chipping on the edges, minor border discoloration, noticeable print spots and/or color or focus imperfections on the surface. On cards with scratch-off surfaces, the coating may be removed, but the surface is not damaged.
 
VG/Ex+ 4.5
At 4.5, the corners may display slight rounding. Noticeable surface flaws may include scuffing, scratches or one light crease. While some original surface gloss may be visible, the borders may be off-white, and a small amount of minor staining is allowed. For sports and non-sports cards, the centering is 85/15, and an extremely noticeable diamond cut is allowed.
 
VG/Ex 4
At 4, corners may display slight rounding. Noticeable surface flaws may include scuffing, scratches and one or more light creases. While some original surface gloss may be visible, borders may be off-white, and some minor staining is allowed. An extremely noticeable diamond cut is allowed.
 
Very Good+ 3.5
A Very Good+ card may have 90/10 centering and four rounded corners, but not extreme rounding. The surface may exhibit one moderate crease or more than one light crease, and may also display scuffing or scratches and loss of original gloss. The edges may have moderate wear, and moderate staining of the stock can be visible.
 
Very Good 3
A Very Good card can have four rounded corners, but not extreme rounding. The surface may exhibit one moderate crease or more than one light crease, and may also display scuffing or scratches and loss of original gloss. The edges may have moderate wear, and heavier staining of the stock can be visible on both the front and back of the card.
 
Good+ 2.5
A card graded Good+ may have heavier creasing, but the creasing does not travel across the surface from edge to edge. The card may also have some surface damage such as one small writing mark on the back. An extremely heavy diamond cut resulting in a near miscut is allowed.
 
Good 2
A card graded Good can have heavier creasing that may travel across the surface of the card from edge to edge. The card may also have some surface damage such as a small amount of writing on the front or back. An extremely heavy diamond cut resulting in a near miscut is allowed.
 
Fair 1.5
A Fair card can have one catastrophic flaw such as a staple hole, small area of missing surface, severe creasing and/or writing on the surface. The card may be miscut.
 
Poor 1 
A Poor card may suffer from major surface damage such as severe creasing that breaks the surface, and/or it may be missing a small portion of the cardstock itself such as a portion of the corner that has been torn away from the card. The card will have multiple catastrophic flaws.
Gem Mint 10
The highest grade assigned. The collectible must have no evidence of any manufacturing or handling defects.
 
Mint 9.9
The collectible is nearly indistinguishable from a 10.0 but will have a very minor manufacturing defect. It will not have any evidence of handling defects.
 
NM/M 9.8
A nearly perfect collectible with negligible handling or manufacturing defects.
 
NM+ 9.6
A very well-preserved collectible with several minor manufacturing or handling defects.
 
NM 9.4
A very well-preserved collectible with minor wear and small manufacturing or handling defects.
 
NM-9.2
A very well-preserved collectible with some wear and small manufacturing or handling defects.
 
VF/NM 9.0
A very well-preserved collectible with good eye appeal. There will be a number of minor handling and/or manufacturing defects.
 
VF+ 8.5
An attractive collectible with a moderate defect or a number of small defects.
 
VF 8.0
An attractive collectible with a moderate defect or an accumulation of small defects.
 
VF- 7.5
An above-average collectible with a moderate defect or an accumulation of small defects.
 
FN/VF 7.0
An above-average collectible with a major defect or an accumulation of small defects.
 
FN+ 6.5
An above-average collectible with a major defect and some smaller defects, or a significant accumulation of small defects.
 
FN 6.0
A slightly above-average collectible with a major defect and some smaller defects, or a significant accumulation of small defects.
 
FN- 5.5
A slightly above-average collectible with several moderate defects.
 
VG/FN 5.0
An average collectible with several moderate defects.
 
VG+ 4.5
A slightly below-average collectible with multiple moderate defects.
 
VG 4.0
A below-average collectible with multiple moderate defects.
 
VG- 3.5
A below-average collectible with several major defects or an accumulation of multiple moderate defects.
 
G/VG 3.0
A collectible that shows significant evidence of handling with several moderate-to-major defects.
 
G 2.5
A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with multiple moderate-to-major defects.
 
G 2.0
A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with numerous moderate-to-major defects.
 
G- 1.8
A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with numerous major defects.
 
Fa/G 1.5
A collectible that shows extensive evidence of handling with a heavy accumulation of major defects.
 
Fa 1.0
A very poorly handled collectible with a heavy accumulation of major defects.
 
Poor 0.5
A heavily defaced collectible with a number major defects. Some pieces will also be missing.

