What the Difference between a CGC 9.8, 9.6, 9.4, & 9.2??

[@bestcore1214]

Very thorough as always!

[@bronzevillecomics2581]

Thank for the info. I’m working in my grading skills but need to get submissions back from CGC to see how I did.

[@MintHunterComics]

Great vid Bry!!!

[@BrysComics]

Thanks bud!

[@robbin8300]

Good video. Didn’t see any 9.4 samples though.

[@vnclejed1971]

Thanks for the vid, subbed and digging the content.

[@Syabi]

Amazing video and a huge thank you for going into such details.

[@jcold007]

Nice review man. Very informative.

[@Kyle_R_Wolfe]

This is great information to know. Thank you!

[@shanekiehlmeier8441]

Great info! Thanks!

[@dustinpilkinton9881]

Imo any book that doesn’t receive a gem mint 10 should have graders notes. Case in point the 9.8 books in this video. A 9.8 with visible defects and one with no visible defects both with the same grade. What kept the one from a 9.9 or a 10 if something else can have visible defects and have the same grade.

[@BrysComics]

I completely agree!

[@sadbttru]

That’s what I was wondering. If there’s nothing wrong and it’s a 9.8 then what’s a 9.9?

[@kyleroussel]

This was my question exactly! If that first 9.8 is so perfect (and it appears to be), then why is it not a 9.9 or better?

[@BiggRuss]

Politics and market manipulation. 9.8's are "perfect". But the chase for a 9.9/10 is what KEEPS people submitting.

[@kyleroussel]

@@BiggRuss I can get on board with that, but why do graders care if a comic is a 9.9 or a 10? They're in the business of grading collectibles....they aren't swimming in the waters of the collector's marketplace. I would be curious to know what % of books get above a 9.8, and how that % has changed over time (if at all).

[@nelsonrodriguez5451]

Depends the Era. Silver the fairest sweetspot grade is 8.5, Bronze 9.2, Copper/Modern 9.4 an up. No point in grading new books since paper quality is superior to the older cheap newspaper from the 60's to 80's. With practice, you can find high quality raw books and later CGC it for a 9.4 to 9.8 grade. Make sure you clean and press the book before send off. My opinion.

[@DConstructiveCritic]

Great video. Thanks for the info!!

[@stevecapaldi1999]

Thank you! You are maybe the best on KZbin. Sometimes you loose me when you get into numbers and charts, more my fault then yours I’m just not a “numbers guys”. This video was great!

[@BrysComics]

I totally get it, thanks for sticking with it!

[@stevecapaldi1999]

@@BrysComics oh I like making money so those numbers aren’t included in my not statement on not a numbers guy.

[@locust13ct]

Before you submit your comics slip a $20 bill into the book for your grader to find, and you'll receive an easy +1.0 to 2.0 to your actual grade of the book.

[@everydaychallenges2282]

Always a great video and information 👍

[@scottmitchell2538]

Thanks!! Dig the Vid!! Agreed first book coulda been a 9.9/10.0. It'd be nice to see someone show off some of those. Do you have a comparison vid with raw books?

[@BrysComics]

Not yet, I’ll probably make more grading vids in the future…

[@comicgainz5553]

Great vid! Have you ever seen or received a 9.9/10.0? Also how do you keep track of each modern you buy and up to date with its price? Is there any app or anything that notifies me when a book in my collection is going up in price? Thanks bro 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@BrysComics]

I’ve only gotten 1 10, no 9.9’s 🤷‍♂️. I don’t use an app or anything because I’m constantly going through my inventory…that’s a great idea for a feature on an app!

[@Thynqikan]

great video. If anything i learn a 9.8 and another 9.8 are not the same grade, and 9.6's can be better than 9.8 so it seems a little too "random" which is annoying. I had a CGC 9.8 Harley Quinn #1 Hughes variant that had 15 spine ticks, and the same book in a 9.6 case that looks infinitely better. No rhyme or reason.

