Should I get my comic graded?
Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 1 min read
Short answerGrade a comic when the certified grade will add more value than the grading fee, shipping and insurance cost — which is usually true for key issues, first appearances, high-grade copies of collectible books, and anything you intend to sell to a wide audience. Do not grade common, low-value or heavily worn books unless you want them protected for sentimental reasons.
The simple test
Estimate the book's raw value and its likely graded value at the grade you expect, then subtract the cost of grading, insured shipping both ways and any pressing. If the graded value minus costs is comfortably above the raw value, grade it. If the numbers are close, the risk of a lower-than-expected grade decides it.
Books that are almost always worth grading
- First appearances and origin issues of major characters — see the character pages for what those are.
- High-grade copies (9.4 and up) of collectible Bronze, Copper and Modern Age books, where the 9.8 premium is large.
- Golden and Silver Age books in any complete condition, because buyers will not pay full value without third-party assurance against restoration.
- Signed books, if the signature was witnessed or can be authenticated.
Books that usually are not
- Common books with low raw value, where the fee exceeds any gain.
- Reprints, facsimiles and later printings, unless specifically collected.
- Books you plan to read.
Before you submit
- Pre-screen the grade honestly. Look at the spine, corners and surface under good light; compare with published grading standards.
- Consider pressing. Bends and spine rolls that would cap the grade can often be removed — see Is pressing restoration?.
- Check for restoration yourself; a surprise purple label changes the economics completely.
- Choose the grader — CGC or CBCS — and the service tier that matches the declared value.
Costs to expect
Grading companies charge per book according to a service tier set by the book's declared value and the turnaround you want, plus return shipping and insurance. Fees change, so check the grader's current schedule rather than a guide. Our grading submission service bundles pre-screening, pressing recommendations, tier selection and insured shipping both ways at dealer rates, and we will tell you when a book is not worth submitting.
Frequently asked
- How long does grading take?
- It depends on the service tier and the grader's current workload; economy tiers can take months while express tiers take days. Pressing adds time. Check the grader's published turnaround estimates before you submit.
- What if the book comes back lower than I expected?
- That is the main risk of grading. Pre-screening honestly and pressing where appropriate reduces it, but every submitter gets surprised occasionally. A book graded lower than hoped can still be sold; the grade is simply the truth about the copy.
Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.