CGC Certification Serial Number

Each item graded by CGC receives a unique serial number. This number is crucial as it identifies the individual item and corresponds with CGC’s database. Here are some key points about the serial number:

  • Uniqueness: Each item has its own unique serial number, ensuring no two items share the same identifier.

  • Authentication: Collectors can use the serial number to verify the authenticity and grading details of the item on the CGC website.

  • Traceability: The serial number allows for easy tracking of an item’s grading history and any resubmissions or regrading.

CGC Barcode

The barcode on a CGC-graded item works in tandem with the serial number to provide a quick and reliable way to access information about the item. Here’s how it functions:

  • Scanning: The barcode can be scanned using a barcode scanner or a smartphone app, directly linking to the item’s details on CGC’s database.

  • Convenience: It offers a convenient method for collectors, sellers, and buyers to instantly access grading information without manually entering the serial number.

  • Security: The barcode adds an additional layer of security, making it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate the certification label.

Overview

The CGC Crystal Clear Display Holder is a premium product designed for collectors who wish to showcase their prized comic book collections. These display holders are specifically crafted to fit CGC-graded comics, providing both protection and an attractive presentation.

Features

  • Durability: Made from high-quality acrylic material, these display holders offer excellent protection against dust, moisture, and physical damage.

  • Clarity: The crystal-clear design ensures that every detail of your comic book cover is visible, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your collection.

  • UV Protection: Many display holders come with built-in UV protection to prevent fading and maintain the vibrant colors of your comic books over time.

  • Size and Compatibility: Designed to fit standard CGC-graded comics, these holders provide a snug fit, keeping your comics secure.

Benefits

  1. Preservation: Protects your valuable comics from environmental damage and wear.

  2. Display: Offers a sleek, professional look that enhances the presentation of your collection.

  3. Value: Helps maintain the condition and value of your comics by keeping them safe from potential harm.

What is a CGC Holographic Authentication Seal?

The CGC holographic authentication seal is a security feature used to ensure the authenticity and integrity of a graded collectible. This seal is typically affixed to the protective case in which the collectible is enclosed after being graded. It serves as a mark of legitimacy, indicating that the item has been evaluated and certified by CGC’s expert graders.

Features of the Holographic Seal

  • Holographic Design: The seal incorporates a holographic design that makes it difficult to replicate. This design changes appearance under different angles and lighting conditions, adding an extra layer of security against counterfeiting.

  • Unique Identification: Each seal often includes a unique serial number that corresponds to the graded item. This number can be used to verify the item’s authenticity through CGC’s online database.

  • Tamper-Evident: The seal is designed to be tamper-evident, meaning that any attempt to remove or alter it will result in visible damage. This feature helps ensure that the case has not been opened or tampered with since the item was graded.

Importance of the CGC Holographic Seal

Ensuring Authenticity

The primary purpose of the CGC holographic seal is to provide collectors with confidence in the authenticity of their collectibles. With the rise of counterfeit items in the market, having a trusted authentication mark is invaluable.

Protecting Investment

For many collectors, their items are not just hobbies but significant investments. The presence of a CGC holographic seal helps protect this investment by guaranteeing that the item is genuine and has been professionally graded.

Manufacturer & Issue Details

CGC Grading Scale

CGC Certification Serial & Barcode

Crystal clear display holder

Holographic authentication seal

Why Choose CGC?

world of collectibles

Offering a prominent grading service for Comic Books, Trading Cards, Magazines, and other collectibles.

Pristine 10

Achieving a CGC Pristine 10 is tough due to strict criteria, making these items rare and highly valued in the market.

Higher Price Realized

Collectors trust the accuracy and integrity of CGC, resulting in higher resale prices.

CGC Card Grading

The standard authentication and grading service for raw items
Bulk

$10/card

25 CARD MINIMUM

Auto Authentication $15

60 DAY TURNAROUND
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Economy

$13/card

NO MINIMUM

Auto Authentication $15

30 DAY TURNAROUND

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Jumbo

$15/card

NO MINIMUM

Auto Authentication $15

60 DAY TURNAROUND

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Standard

$30/card

NO MINIMUM

Auto Authentication $15

20 DAY TURNAROUND

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CGC Comic Grading

The standard authentication and grading service for raw items
Modern

$25/book

NO MINIMUM

1975 – PRESENT

MAX VALUE $400

60 DAY TURNAROUND
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Vintage

$40/book

NO MINIMUM

PRE-1975

MAX VALUE $400

60 DAY TURNAROUND
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High Value

$85/book

NO MINIMUM

ANY

MAX VALUE $1,000

2 WEEKS

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Unlimited Value

4% of FMV/book

NO MINIMUM

ANY

UNLIMITED

2 WEEKS

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