[@jon6309]

Thank you. I feel that you need to be open minded and not allow the grading number to prevent you from getting good deals. I think I am more strict when it comes to newer books but if the price seems cheap I will buy it. I was able to buy Sword Master issue 1 CGC 9.6 for $24 which I felt was very cheap.

[@waltcee]

Great tips Bry and nice books specially that Iron Fist.

[@Forza_Juventus_48]

Thank you for showing examples for each grade.

[@RoB9009]

Your video is more insightful than any info provided by grading companies,

[@davidyoungblood7887]

The Nick Fury SHEILD with the tear in the back is a printer error. You find that on many silver age books. I personally don’t believe that you should be penalized on common printer errors such as the one on that book. If it’s not due to wear and tear created by the customer ( buyer of the book) then it should not bring down the grade. The book was released by the printer in this condition.

[@BrysComics]

Respectfully disagree on that one, a defect is a defect. Imagine two of the same book, one has a small tear from the printer one doesn’t and they get the same grade. They aren’t the same condition…

[@toddkorbusieski111]

I am always amazed at how 10.00 to 9.00 has so many delineations yet for the rest of the grading process it is on a .5 basis. As a scientist this just does not seem correct. Of course there is no way to completely remove objectivity but it really should be consistent throughout the grading process.

[@WhiteArtsMagic]

I just got a 9.4 in the main of the first gambit... this 9.4 looks like a 9.8 I own

[@nelsonrodriguez5451]

Back in the day, you went to the LCM and picked the best least damaged book. There was no 9.6 and 9.8. Most LCM books land between the 9.4 NM and 9.2 -NM. The 9.6 and 9.8 are overpriced books with the highest risk because if the book becomes undesirable or cools off, the $ sinks the hardest as opposed to the less risky 9.2 to 9.4 range.

[@mrdigit3353]

i dunno,...never sent in a comic, only slabbed ones i own are those where i could only find that one particular issue for sale already slabbed, and it was that copy or no copy..... that said, it appears once you hit three "nit-picky" stress marks, spine ticks, etc. youre on shaky ground as far as a 9.8 goes,...?

[@sirrickthe2nd583]

So many times, I like the look of a 9.6 or 9.4 over the 9.8

[@emmanuelcabrera1813]

I wish the price differences between 9.2 - 9.8 would reflect the subtle grade differences. This was very helpful! Thanks!

[@artofbusiness12]

I’ve been reading/collecting for 30 yrs. However, I’m a few months new, into third party grading and encapsulation. Thank you, for furthering my education…I’ve subscribed. I’m building a small to mid foundational Collection of mostly graded / slabbed comics. 10-20% will be raw. When it eventually comes time to sell my collection, I’ve had one lead, your now the second. Thank you again, for the granular detailed description of the grading differences between CGC 9.8, 9.6, 9.4, and 9.2. I will check out your website. I may pick up a slab or three. Best Regards, ArtofBusiness1

[@BrysComics]

So glad to help! Thanks for the sub my friend

[@darylblannon3616]

🤔 . Great information as always Thank you!

[@ericcampbell9553]

Good info man

[@tygarner7731]

Great video dude. So what about 9.9 or 10.0?

[@BrysComics]

As soon as I get a 9.9 I’ll do a video about that!

[@remzzed1184]

Great info and sharp eye! I didn't notice the spine stress until you pointed it out. Great job!

[@KimNguyen-zm7gi]

Good data. I would like to see grades that are 10 and work form there because why aren’t their more 10 grades now with the technology of today. And grades are subjective. But with good notes would be great from the graders.

[@corak1978]

It’s like we were just talking about this 😀 good vid.

[@BrysComics]

😜

[@sbonagof]

I really enjoy and appreciate these videos where you dive into grading. It's a nice variation from the more standard content and is very important information for any collector.

[@BrysComics]

🙏🏻👍

[@noyanhilmi1361]

Very fair and thorough video- thanks! Love the comparisons using the same book too.

[@nathanielmcdonough4288]

Thanks now I have a better idea on what to look for when self grading my books.

[@xaviers3616]

Wow! Found them at a gas station? that is awesome!

