Grading Information

The comic collecting market has an established system of grading. This is the means by which a potential customer can be guided as to the condition (Grade) of a comic when the item is being offered for sale via mail order and cannot therefore be viewed. The span of Grades available range from Near Mint (As New) to Poor (What it says).

All items listed in this catalogue are individually graded. The grade system used is based on a percentage of the Near Mint price (NM) where Near Mint is equal to 100%.

The brake down is as follows:

The best way to use this chart is to think of it as top middle and bottom. This enables even a layman to visualise what condition an item is in.

Plus and minus marks are used to try to more accurately guide the reader as to the exact condition of the item. However, grading is always subjective. For this reason we offer a full 14-day money back policy. If any item does not meet your expectations you may return it (in the same condition) within 14 days for a full refund.

It is an unfortunate truth that the established back issue grading system is misleading to new comers. ‘It’s in good condition? But it’s beaten to pieces!’ I wish I had a pound for every time I tried to tell a customer that ‘Good’ actually means bad. For this reason we have published the chart above. If you are unsure what to expect from grades like VFN+ and G-, just refer to the chart. I’m sure that the percentages of 90% and 15% will give you a much better idea of the condition. All you need to remember is that 100% is brand new while 5% has been through the washing machine. Everything else comes in between.

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