Or Losing Signature Authentication

Third party grading changed the comic book industry. It allowed people to purchase a comic book, secure in what they were buying. Let's forget for a moment that grading is a subjective art and pretend that every book cracked for a signature would retain its previous grade.

Third party grading was supposed to be about the buyer getting what he was paying for. There was no more paying near mint prices for very fine product. Of course prices have escalated, the higher the grade. Once the book was in the buyers hands, the slab could be cracked and the comic could be used for what it was intended, to be read.

But what if the book was signed? Imagine paying a premium for a book you always wanted to read, slipped it out of its confinement and immersed yourself into the imaginary world of four color comic books. What happens next?

After reading the book, it could be placed into a simple bag and then boarded for protection. But if that isn't enough, the book could be sent back to CGC for grading again, but even if the grade was guaranteed (remember we are still pretending) the signature is not. There is no way, even with the label, for the comic to retain its authenticity of its signature unless opened in front of a witness. The investment of the book dropped from signed by "whoever" and given a different kind of label.

Does CGC need another label? Is the green outmoded when so many yellow signature labels are out there? Dare I count how many I have? And what would happen to the value of my collection if I wanted to read them all?

Thanks for Reading

Tnerb

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