[@drspidey4739]

Good breakdown but have to say there is inconsistency in the subjective grading system. Have submitted books thought would be 9.8 and came back 9.2/9.4 . Submitted 9.2/9.4 candidates and came back 9.8. Doesn't happen often but does happen and have to scratch my head when it does.

[@cinemachan]

GREAT VIDEO! Thanks for the detailed and close up views with your examples. I really understand the stages of grading. Again... awesome video!

[@superdaveprime]

Great video. I’ve sent off quite a few books and been truly surprised by only one or two. You KNOW when you have a 9.8.

[@jayblack7495]

This is a video that's worthy of the analysis within... Put simply, buy the book; never purchase the grade. I have 9.0's that shine like newly pressed gems, and I have 9.8's with one or two tiny white "eyelash" creases along the spine. If you're purchasing a graded comic online, request additional photos if you need to. The subtle differences betwen 9.0 to 9.8 might just come down to the mood of the overworked individual grading the book with one hour remaining on the last day of his/her shift. People are fallible. People make mistakes. People can be influenced. If this weren't true, I wouldn't look at roller-coasters like the unnecessary coin-flip that they actually are. I'll stick to the safety of my sofa, and in the meantime, I'll keep buying the book that looks like it's worthy of my hard-earned money...

[@BrysComics]

We’ll put my friend! I do enjoy a good roller coaster tho 😜

[@Ben-qy1kf]

I've seen that second come back as a 9.4 many times.

[@xstreamgaming7097]

what if the only defect is a small ding on the cover.

[@hotzonecomicshuey2194]

This is great. I've got a guy who's new to comics. I started him reading on the Marvel Unlimited app. He's hooked now and I took him to his first comic shops yesterday. I was going over how to evaluate condition. I'm sending him this now. He'll probably be your next subscriber

[@BrysComics]

🙏🏻👍💯

[@markholman146]

Very informative video. I have always wondered about the differences between grades, 9.2-9.8.

[@stevenbrown9374]

How did that first 9.2 get that grade. You would think with a scratch like that it would no longer be a near mint book & be around the 8.5 mark. I'd take that 9.2 all day

[@zs1962]

Great video! Thank you for your insight, it is very hard to find reliable information on this and you using your own collection and being so critical is a breath of fresh air! As owners we tend to always go higher on the spectrum of grading. I have a raw copy of Crow #1 and will be receiving my graded 9.4 in a couple days. I’m curious to see the differences are. My raw copy I think is a 9.0 and I tend to be more critical. The left bottom corner of both comics are blunted with color break. My raw comic has spine ticks but seem pretty minor and the pages are W to OW. I’ll have to wait and see how the graded comic looks in hand, it seems to have less spine ticking but I can’t be sure until I actual inspect myself. My raw copy also has a clear spine break on color, but no tear. I’ve hear this is common with this particular comic because of it’s color and cover paper. I’ve heard that considered a manufacturer defect and is judged less harshly, but I don’t know the validity of that. It’ll be interesting to see differences!

[@davidjuaquin2]

Great video! As someone who's generally fine with 9.6s, I've always been bothered by how CGC spreads their defect descriptions on these higher grades. 9.6s are listed as having 'several minor defects', and though 'several' is defined as simply being more than two, I believe it deceptively gives an impression of being more than a few. Defect description by grade: 9.6 - "several minor defects" 9.4 - "small defects" 9.2 - "small defects" 9.0 - "a number of minor defects" 'Small' and 'Minor' are almost indistinguishable and who would say a 9.0 defect description is any different than a 9.6's ("several" vs "a number"). Yet in this video, you only used the word 'several' to describe the numerous defects spotted on a 9.2. (6:42)

[@kangtheconqueror9545]

Your friend found some UF4's in 2022 in a gas station for 2 dollars. So these must be the facsimiles...right.

