GRADE: FAIR
Abbreviated Notation: FR
Overstreet Numerical Equivalent (ONE) range: 14-5
(Highest possible FR grade= 14, Mid-grade= 10, Lowest possible FR grade=5)
GRADE DESCRIPTION:
A copy in this grade has all pages and most of the covers, although there may be up to 1/3 of the front cover missing or no back cover, but not both. A comic in this grade may be soiled, ragged, unattractive, creased and/or folded. The centerfold may
be missing if it does not affect a story. Spine may be split. Staples may be gone, and/or cover detached. Corners are commonly rounded or absent. Coupons may be cut. Comic books in this condition are often referred to as "reading" or "research
copies." Paper quality is often low.
CHECKLIST FOR THE GRADE FAIR:
- Heavy wear.
- Basic readability is preserved.
- Discoloration, fading and/or soiling.
- Some pieces may be missing.
- Staples may be degraded or gone.
- Cover may be detached.
- Coupon may be cut.
- The spine may be split.
- Pages may be brittle around the edges.
- Tape and other forms of repair are more common than the next higher grade.
- Fair comics are often faded.
- Ragged appearance, abrasions and creases.
- Spine roll common.
- Centerfold may be missing if it does not interfere with a story.
Note: The demand for comic books in this grade from 1930s through 1960s issues is high.
COLLECTOR ALERT:
Comic books described in this grade should be examined
for brittleness.
COLLECTOR ALERT:
Some Poor condition comics have missing pages unscroupously replaced with pages from a different issue or title to give the appearance of being Fair.
ACCUMULATED DEFECTS RULE:
Books in this grade will not have all the listed defects but will have a combination of some of the above defects. The final grade depends on the number and severity of defects listed under the checklist.
Mint |
Near Mint |
Very Fine |
Fine |
Very Good |
Good |
Fair |
Poor