GRADING
GUIDE

GLOSSARY
TERMS

FIRST
APPEARANCES

GRADE: VERY GOOD
Abbreviated Notation: VG
Overstreet Numerical Equivalent (ONE) range: 54-35 (Highest possible VG grade = 54, Mid-grade = 45, Lowest possible VG grade = 35)

GRADE DESCRIPTION:
The average used comic book. A comic in this grade shows moderate wear, can have a reading or center crease or a rolled spine, but still has not accumulated enough total defects to reduce eye appeal to the point where it is not a desirable copy. Some discoloration, fading and even minor soiling is allowed. No chunks (see glossary) can be missing but a small piece (see glossary) can be out at the corner or edge. Store stamps, name stamps, arrival dates, initials, etc. have no affect on this grade. Cover and interior pages can have minor tears and folds and the centerfold may be loose or detached. One or both staples might be loose, but cover is not completely detached. Common bindery and printing defects do not affect grade. Pages and inside covers may be brown but not brittle. Tape should never be used for comic book repair, however many VG condition comics have minor tape repair.

CHECKLIST FOR THE GRADE VERY GOOD:

  • Shows significant wear.
  • Book-length creases or dimples.
  • Spine roll.
  • Some discoloration, fading and soiling.
  • Small piece can be out of cover from an otherwise finer copy.
  • Store stamp, name stamp, arrival date, or initials.
  • Staples may be discolored with rust migration.
  • Centerfold may be detached.
  • Minor printing and/or bindery defects.
  • Pages may be brown.
  • Minor tape repair on an otherwise better copy.
Note: Comics in this condition are desirable and collectible. The best known copies of some pre-1960 comic books are in Very Good condition.

COLLECTOR ALERT:
There are significant and important differences between this grade and the next lower grade and overgrading sometimes occurs.

COLLECTOR ALERT:
Comic books with brittle pages are not VG. When purchasing a comic suspected of being brittle, request the owner to open the book for examination.

COLLECTOR ALERT:
Restored books often fall into this grade.

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.


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