[@ameliajade6113]

Top notch vid Bry! If a book doesn’t hit 9.9/10 Cgc needs to be more transparent as to why. Hopefully this changes in the future. I’ve sent a few hundred books in (mainly for 9.8s) myself. That’s not cheap (grading fees alone, not to mention the raw cost of the book itself) and to have Bryan who’s sent probably thousands, divulge this information for free goes to show why this channel is a good as it is. If you’re not subbed here you should be. Free info like this is invaluable! Thanks again Bry and keep up the great work. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@BrysComics]

And yet you’ve gotten more 9.9’s than me! 😜 thanks bro

[@ameliajade6113]

@@BrysComics 🤣🤣 that’s more luck than anything. Watching your old grading vid definitely helped me when I was getting back into this and starting to sub again, so ya 🍻

[@MarkFaust]

At 3:25, I see that staple has caused some "un"-flatness to the cover. in my past experience with CGC, that would've come back a 9.6 for me. I'm glad you got a great grade though.

[@elementalphoenx]

Can a comic be a 9.8 with spine rub for the most of the way down and 2 very money spine ticks?

[@BrysComics]

Depends on what you mean by spine rub…

[@elementalphoenx]

@@BrysComics rubbing up against a box during transportation. LIghtly color breaking. The comic presents well from looking at it dead on at it.

[@bryangordon5775]

@@elementalphoenx often times that is allllwed the full length, just depends on the book.

[@zachbrobst9473]

These videos are a big help! I'll be evaluating some books tomorrow to send out. Prolly watch this video again before I do lol

[@andyleighho]

Have you ever CPR comics that were lower than 9? What are some examples of pressable defects?

[@BrysComics]

Yeah I have…I actually have a whole video dedicated to what are pressable defects

[@artyman72]

A real eye opener for me Bryan…..amazing the minute differences that can mean hundreds of dollars on major keys. I have a ASM 300 in 9.6 that absolutely looks spotless but I am afraid to crack and resend.

[@BrysComics]

That ones tough with the black cover and spine ticks, I wish u were local I’d take a look, def worth it for that book if a candidate

[@actuallyreal5387]

how badly would a little bit of chipping at the bottom of the cover effect the grade?

[@actuallyreal5387]

and what do you think it would get

[@comicjourney]

I really appreciate you making this video. You helped bring some clarity to the slight variations that can cause the changes in grade. I wish CGC or CBCS would make things as transparent as you just did. I also can't stand that CGC won't provide graders notes on anything between 9.0 - 9.6.

[@jordansuchy3107]

Ohhhh yeahhhh

[@buffybot635]

Are there differences between the same grading when it comes to CGC vs. CBCS ?

[@Jagdosh]

Great breakdown!

[@Robmeister62]

I wish I would have had this video 10 years ago when I sent in my first submission. I would have saved some money and received a higher grade than I did back then...

[@justinandnova]

Great info Thanks!

[@Cardinal__iX]

Sup Bry, just wondering, do you get your comics pressed and cleaned? I have an Ultimate Fallout 4 that is spotless to the naked eye. Would you get this pressed?

[@BrysComics]

I press and clean about 95% of my books…but if it doesn’t need it it doesn’t need it

[@genekehoe6345]

Good clear examples. Thanks. I have two NM Nick Fury #1s that I have not yet slabbed but they are both near perfect EXCEPT both have little chips in that exact same back cover area as yours! So that must be a real common fault with this book.

[@BrysComics]

Wow! So interesting!

[@Kells_Comics]

Great video!

[@rocketfighter8]

Thanks for the great video. Can you do the same for a 9.9 and 10 if you get a hold of any?

[@BrysComics]

Yet to get a 9.9! Did get a 10 tho…

[@rocketfighter8]

@@BrysComics You should do a video on that 10 to show any flaws (if any).

[@orlandocarrillo5552]

I received two 9.4s and one 9.2 of the UFO 4. I checked and pressed meticulously. The 9.6s were better than any book I submitted that got 9.8s. Definitely re submitting.Thank you for the extensive walk through.

[@dwsippel]

Very insightful video, nicely done! While the visual differences between a 9.6 and 9.8 appear negligible, the difference in value between 9.8 and 9.6, I've heard is not so negligible.

[@Juanca121]

So, from a buyer's perspective, just buy the book, don't buy the grade, if you don't mind your book having two spine ticks, well...just buy the 9.6 and you'll even safe hundreds or thousands of dollars😂

[@truescotsman83]

I have 8.5 ultimate fallout 4 and other comics at a 9.8 and looking at them encapsulated there’s no visible difference. Would love to see the grading notes

[@BrysComics]

You should look up the notes, might be a good resubmit candidate

[@truescotsman83]

@@BrysComics I think it probably needed a press and I actually found a very small mark on the back cover so it would be likely be a 9.4 or 9.6. Albeit there could be defects on internal pages. No grading notes when I search the comic on cgc but it is legit.

[@angelvalle9963]

Looking at books in cases is deceiving you could have loss of gloss on the cover and not see it with the naked eye or say a small dent or color bleed etc inside and it will knock the grade. it's all subjective in the end beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@stevecapaldi1999]

I just rewatched this video because I want to keep learning. Going through my comics, I occasionally notice ink from printing (dot of red in white circle of Amazing Spider-Man 300 as an example) so how bad a defect is this considered?

[@BrysComics]

Dot of ink from manufacturing would likely not effect the grade…

[@nowherebound2908]

Thanks for the in-depth on the teeny differences in these top grades! I still think my Wolverine 1 should be a 9.8, not a 9.4, though! 😉

[@BrysComics]

I had a hard time with that book too!

[@thenightcollector4208]

I’ve been wanting/procrastinating sending books in and haven’t been able to pull the trigger but with every passing video I definitely gain that much more confidence so much appreciated my friend 🤙 keep killing it 💪🏼

[@ratedrawr1411]

Do it, do it, do it... lol 😂 In the end when you get the books back, b4 you open it to findout the grades - THATS IS THE BEST EXCITING FEELING 4 SURE... 🤘😉

[@darrensucksatgames]

Some of mine are 9.4-9.6 contenders but they’re so on the fence. I feel this. I have a decent Ghost Rider 2-1, a near flawless Jessica Jones 1 variant, and a 12/3000 Spider Gwen with a slight manufacturing bend on the spine part of the glow in the dark eyes. They’re all so close.

[@ratedrawr1411]

Whats up Bry, So I want to know what it takes to get the 9.9 is there a factor that they look for as far as a lucky book that comes off the press perfectly & somehow is shipped by diamond that somehow got to the seller immaculate lol 😂 what is the deciding factor, or is only one guy at CGC allowed to give out a 9.9 once every 6 months lol 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@BrysComics]

I’m starting to think that there is some kind of quota thing…I have no idea how they do it in reality but in theory a 9.9 can still have one manufacturing defect

[@srhucklebuck]

Nice to see different grades on the same book gives a better perspective

[@scooobydoo27]

For me, IMHO, the difference between a 9.4 and a 9.2 should be breaking color stress line or two on the spine of the front of the book (more would be a 9.0)d. A 9.4 would have nice, but not perfect corners, maybe a color speck here of there, but if you look at them in a holder, they look great until you inspect them closer. A color breaking stress line on the spine, however, immediately jumps out and doesn't present the same way.

[@offcenterideas]

Thanks for this! I've only gotten a couple of books back from CGC so far (out of 100+ sent), and I keep wavering between thinking I grade too generously & too strictly. This video has me leaning back toward the "too strictly" side, which makes me feel much better about what I'll get back (hopefully) soon.

[@BrysComics]

I actually do the same thing lol

[@anjons7203]

This was a perfect demonstration of what is and what is not allowed inbetween grades and honestly i couldn’t tell whithout you showing us this. Great commitment and as always great content!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@FMFnumber1]

Great video for beginners to see the little differences between grades.

[@Jungle-Boogie]

As a investor, I understand the need for such scrutiny in the comics. As a comic lover, the grading gets on my nerves. When I was a kid reading my favorite comics, I couldn't care less about spine ticks or color rubs. They were all 10.0s in my opinion. Just having the book meant everything to me. Thanks for the information, Bry. The investor side of me appreciates it Lol!

[@BrysComics]

Really cool insight! Thanks for the comment..

[@bryanbartrop5091]

All graders need to add notes to their gradings. Will prevent confusion and help keep everyone on the same playing field.

[@fredp5781]

Thank you for some great info! So answer me this if you will. Why didn’t the first Ultimate Fallout 9.8 with no apparent small imperfections make a 9.9 or 10? It seems unless the graders woke up in a generous mood one morning, 9.8 can range from perfect to near perfect.

[@BrysComics]

Probably still the tiniest of bindery tears, slight waviness etc…there are no 9.9’s of ultimate fallout 4 🤯

[@LiquidWeapon]

Thanks for this! Looking forward to part 2: 9.9s and 10s! That being said, hard to see why that first UF yo7 showed didn't get higher than a 9.8. I had purchased a Saga #1 4th print awhile ago in a 9.4. When I received it, I couldn't find a single thing wrong with it as it looks flawless. Must be something on the inside, like a staple defect? So it's not always the front and back that are factored in grading (e.g. defective staples, missing or bent interior pages, etc.).

[@chriskarapas4208]

Has anyone heard of the term dog ears when referred to a comic ?

[@LiquidWeapon]

@@chriskarapas4208 like foxing? I've heard the term applied to books, but not comics

[@BrysComics]

True, and sometimes there can be fingerprints or scuffing that is hard to see through the case…

[@ilikedonuts5763]

That was a very helpful video!! Thanks Bry!! I guess the best way to grade a nearly perfect book is to start at a 9.8 and work your way down depending on 1 or 2 defects. When do you think would be a good time to buy an Avengers #48??

[@BrysComics]

I think Now would be a good time, it might continue to cool until we see him suit up which could be announced anytime now

[@low_keed6033]

Thank you for this vid🤙this helps in knowing what to look for when on the hunt. I found myself being more aware of how my pulls look from my LCS and just making sure to store my comics better. An over filled short box, compressing everything inside is a no go.

[@dylam8236]

What is the market general view on CBCS graded books? Is CGC the market preference?

[@kidamere2408]

yes

[@BrysComics]

Yeah without a doubt the market favors CGC

[@JJetboy]

I agree from the comments that cgc should give us grader's notes for non 9.8s. I think we would learn and submit more if we understood what the differences are. I have so many 9.6s I want to scratch my eyes out.

[@shannonmiller8334]

Which grades do they provide notes for?

[@BrysComics]

They can provide notes for any grade, even 9.8’s…there’s no rhyme or reason for why or when they do it

[@anthonydivens837]

Great video. The grading process will never be perfect. I hope an extremely nice noob opens my box and slides all 9.8s my way! Thanks Bry! Cant wait for the next vid!

[@BrysComics]

Lmao me too!

[@953dave]

What is your opinion on the root cause of a tiny spine crunch on the top are bottom of a comic book. Thanks

[@ginonacionales6347]

I'm thinking.. possibly, sending a bag of cookies with the submission. An irritated, sometimes from hunger, comic grader would always give a lower grade. You never know..🙂

[@OhHeyJayJay]

Good stuff man. All about “GO”, I’ve seen some 9.2’s being graded as 9.8’s and 9.8’s as 9.2’s. This was nice Bry, thanks for showing all the comparisons. What kinds of repairs do you do to your books?

[@BrysComics]

Just basic pressing…extensive stuff I consult others

[@birdfan2001]

Previously I had suggested that there should be industry-wide grading standards but I don’t think it will ever happen. The grading services like to have the wiggle room that subjective standards allow.

[@pabs3411]

Great examples for all of us to pay attention to the little things and figure out if the books are even worth sending away to be graded. Thank you!!

[@scottstrobell4677]

Those were some nice books you were using as examples!

[@justinreddick2615]

Appreciate the different views on the books to highlight the small differences they can have. Great video man!!!!

[@comicspa]

Love the details on these grades. It’s hard to nail down for every book and be consistent but this is the best that’s out there!